Feeling Stuck Choosing a CPR Instructor Path? Start Here.
If you’re a healthcare professional looking to step into a teaching role, choosing the right instructor certification can be overwhelming.
Should you pursue ACLS, PALS, or BLS instructor training? What’s the difference, and which is best for your background or career goals?
You’re not alone. Many nurses, EMTs, and trainers face this decision as they look to expand their professional value, earn extra income, or lead corporate and clinical training sessions.
In this article, you’ll learn how each path works, who it’s best for, and how to get certified without wasting time or money.
What Most People Get Wrong About Instructor Certifications
Here’s the truth: Many providers rush into the wrong course—signing up for ACLS instructor training without the prerequisites, or misunderstanding what PALS really covers.
Others don’t realize that the BLS Instructor class is the gateway to almost every other AHA teaching credential.
At Health Street CPRologist, we train instructors with a clear, step-by-step roadmap and help you match your training to your profession and goals.
Let’s break it down.
ACLS vs. PALS vs. BLS: Key Differences and How to Choose
BLS Instructor Certification
Best For: General healthcare professionals, fitness trainers, school nurses, caregivers
- Teaches adult CPR, AED, and choking response
- Entry-level and required before becoming an ACLS or PALS instructor
- You’ll need a current BLS certification, AHA, and can complete an AHA BLS course near me or online, or hybrid
🧠 Use this path if: You want to teach general CPR or lead workplace safety sessions
ACLS Instructor Certification
Best For: Paramedics, emergency nurses, critical care professionals
- Teaches advanced airway management, ECGs, and pharmacology
- Must complete acls instructor course and be aligned with an AHA training center
- Good to pair with ACLS recertification near me if you’re already certified and looking to upgrade
🧠 Use this path if: You teach or support in-hospital emergency response teams or ACLS courses
PALS Instructor Certification
Best For: Pediatric nurses, ER staff, child-focused advanced medical professionals
- Teaches child/infant emergency care, pediatric algorithms, and team dynamics
- Requires current PALS card and teaching experience
- Often taken after BLS/ACLS
🧠 Use this path if: Your work focuses on pediatric patients or emergency childcare response
Step-by-Step: How to Get Certified as an AHA Instructor
Step 1: Complete the Right Provider Course First
You must have a current provider certification before becoming an instructor. For example:
- BLS providers take AHA BLS classes
- ACLS candidates complete ACLS recertification
- PALS candidates need valid AHA PALS provider cards
Step 2: Take the Instructor Course
Depending on your focus, enroll in:
Make sure your course is from an AHA-authorized center like Health Street.
Step 3: Complete Instructor Monitoring
After the class, you’ll be observed teaching your first session. Once approved, you can independently lead AHA-certified courses.
Final Words: One Certification, Many Opportunities
Choosing between BLS, ACLS, or PALS doesn’t have to be complicated. The right instructor training opens doors—to leadership, income, and impact.
Whether you’re training corporate staff or coaching future nurses, Health Street helps you become the educator people trust.
Ready to Train the Next Generation? Start Here.
At Health Street CPRologist, we offer:
- Full AHA-certified instructor tracks
- Online options like American Heart BLS renewal online
- Real mentorship and monitoring to help you succeed
Start your journey with the right instructor course today.
👉 Register at www.cprologist.com
ACLS vs. PALS vs. BLS: FAQs
Do I need a provider card before becoming an instructor?
Yes. To teach, you must already be certified in the course you plan to instruct. For example, ACLS instructors need a valid ACLS provider card for ACLS recertification.
Can I take the BLS Instructor course online?
Part of the BLS instructor course is online. The rest must be done at our Training Center.
Which course has the most demand?
The BLS instructor class is the most versatile, but ACLS is in high demand among hospitals and emergency providers.
Can I teach all three once certified?
Yes, but each requires its own certification. Many of our students start with BLS and then add ACLS instructor training and PALS instructor training later.
