How to Become a CPR Instructor in San Diego
- 1). Attend and pass a certified CPR course. San Diego has many programs available, administered both by Red Cross representatives and other health care professionals. You should be aware of the differences between Red Cross and AHA training. Though both offer certification in various CPR and life-saving techniques, the length of certification differs. AHA certifications last two years, whereas Red Cross certifications are good for only one year (the Red Cross's Professional Rescuer's CPR course is a two-year certificate). The Red Cross utilizes core training techniques developed by the AHA, but the time-lines for Red Cross classes tend to be longer than AHA courses. Star CPR and Life Skills Training, for instance, which are both San Diego companies, offer AHA classes and two-year certifications. Local Red Cross classes offer the one-year variety.
- 2). Pass a pre-course written exam. The test is similar to the exam you took to earn your initial Red Cross CPR certification. A minimum grade of 80 percent is required. There are two sections of 30 and 10 questions each, respectively. Online study materials are available to help you if you need a refresher.
- 3). Enroll in a CPR instructor trainer course. The San Diego Red Cross headquarters on Calle Fortunada offers classes, and many classes are offered at various locations throughout the area (see Resources). You must complete the Fundamentals of Instructor Training class ($35) before enrolling in one or more training courses. The "Adult CPR/AED, First Aid, Infant/Child CPR Instructor Course," for example, is one choice. It costs $180 and instructs you how to teach lay responders the basics of Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED. Other course options include CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Instructor (Upgrade), the Emergency Response Instructor course and the California Child Care Instructor Training course. You must be 16 years old to enroll in any CPR instructor courses. Most courses are one- or two-day classes.
- 4). Teach one CPR class while being monitored by a qualified instructor. You can only teach courses for which you received instructor training. Although you learned all about life-saving techniques in basic CPR training, being an instructor requires you to translate those skills to new students. You'll need to be able to teach CPR for infants, children and adults; first aid for children and adults; emergency response strategies; and emergency care safety procedures. You'll also need to perform an AED (automated external defibrillator) simulation and demonstrate fundamental teaching and organization skills.