Minnesota Board of Pharmacy Approves In-Pulse CPR for Continuing Education Credits
In 2012, In-Pulse CPR received approval from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy for its American Heart Association BLS CPR course to qualify for continuing education credit for Minnesota pharmacists.
The approval recognized something pharmacists already understand well: CPR and emergency response skills can become important very quickly in a healthcare setting.
Pharmacists interact with the public every day, and their role has continued to expand beyond simply dispensing medications. Many pharmacists provide vaccinations and other direct patient services, putting them in situations where recognizing and responding to a medical emergency can be especially valuable.
Original Minnesota Board of Pharmacy Approval
On November 6, 2012, In-Pulse CPR announced that the Continuing Education Advisory Task Force of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy had reviewed its submitted BLS course and recommended approval for four continuing education credit hours.
The program information was:
Program #: 3-112-495-01000
Title: AHA BLS CPR for the Healthcare Professional
Dates: Varies
Credit Hours: 4
Type: Seminar
The approval was communicated by Cody Wiberg, then Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
At the time, this allowed Minnesota pharmacists to attend qualifying In-Pulse CPR BLS courses while also receiving continuing education credit associated with the approved program.
CPR Skills Can Be Particularly Useful for Pharmacists
A cardiac emergency doesn’t necessarily happen in a hospital.
Someone can collapse in a pharmacy waiting area, grocery store, clinic, workplace or parking lot. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff may be among the first healthcare professionals available when that happens.
BLS training teaches skills including:
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Recognizing cardiac arrest
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High-quality adult, child and infant CPR
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Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)
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Responding to choking emergencies
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Working effectively with other rescuers
For pharmacists who already need CPR certification for their workplace, BLS training can serve a practical purpose beyond simply meeting an employment requirement.
It provides hands-on practice for an emergency that could happen during an ordinary workday.
Continuing Education Requirements Have Changed Since 2012
Because this announcement originally appeared in 2012, pharmacists reading it today should be aware that continuing education requirements and approval procedures can change.
As of 2026, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacists to complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Pharmacists can review their individual CE requirement and reporting deadline through their Minnesota Board of Pharmacy online account.
The Board also maintains procedures for requesting approval of qualifying continuing education that is not already ACPE-approved.
Because CE rules, course approvals and individual requirements can change, pharmacists should verify current eligibility with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy before relying on a particular CPR course for continuing education credit.
BLS CPR Training in Minnesota
In-Pulse CPR continues to provide American Heart Association BLS CPR training throughout Minnesota, with public classes available in the Twin Cities and other Minnesota communities.
Classes are designed for healthcare professionals as well as others who need BLS certification for their employment.
Students practice CPR and AED skills in person rather than simply reading about them or watching a presentation. That hands-on component is especially important with CPR because compression depth, rate, AED use and coordinated response are physical skills.
View our Minnesota CPR class calendar
If you are a Minnesota pharmacist seeking continuing education credit, check the current Minnesota Board of Pharmacy requirements to determine whether your CPR course qualifies toward your individual CE obligation.
Originally published November 6, 2012. This article was revisited and expanded in 2026 to provide current context regarding Minnesota pharmacist continuing education requirements while preserving the original Board of Pharmacy approval announcement.
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COMMENT (3)
Kay Hyde / November 19, 2012
These kind of CE is very important because like for nurses, knowing BLS and CPR is very vital for their work so, they really have to submit themselves for these training and updates. This is of their advantage because they can use this with their work.
Beatriz T. Barnes / February 3, 2013
It’s good to know Minnesota Board of Pharmacy approves In-Pulse CPR for Continuing Education Course Credits as these are extremely essential for everyone especially in the hospital industry as these courses will greatly improved their skills and knowledge relevant to their work. This will not only be favorable to them but for the people that they are rendering their services for.
Abbey / June 10, 2013
It is indeed a welcome development on the part of Minnesota Board of Pharmacy for approving In-Pulse for CE. The huge benefit of this is that the hospital will be filled with professional health care givers.