Frequently Asked Questions

What are your policies on payment, refund, and transfer for your classes?

Accepted Payment Methods

In-Pulse CPR gladly accepts the following forms of payment:

  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Discover Card
  • PayPal or PayPal Credit

Payment Policy
Payment in advance is required for all public class dates. Our automated registration system only accepts credit card, debit card, or PayPal transactions. If you need an alternative payment option, please contact us. Private groups must submit full payment on or before the class date unless prior arrangements have been made.

Refund Policy

  • Full Refund: Available with at least 7 days’ advance notice.
  • Partial Refund: Cancellations made 4-6 days before the class will incur a $15 processing fee per student.
  • No Refund: Cancellations with less than 4 days’ notice, no-shows, or late arrivals resulting in being turned away will not be eligible for a refund.
  • Refund Requests: Must be submitted via email.
  • Refund Timeline: Based on the original registration date, not any transferred class dates.
  • Weather-Related Cancellations: Do not qualify for a refund, but students may reschedule to another class date at no additional cost.

Class transfers

To request a transfer to another class date please fill out this transfer form.  There is a $15 processing fee to move from one class date to another.  Once the transfer is complete you will receive a new confirmation email with the updated class details.

How do I reschedule or cancel my class?

If you need to change your class registration, please follow the procedures below, which align with our policies on payment, refund, and transfer.

  • To Cancel Your Class:

    • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to initiate the refund process.

    • Refunds are based on the notice period:

  • Full Refund: Requires at least 7 days advance notice.
  • Partial Refund: Cancellations made 4-6 days before the class will incur a $15 processing fee per student.
  • No Refund: Less than 4 days’ notice, no-shows, or late arrivals are not eligible for a refund.
  • Refund Timeline: Based on the original registration date, not any transferred class dates.

  • To Reschedule/Transfer Your Class:

    • Please fill out our transfer request form to move to another class date.

    • There is a $15 processing fee to transfer your registration from one class date to another.

    • Once the transfer is complete, you will receive a new confirmation email with the updated class details.

  • Weather-Related Cancellations:

    • If In-Pulse CPR cancels a class due to bad weather, you are not eligible for a refund, but you will be rescheduled or transferred to another date at no additional tuition cost.

I am unsure what CPR certification through the American Heart I need to take.

Here are the most common AHA certifications that are available and the career groups that take them. They are:

  • BLS Provider:  Basic Life Support requirement: Nurses, dentists, hygienists, nursing students, dental students, pharmacists, emergency medical technicians, physicians, professional rescuer, respiratory therapists or anyone in the health-care industry required to have CPR training.
  • Layperson: All non-medical individuals can also take the BLS Provider course, including daycare providers, warehouse staff, physical therapists, lifeguards, teachers, pilots, linemen, office staff, church staff, daycare providers, safety committee staff, yoga or fitness instructors, parents or grandparents, scout leaders, teens, etc.
  • Healthcare Provider: Has been renamed BLS Provider.
  • Heartsaver CPR/AED:  Is no longer offered as a stand alone training.  Please register for a BLS Provider course instead.
  • CPR/AED with First Aid: Anyone in the lists above who as is also required or feel it is important to have basic First-Aid training. Most daycare providers are required to take this qualifying first aid course at least once.
  • Friends and Family:  This is not technically a certification class and is only offered in a private class setting for church or qualified civil society organizations (CSOs).
  • Heart-Code eLearning:  Visit here for more information.

Please note that all of our certifications above include adult, child and infant CPR certification and AED training.  See also in FAQ section: Why is a renewal option no longer available for a BLS / CPR class?

What is the difference between Heartsaver CPR and BLS (Basic Life Support)?

Heartsaver CPR is for the general public; BLS (Basic Life Support) is for healthcare professionals. While the audiences remain different, the new American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines have narrowed the content gap between the two courses.

In-Pulse CPR offers a higher standard:
All of our community classes are now taught at the BLS level to give every student premium, hands-on CPR training. Heartsaver and BLS students attend the same session, where we ensure:

  • Heartsaver students receive clear, practical CPR/AED instruction without being overwhelmed

  • BLS students receive the advanced, team-based and clinical components required for their professions

The result:
Every student—teacher, parent, coach, nurse, EMT, or medical student—receives high-quality, AHA-compliant CPR training that meets their specific certification requirements. We can help you determine whether you need a Heartsaver or BLS card based on your employer or program.

I have already registered for a class. Is there anything I need to bring with me when I attend?

Please bring with you proof of payment by printing out the confirmation email showing amount paid. Other than that, you do not need anything else other than a willing attitude to learn something new!  Textbooks will be available at the classroom on the day of your training.

Here is a more detailed description to help you prepare for attending a CPR class

I need to claim or view my eCard

Under most circumstances, your American Heart Association (AHA) eCard is available to claim one business day after your class.

To claim or view your eCard, visit:
https://www.heart.org/cpr/mycards

Enter the requested information, and once your eCard appears, you can save it digitally or print a copy for your records.

If you attended a weekend or holiday class, please allow an additional business day for processing. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see the email notification.

When will I receive my CPR certification eCard?

The American Heart Association now issues eCards instead of paper cards (effective since January 1, 2018).
You will typically receive an email the next business day after your class with instructions on how to claim your eCard.

Once you’ve claimed it, you can save it digitally or print a copy for your records.

If your class was held on a weekend or holiday, your eCard may take an extra business day to arrive. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.

I lost or damaged my card and would like a replacement. What do I do?

You can easily access a replacement at no cost.
Simply visit the American Heart Association’s eCard webpage to view, download, or reprint your certification anytime:

https://www.heart.org/cpr/mycards

What is the likelihood that an open enrollment class will be canceled? How do you notify us if class is canceled because of bad weather?

Our classes tend to fill up quickly with most registrations occurring within the week prior to the class date. Please feel confident in registering for any of our classes as only on rare occasions will we ever cancel a class due to low enrollment or for other reasons beyond our control.

If a class is canceled because of bad weather or for some other reason, In-Pulse CPR will contact everyone on the roster by email and then attempt a phone call at least one hour prior to the start of the class. We don’t provide refunds if a class is canceled because of bad weather but we will make every effort to reschedule or transfer you to another date without any additional tuition cost.

What type of CPR/AED equipment do you train with?

We use industry-leading, high-fidelity CPR manikins from Laerdal, Simulaids, Brayden, and Prestan—widely recognized for their realism, durability, and accurate feedback systems. These manikins provide real-time indicators for compression depth, recoil, and ventilation accuracy, helping you learn proper technique quickly and confidently.

We also train with the most popular AED trainers, giving you hands-on experience that closely mirrors real emergencies.

Why it matters:
The quality of the equipment you train on has a direct impact on how well you learn CPR. High-fidelity manikins and realistic AED trainers improve skill performance, muscle memory, and overall confidence during real cardiac emergencies.

More on the equipment we use

How do I know if I need to perform Hands-Only CPR or CPR with Breaths?

Hands-Only CPR is recommended for adult sudden cardiac arrest, especially when the collapse is witnessed and likely heart-related. This method is ideal for untrained or minimally trained bystanders.

CPR with breaths (compressions + rescue breaths) should be used for:

  • Infants and children

  • Drowning victims

  • Drug overdose

  • Choking or respiratory emergencies

  • Any situation where breathing problems caused the collapse

Hands-Only CPR keeps blood circulating, but breaths are essential when oxygen loss is the main issue. In our classes, we train you in both techniques so you know exactly when to perform Hands-Only CPR or full CPR with breaths based on the victim’s age and the type of emergency.

When in doubt, start compressions immediately and use an AED as soon as possible.

What is the minimum age to learn CPR?

There is no official minimum age for AHA CPR training. A student simply needs to be physically able to perform chest compressions and understand the instructor’s directions.

Most children 10–12 years old can successfully complete a CPR course and earn certification, although younger children may attend for awareness even if they can’t perform full compressions.

In-Pulse CPR allows youth and adults to attend our community classes as long as they can participate in the skills practice.

Please note: Very young children can sometimes be a distraction to others in the class. If you are considering bringing a child under age 10, we ask that you contact our business office first so we can help determine if the class environment will be appropriate.

Are your CPR courses OSHA compliant?

Yes. In-Pulse CPR courses are OSHA compliant.

We teach the official American Heart Association (AHA) curriculum, which meets or exceeds OSHA requirements for workplace CPR and AED training. Our certification is widely accepted by employers across regulated industries, including:

  • Healthcare and medical facilities

  • Manufacturing and construction

  • Schools and childcare centers

Since all of our community classes are taught at the BLS level—a higher standard than most general public courses—they are guaranteed to satisfy employer safety and training standards.

I am a medical student (nurse, EMT, dental, etc). Will my school accept the CPR certification your classes provide?

We have a large amount of medical students who take our first aid classes and CPR certification courses over the college offered equivalent. Please be assured that all healthcare educational programs in the area will accept our program to fulfill your basic CPR requirements. When signing up please select the BLS Provider course.

Is Online-Only CPR Certification Really Effective for Saving a Life?

No. Online-only CPR certification is not considered effective or valid for real emergencies because it does not include the hands-on skills practice required by the American Heart Association (AHA). AHA-compliant CPR training must include an in-person skills check with an instructor to verify proper compressions, breaths, and AED use.

Why hands-on training matters:
Hands-on CPR builds muscle memory, allows real-time instructor feedback, and gives you the confidence to act quickly in a real cardiac arrest.

Why choose In-Pulse CPR:
In-Pulse CPR provides AHA-certified, instructor-led classes, small group practice on quality manikins, and certifications accepted by hospitals, schools, and employers across Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Can I damage someone’s heart or break their ribs if I perform CPR incorrectly?

Yes, rib fractures can occur during CPR, even when performed correctly, but the priority is always saving a life. This happens because the significant force needed to circulate blood is applied to the sternum and rib cage. A cracked rib is not considered a serious complication compared to the alternative: without CPR, the person will not survive. 

No, you cannot physically damage the heart by performing CPR. The greater risk is not performing CPR at all. High-quality chest compressions dramatically increase the chance of survival during cardiac arrest.   

In our hands-on classes, we teach you how to apply the correct depth and technique to minimize the risk of injury while maximizing the delivery of effective, life-saving CPR.

Why is a renewal option no longer available for a BLS / CPR class?

With the latest American Heart guideline changes, the AHA made this statement: Since BLS skills – and competency and mastery of those skills – are the most important component of BLS training, course timing cannot be shortened for a renewal agenda. While the AHA did provide a renewal option for the 2011 course, it was only 30 minutes shorter than the full course.

I am an employer and want to validate the certification of one of my employees

Most cards issued after January 1st, 2018 can now be verified online.  Please visit the Check to see if the eCard is valid American Heart webpage.  Click on the ’employer’ tab and enter the eCard Code from your employee’s certification card.  If the wallet version of the card was printed, this code is not visible, you can scan the QR code to verify instead.

Please note:  Older certification cards without a barcode must be verified by contacting our office directly.

What about those OTHER companies and organizations that offer CPR certification?

You may see companies online claiming their CPR courses are “AHA equivalent,” “AHA approved,” or “based on AHA or ILCOR guidelines.”
These claims can be misleading.

Here are the facts:

  • No other organization is approved, reviewed, or endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA).

  • Many programs reference ILCOR to appear legitimate, but ILCOR does not certify training programs.

  • The AHA is the only U.S. member of ILCOR and is the sole author of the official AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC—the standard used across healthcare, education, and emergency response.

Most other U.S. training companies ultimately follow AHA science, but their certifications are not AHA-branded, and many employers, schools, and clinical programs do not accept them.

The AHA leads the field in CPR science, research, and educational design, continually improving training to increase survival rates and real-world outcomes.

When choosing a CPR provider, always select an official AHA certification to ensure your card is recognized by hospitals, medical programs, schools, and employers nationwide.

For more information about CPR and resuscitation science, visit the American Heart Association’s official website.

AHA vs. Red Cross: Which CPR Certification Do Employers Prefer?

If you’ve previously taken a Red Cross course, you should know that not all CPR certifications are accepted equally by employers and schools.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the recognized gold standard for CPR training in the United States. While both organizations teach the same core principles, AHA certification offers the highest degree of confidence and acceptance.

AHA Certification is Non-Negotiable For:

  • Clinical Programs: Nursing, medical, dental, and EMT schools often require AHA exclusively.

  • Hospitals & Healthcare Systems: The majority of U.S. healthcare providers accept AHA over all other certifications.

  • Widespread Acceptance: AHA provides the clearest path to meeting licensing and employer safety requirements across all states.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Risk Rejection

Choosing AHA is choosing the certification that eliminates the risk of rejection. If your certification is for employment, school, or compliance, the AHA card offers the strongest credibility.

At In-Pulse CPR, we certify exclusively through the AHA. Train with us to ensure your skills are trusted, effective, and fully recognized wherever your career takes you.

Are you hiring or aligning CPR instructors with your Training Center (TC)?

Please contact our office to inquire about employment or alignment opportunities.

Please note we have limited alignment opportunities in Pennsylvania and Minnesota.

I am unemployed. Is there any financial assistance available?

Please contact your local job placement or employment office. Often, they can cover some or all the cost for the course. Please have them contact us so we can arrange 3rd party billing.

What are your shipping and returns policies on items that I purchased?

Shipping:  Inpulsecpr.com preferred carrier is Priority Mail Service through the USPS for any items under 5 Lbs and United Parcel Service(UPS) for any larger items.  We ship AEDS and AED accessories to US locations only, and cannot fill orders with an international shipping address.  All shipping addresses require a physical address, please no PO Boxes.

Most AED orders are shipped same day if received by 2pm during business hours.  Please note, we often will verify an order prior to shipment, which could cause an added delay especially on residential ship-to addresses.  How do I confirm my residential ship-to address?  A business address that can easily be verified is usually your best ship-to option.

Return Policy: Inpulsecpr.com offers a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee on most items.  If we made a mistake with your order, please call us immediately at 813-343-4024 to make us aware.

30-Day Return Policy:  Inpulsecpr.com may issue a refund or credit on most items returned within 30 days of the delivery date.  Items you wish to return MUST be unused and in their original packaging.  If you would like to return a product, please call us at 813-343-4024 or email us at support@inpulsecpr.com to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) form and number.  Once you receive this RMA form & number, please include a copy with your return, to ensure your return is received properly.  Any items returned without an RMA # will incur a 15% restocking fee.

Non-Returnable Items

We can not accept returns on the following items:

-American Heart course materials including AHA certification cards purchased by our members

-Training vouchers

-Opened or Damaged Electrode Pads

-Opened or Used Batteries

-Opened Rescue Kits, CPR Masks and Barriers

If you wish to return an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or training unit, the price of opened or used electrode pads and/or batteries which are in non-resalable condition will be deducted from the total refund.

Shipping and Insurance Costs

All shipping and insurance costs incurred on return items are to be handled by the customer. In-Pulse CPR is not responsible for returns that are lost or damaged during shipping, so please ensure you use a reliable carrier when sending your return.