CPR/BLS/ACLS/PALS
AHA - CPR / BLS / ACLS / PALS
At Maricopa Career Institute, we offer a full lineup of American Heart Association (AHA) certification courses. Whether you’re starting your healthcare journey or renewing your credentials, our in-person classes in Phoenix, AZ, are fast, focused, and taught by professionals. Our classes are designed to help you meet employer requirements and respond confidently in life-threatening emergencies. Learn more about our AHA certification courses below!
Course Overviews
CPR / BLS (Basic Life Support)
This course combines the lifesaving power of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with the more advanced techniques of Basic Life Support (BLS). You'll learn how to keep blood circulating to the brain and heart when someone's heart stops beating—skills that can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival.
CPR is a critical technique that anyone, regardless of age or profession, can learn. In this class, you'll master CPR and choking relief methods for adults, children, and infants, along with basic first aid essentials.
BLS builds on these fundamentals, adding a professional-level approach that includes patient assessment, maintaining an open airway, using an AED, and delivering high-quality chest compressions in both solo and team scenarios. Designed for those in healthcare or public safety roles, BLS is a must-have for anyone on the frontlines of emergency response.
Who it’s for:
Medical and public safety professionals
Caregivers, teachers, and the general public
Anyone required to maintain CPR/BLS certification for work
Format:
Price: $60.00 per student
Duration: 3 hours
Time: 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM
Certification: Valid for 2 years
Satisfies both initial and renewal certification requirements
THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION REQUIRES THAT YOU HAVE THE CURRENT PROVIDER MANUAL (2020 guidelines) IN CLASS WITH YOU.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
ACLS builds on BLS fundamentals and equips healthcare providers with the tools to recognize and respond to serious cardiovascular emergencies. You’ll learn how to interpret heart rhythms, manage airways, and administer emergency medications. This course also covers stroke and cardiac arrest protocols and reinforces high-performance team dynamics.
Who it’s for:
Nurses, paramedics, physicians, and respiratory therapists
Healthcare professionals working in emergency, critical care, or intensive care units
Format:
Price: $150.00 per student
Duration: 1 day
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Certification: Valid for 2 years
BLS certification is required prior to enrollment
Precourse Requirements
The AHA requires completion of both the ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work before class, for both first-time and renewal students.
The pre-course modules take approximately 3–4 hours
You may take the assessments as many times as needed
Print your certificate and bring it with you on the day of the course
THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION REQUIRES THAT YOU HAVE THE CURRENT PROVIDER MANUAL (2020 guidelines) IN CLASS WITH YOU.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
PALS is geared towards healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children, and for personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care, and critical care units. It aims to improve outcomes for pediatric patients by preparing healthcare providers to effectively recognize and intervene in pediatric respiratory emergencies, cardiac emergencies, and more.
Who it’s for:
Pediatricians, ER staff, paramedics, nurses, and ICU professionals
Anyone involved in managing pediatric emergencies
Format:
Price: $150.00 per student
Duration: 1 day
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Certification: Valid for 2 years
Precourse Requirements
The AHA requires completion of the PALS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work before attending class—for both initial and renewal students.
Takes approximately 3–4 hours
Can be completed multiple times
Print your certificate and bring it to class
THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION REQUIRES THAT YOU HAVE THE CURRENT PROVIDER MANUAL (2020 guidelines) IN CLASS WITH YOU.
BLS Instructor Course
This course certifies experienced BLS providers to teach American Heart Association BLS classes. You’ll learn how to deliver content, evaluate student skills, and ensure adherence to AHA standards. This is a great next step for healthcare professionals looking to expand into training and education roles. The instructor candidate must have a current BLS provider card.
Who it’s for:
Current BLS-certified professionals who are ready to become instructors
Ideal for healthcare educators, EMS coordinators, and training leads
Format:
Price: $300.00 per student
Duration: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Schedule: TBD Fridays (Call to schedule)
Certification: Valid for 2 years
THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION REQUIRES THAT YOU HAVE THE CURRENT PROVIDER MANUAL (2020 guidelines) IN CLASS WITH YOU.
BLS Instructor Essentials Purchase the BLS Instructor Package
Fast, Focused, AHA-Approved Training in Phoenix
Whether you're starting your healthcare journey or renewing your credentials, Maricopa Career Institute gives you the training you need to respond with skill and confidence. Our AHA-approved courses—taught right here in Phoenix—equip you to meet employer requirements, grow professionally, and save lives. Spots are limited, and classes fill quickly. Sign up today and secure your seat—we can’t wait to see you in training.