Bls Certification on Resume

What Is BLS Certification

The Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is a credential issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross, and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). IT validates essential skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for victims of all ages, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction. In the healthcare industry, BLS certification is significant as IT ensures professionals are prepared to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. No specific prerequisites or experience are required before obtaining this certificate; however, candidates must be at least 16 years old. The certification's validity period is typically two years, after which renewal is necessary. The estimated time to prepare varies but can range from a few hours for experienced professionals to several days for newcomers, depending on proficiency levels and available resources.

Should I Include BLS Certification on Resume?

Including a BLS certification on your resume depends on the industry and career stage you are in. For healthcare professionals such as nurses, physicians, paramedics, or EMTs, IT is essential to include this certification as IT highlights your ability to perform lifesaving procedures. For those pursuing roles in daycare centers, schools, or other environments where childcare is provided, having a BLS certificate may increase your chances of employment. If you have recently obtained the certification, IT can demonstrate your readiness and commitment to workplace safety. However, if your career is unrelated to healthcare or emergency response, including this certification might not be necessary. IT's important to tailor your resume to each job application based on its requirements and industry relevance.

Hiring Managers And BLS Certification on Resume

• Influences their decision-making process: A BLS certification demonstrates that you possess the necessary skills to handle emergencies professionally, which is highly valued by hiring managers.
• Specific skills or qualities: They associate this credential with your ability to administer CPR, use an AED, and perform other lifesaving procedures effectively.
• Industry-specific perspectives: In healthcare-related fields, having a BLS certification is expected; in other industries, IT may set you apart as a candidate who prioritizes safety.
• Setting candidates apart from competitors: A BLS certification can make your application stand out among others, particularly if the position involves potential emergencies.
• Potential negative perceptions to be aware of: If your chosen career path is not related to healthcare or emergency response, a BLS certificate might raise questions about whether you are overqualified for the position or if IT's relevant to the job requirements.

How to List BLS Certification on Resume

• Exact formatting: List your BLS certification under a dedicated "Certifications" section, using bullet points:

  Certifications ├── Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, Valid through [Expiration date]

• Include certification number/ID: IT is not necessary to include your BLS certification number or ID on your resume.

• How to note expiration/renewal dates: Include the expiration date if your certificate has recently expired or will soon expire; otherwise, only list the validity period (e.g., "Valid through [Expiration date]").

• Include the certifying organization: IT is helpful to include the organization that issued the certification (e.g., American Heart Association).

• In-progress certifications: If you are currently pursuing your BLS certification, list IT under a section titled "In Progress" or "Current Certifications."

• Examples of properly formatted listings:

  Certifications ├── Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, Valid through December 2023

  or

  In Progress ├── Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, American Red Cross

Where to List BLS Certification on Resume

The optimal placement for a BLS certification depends on its relevance to the position you are applying for.

• Dedicated certifications section: If your career is healthcare-related or involves emergency response, list your BLS certification in a dedicated "Certifications" section.
• Education section: In some cases, IT may be appropriate to include your BLS certification under the education section if you received IT through an educational institution as part of a course or program.
• Summary: If the BLS certification is directly related to the job requirements, briefly mention IT in the summary or objective statement at the beginning of your resume.
• Multiple placements: If you have multiple certifications, list them in order of relevance and importance to the position you are applying for. The BLS certificate should appear prominently if IT is directly related to the job requirements.
• Order/hierarchy: Place your BLS certification higher on the resume when IT is more relevant to the position than other certifications or qualifications.

Examples of How to List BLS Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume (IT Manager)

Certifications:
BLS Certification, American Heart Association (AHA), Valid from MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY

This format is suitable for a technical resume as IT provides a clear and concise list of certifications. The focus on this resume is mainly technical skills, so grouping all certifications together helps maintain the streamlined structure while still highlighting relevant qualifications.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate (Nurse)

Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University Name, Graduation Year; BLS Certification, American Heart Association (AHA), Valid from MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY

In this format, the recent graduate's education and certifications are combined into one section. Placing the BLS Certification after the degree provides a clear timeline of academic achievements and relevant credentials acquired post-graduation.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section (Firefighter)

Certifications:
BLS Certification, American Heart Association (AHA), Valid from MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), National Registry of EMTs, Valid from MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY

This format is ideal for a dedicated certifications section on a resume. Grouping all professional certifications together in one section allows the hiring manager to quickly assess the candidate's qualifications and the relevance to the job requirements.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format (Ambulance Dispatcher)

Relevant Skills & Certifications:

BLS Certification, American Heart Association (AHA), Valid from MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY Strong communication and decision-making skills Proficient in dispatching emergency services using computerized mapping systems Excellent ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure

In a skills-first resume format, the focus is on showcasing relevant abilities rather than a traditional chronological structure. Grouping certifications with other pertinent skills demonstrates how the applicant meets the job requirements while keeping the resume concise and easy to scan.