What Type of CPR Class is Right for Me?

CPR training has never been more available and is offered in a variety of forms. You can take a community class, a private in-home class, a fully online, or a hybrid online and in-person skills check. Not everybody learns the same way, and because of this, every educational industry tends to have multiple ways to deliver information to customers. Deciding which way to learn and what class is best for you depends on how you learn and your current lifestyle. Let's take a look at a few CPR and baby safety class options and explore their pros and cons.

Community CPR Class

Community CPR classes are generally taught through a larger organization like the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Pros

• They are through trusted organizations so you can be sure you're getting the most up-to-date information

• You get a CPR and First Aid certification, which is mandatory for a lot of jobs (oil and gas industry, rafting, sport coaching, etc.)

• There may be people there that ask questions that you were not going to ask

Cons

• These classes are normally held at a community center or some sort of central hub at a specific time. If you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to find a time that fits for you

• These classes can be large, which could mean you are less likely to ask questions you feel are "stupid"

• They cover a lot of information. If you are only interested in baby safety, for instance, you may have to sit through Adult CPR, AED usage, and First Aid which is not applicable to your need.

Online Class CPR and Hybrid CPR Classes

These classes are often also through larger organizations, but not all are. They offer certifications for classes fully online, or with an in-person component.

Pros

• Time. This is going to be the big one. With an all-online course, you can take it in your pajamas with a glass of wine at 9 pm.

• If you are a business trying to certify a lot of employees, and scheduling them to all be in the same room is a nightmare, the hybrid class model might be best for you.

• These can be significantly cheaper

Cons

• There are MANY fully online CPR courses that are not through accredited agencies. You may gain a certification at the end of it, but if it isn't American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, odds are your job won't accept it.

• When learning something that is very hands-on fully online, it can be difficult to retain the information.

• If you are doing a hybrid class, you do the self-learning online on your own, and then set up a scheduled time to run through the CPR work on the mannequin. Breaking up the learning process like this can also detract from information retention.

Private CPR Class

Private CPR and safety classes are often a boutique-style, come-to-you service. You gather the group you want, and an instructor shows up at your home ready to teach.

Pros

• Time. If you are a new parent you are time-sensitive. It is much easier to plan a time that works as you are the only ones in the class.

• Comfortability. You can be in your own space with the new baby sleeping in the next room, or joining the class on your lap! You are around loved ones and not strangers so you feel comfortable asking all the questions

• Tailored information. The information is tailored to you! If you are only wanting to learn infant CPR, that is exactly what the instructor will teach.

• Small class environment. When doing the hands-on work with the mannequins, it is more likely the instructor will adjust and correct your form

Cons

• Price. Oftentimes, this type of service comes at a premium.

• Certification. Many private classes don't offer certifications as the customers are more about learning the information, and less about obtaining a certification.

So what is the right class for you? For our pick, we're obviously going with the private class! You'll learn more being in a familiar environment, around people you are comfortable with, and with an instructor that has tailored the information just for you. So if you're in the Salt Lake City area and you're looking to arm yourself with life-saving skills, click the link below and schedule your private Baby Safety Class today!

In-Home Baby CPR Class