Do Nursing Students Need BLS CPR?

Jason T
Jul 10
3 min read

Updated: Jul 13

Do Nursing Students need Healthcare provider BLS CPR?

Do Nursing Students Need Health Care Provider CPR? Understanding Basic Life Support (BLS)

If you're a nursing student in Alberta, chances are you've come across multiple versions of CPR certification—so which one do you need? For future nurses, Basic Life Support (BLS), also referred to as Health Care Provider Level CPR, is the gold standard. This advanced CPR certification, formerly known as CPR-HCP or BCLS, is a requirement for clinical placement, employment in healthcare settings, and professional licensing across Canada.

What Is Basic Life Support (BLS CPR)?

Basic Life Support Provider CPR is a comprehensive, hands-on course designed specifically for medical professionals. This course goes beyond public-level CPR by focusing on:

High-performance chest compressions
Rescue breathing with Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)
Management of airway obstructions in adults, children, and infants
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) integration
Real-time teamwork and communication strategies in code blue situations
Naloxone (Narcan) administration for opioid overdose response

The BLS course is video-guided and standardized through the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, ensuring that all nursing students, healthcare providers, and allied health workers receive identical, nationally recognized training.

Why Alberta Nursing Students Must Have BLS Certification

In Alberta, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Covenant Health, and Canada Health have officially mandated that all healthcare workers receive Basic Life Support Provider CPR training through an accredited provider such as the Heart & Stroke Foundation. This requirement ensures:

Continuity of care during medical emergencies
Higher resuscitation success rates through standardized response
Legal and workplace compliance for students and professionals

Whether you're working toward your RN, LPN, or HCA designation, BLS certification is non-negotiable for entry into the healthcare workforce in Alberta.

Classroom BLS Options

At Saving Grace Medical Academy in Edmonton, we offer:

In-Class BLS Provider CPR (4-hour standard program - NEW Healthcare Providers)
In-Class BLS Renewal CPR (2-hour standard program - Renewing Healthcare Providers)
BLS Challenge - Expired or changing societies to match with AHS / Covenant Health. If your certificate is expired "Take the Challenge" and reactivate it!

This flexibility allows nursing students to choose the schedule that works best, including weekday, weekend, and even Sunday availability for groups.

Certificate Expired? Here's What You Need to Know

If your BLS CPR certificate has expired, you may not be legally allowed to work in a clinical setting until it’s renewed. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with:

Daily BLS sessions (Monday through Saturday)
BLS Renewal and Challenge programs to recertify quickly
Options for onsite training for nursing cohorts or healthcare groups

We’ve expanded our course availability to make sure no student is left without valid certification when they need it most.

What’s New in the 2025 BLS Guidelines?

Recent updates to the BLS curriculum include:

Focus on chest compression fraction (CCF) and maximizing compressions
Emphasis on team dynamics and leadership during resuscitation
Clearer direction for opioid emergencies and early defibrillation
Reduce gaps in CPR Compressions - "Less than 5 seconds"

Ask your instructor during the course for a breakdown of these evidence-based improvements!

Why Choose Saving Grace Medical Academy?

We specialize in preparing nursing students and healthcare professionals for real-world emergencies. Our Basic Life Support Provider courses in Edmonton are:

Heart & Stroke Foundation certified
Taught by experienced medical professionals
Scheduled to fit your busy school or work life

Takeaway for Nursing Students

If you're entering the medical field, Basic Life Support CPR isn't optional—it’s foundational. Not only does it check a box for clinical placements and job requirements, but it gives you the confidence to act decisively in emergencies—whether in a hospital room or out in the community.

Get certified today. Save a life tomorrow. Book your next Basic Life Support Provider CPR course in Edmonton at Saving Grace Medical Academy and be ready for what comes next.

Basic Life Support Provider CPR & AED Courses in Edmonton.

💡 Ready to Get Certified? Its a social event!

Be prepared. Be confident. Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. Now enrolling: Basic Life Support (BLS) & Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses designed for healthcare professionals.

📍 Training for First-Year Nursing Students

Join Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. for fully certified, CSA-compliant Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses—designed for Alberta’s future healthcare professionals.