BLS Skills Only is for people who have already completed the applicable American Heart Association HeartCode BLS online course and still need to complete the required hands-on skills portion of their BLS training.
Instead of purchasing the online course again, eligible participants can schedule the corresponding hands-on appointment and complete their skills at a Citywide CPR CPR Verification Station.
The basic path is:
Complete HeartCode BLS online → Register for BLS Skills Only → Attend your hands-on Self-Guided Skills Session → Successfully complete the required skills
BLS Skills Only is not a shortcut around the hands-on portion. It is the option for people who have already finished the online learning and simply need to complete the corresponding practical component.
What Does “BLS Skills Only” Mean?
The term BLS Skills Only refers to the hands-on portion of an applicable blended BLS training pathway.
It does not include the HeartCode BLS online course.
That distinction is important.
If you still need both the online learning and the hands-on portion, Skills Only is generally not the right option. In that situation, an Online + Skills course is usually the more appropriate choice because it includes both components.
If you have already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online portion, however, Skills Only allows you to move directly to the required hands-on session.
Who Should Choose BLS Skills Only?
BLS Skills Only is intended for participants who have already completed the appropriate American Heart Association HeartCode BLS online coursework.
Common examples include:
- A healthcare professional who completed HeartCode BLS through an employer
- A nursing or healthcare student whose school provided the online course
- Someone who purchased HeartCode BLS separately and now needs the skills portion
- An employee whose organization assigned the online learning but requires them to find a hands-on skills provider
- A participant who already has the correct online completion documentation and needs to finish the certification process
The key question is simple:
Have you already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online course?
If yes, Skills Only may be the correct next step.
If no, you will likely need an option that includes the online course as well.
Who Should Not Choose BLS Skills Only?
You should not choose Skills Only simply because you previously held a BLS Provider card.
A previous or current BLS card by itself does not mean you have completed the online course needed for a Skills Only appointment.
You also should not choose Skills Only if you have only completed:
- A general CPR course
- A non-AHA online CPR course
- A different provider’s unrelated online training
- A previous BLS course from an earlier certification cycle without the applicable current online completion
- Only part of the required HeartCode BLS coursework
Skills Only is meant to correspond with the appropriate completed online BLS course.
If you are unsure what you completed, review your course documentation before registering.
What If I Already Completed HeartCode BLS?
If you already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online portion, you are usually ready for the corresponding hands-on step.
Keep your online course completion documentation available and register for the appropriate BLS Skills Only session.
Your remaining task is to complete the required hands-on BLS skills.
At Citywide CPR, that hands-on component is completed through a Self-Guided Skills Session at a CPR Verification Station.
This is the point where the online learning and the practical portion come together.
HeartCode BLS provides the online learning component. Skills Only provides the hands-on component you still need to complete.
Is BLS Skills Only the Same as HeartCode BLS?
No.
They are connected parts of the training process, but they are not the same thing.
HeartCode BLS refers to the online learning component.
BLS Skills Only refers to the corresponding hands-on skills portion for eligible participants who have already completed the appropriate online course.
A simple way to think about it is:
HeartCode BLS = online learning
BLS Skills Only = hands-on completion
For participants using this pathway, both pieces work together toward completion of the applicable BLS requirements.
Is BLS Skills Only Actually Hands-On?
Yes.
Skills Only is the hands-on part of the process.
You physically perform applicable BLS skills using training manikins and Verification Station equipment.
The appointment is not another online lesson and is not completed by simply showing your HeartCode certificate.
You still have to demonstrate the required skills successfully.
This is one of the most important things to understand before booking.
What Happens During a BLS Skills Only Appointment?
At Citywide CPR, your BLS Skills Only appointment takes place at a CPR Verification Station.
During the session, you work through the applicable hands-on BLS skills while the system provides instructions and performance feedback.
Rather than moving through a traditional instructor-led group class, you complete your own skills session individually.
The technology guides you through the applicable tasks and provides audio and visual feedback as you progress.
You are actively performing skills throughout the experience.
If this is your first time using one, our guide What Is a CPR Verification Station? explains the hands-on training setup in more detail.
What Is a Self-Guided Skills Session?
A Self-Guided Skills Session is the hands-on portion completed using technology-guided training rather than continuous instructor-led group instruction.
The Verification Station guides you through the applicable skills and provides feedback as you perform them.
That makes the experience individualized.
You still complete the required hands-on work, but you do not have to progress at the pace of an entire classroom.
For a broader explanation of this training format, visit Citywide CPR’s Self-Guided CPR Training resource.
Does the Verification Station Give Feedback During BLS Skills Only?
Yes.
The system provides audio and visual feedback during applicable parts of the hands-on session.
This helps you understand how you are performing while you are completing the skills rather than waiting until the end of the appointment for feedback.
If an applicable skill needs improvement, the system can guide you so you can adjust and continue.
That technology-based feedback is a central part of the Self-Guided Skills experience.
Do I Need to Bring Proof That I Completed HeartCode BLS?
You should keep your applicable HeartCode BLS completion documentation available when scheduling and attending a Skills Only appointment.
Skills Only is specifically intended for participants who have already completed the corresponding online learning.
Having your documentation available helps confirm that you are completing the correct next step.
Do not assume that a previous BLS Provider eCard is the same thing as proof of completing the applicable HeartCode BLS online course.
What Is the Difference Between BLS Online + Skills and BLS Skills Only?
The difference is whether you still need the online course.
BLS Online + Skills
Choose this option when you need:
- The applicable HeartCode BLS online learning
- The required hands-on skills session
BLS Skills Only
Choose this option when you have already completed:
- The applicable HeartCode BLS online learning
and still need:
- The corresponding hands-on skills session
The easiest way to decide is to ask:
Do I already have the applicable HeartCode BLS online completion?
If not, choose the option that includes online learning.
If yes, Skills Only may be the appropriate next step.
Can I Choose Skills Only Just Because I Am Renewing BLS?
Not automatically.
The fact that you are renewing BLS does not by itself make you eligible for Skills Only.
What matters is whether you have already completed the appropriate online learning required for the Skills Only pathway.
This is an important distinction because renewal status and Skills Only eligibility are not the same thing.
A healthcare professional renewing BLS who has not completed HeartCode BLS may still need Online + Skills.
Another healthcare professional who has already completed HeartCode BLS may only need Skills Only.
Choose the course based on what components you still need—not simply whether you have been certified before.
Can I Use BLS Skills Only for My Healthcare Job?
If your employer requires an American Heart Association BLS Provider credential and you have completed the appropriate online portion, Skills Only can be the hands-on step needed to finish that applicable pathway.
Your employer ultimately determines which credential it requires, so follow any specific instructions provided by your hospital, clinic, school, credentialing department, or other organization.
The important thing is to complete the correct online and hands-on components required for the credential you need.
How Long Does a BLS Skills Only Session Take?
A Citywide CPR Self-Guided BLS Skills Session typically takes about 35 minutes, although individual completion time can vary.
Because the online course has already been completed before a Skills Only appointment, the scheduled session focuses on the applicable hands-on portion.
That can make Skills Only especially convenient for participants who have already finished HeartCode BLS and simply need to complete their practical requirements.
When Do I Receive My AHA BLS Provider eCard?
After you successfully complete all required components of the applicable BLS pathway, Citywide CPR provides Same-Day AHA eCards after successful completion of all required course components.
For a Skills Only participant, that means the online learning must already be complete and the required hands-on skills must also be successfully completed.
Once all requirements are met, your AHA BLS Provider eCard can be provided for employer, school, clinical, or credentialing purposes.
Where Can I Find BLS Skills Only Near Me?
Citywide CPR offers Verification Stations at locations nationwide.
If you have already completed the appropriate HeartCode BLS online course and are searching for:
BLS Skills Only near me
HeartCode BLS skills session near me
BLS hands-on skills near me
or
CPR Verification Station near me
start by confirming that your online portion is complete.
Then find a convenient Citywide CPR Verification Station for your hands-on appointment.
Find a Citywide CPR Verification Station near you:
https://www.citywidecpr.com/locate-us/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BLS Skills Only?
BLS Skills Only is the hands-on portion of an applicable BLS pathway for participants who have already completed the appropriate American Heart Association HeartCode BLS online course.
Who should choose BLS Skills Only?
Choose Skills Only if you have already completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online learning and still need the corresponding hands-on skills session.
Who should not choose BLS Skills Only?
You should not choose Skills Only if you still need the online course or if you only have a previous BLS card without the applicable HeartCode BLS online completion.
Is a previous BLS Provider card enough for Skills Only?
No. A previous BLS Provider card by itself does not establish that you have completed the applicable HeartCode BLS online coursework required for a Skills Only pathway.
Is HeartCode BLS the same as BLS Skills Only?
No. HeartCode BLS is the online learning component. BLS Skills Only is the corresponding hands-on portion for eligible participants who have already completed that online learning.
What happens during BLS Skills Only?
You complete applicable hands-on BLS skills using training manikins and Verification Station equipment while the system provides guidance and performance feedback.
Is BLS Skills Only hands-on?
Yes. Skills Only is specifically the hands-on portion of the applicable BLS pathway.
What is a Self-Guided Skills Session?
It is a technology-guided hands-on session in which you complete applicable BLS skills individually at a CPR Verification Station rather than progressing through a traditional instructor-led group class.
Do I need proof that I completed HeartCode BLS?
You should keep your applicable HeartCode BLS completion documentation available because Skills Only is intended for participants who have already completed the corresponding online learning.
What is the difference between Online + Skills and Skills Only?
Online + Skills includes both the applicable online learning and hands-on session. Skills Only is for participants who have already completed the appropriate online course and only need the corresponding hands-on portion.
Can I choose Skills Only just because I am renewing my BLS?
Not automatically. Skills Only eligibility depends on whether you have already completed the applicable online learning, not simply whether you previously held BLS certification.
How long does a BLS Skills Only session take?
At Citywide CPR, a Self-Guided BLS Skills Session typically takes about 35 minutes, although individual times can vary.
When do I receive my AHA BLS Provider eCard?
Citywide CPR provides Same-Day AHA eCards after successful completion of all required course components.
Where can I find BLS Skills Only near me?
Citywide CPR offers Verification Stations at locations nationwide. Confirm your HeartCode BLS online completion first, then use the Citywide CPR location finder to find a convenient hands-on skills appointment.
Already Completed HeartCode BLS?
If you have finished the applicable American Heart Association HeartCode BLS online course and still need the required hands-on portion, BLS Skills Only may be the correct next step.
Review Citywide CPR’s BLS course options:
American Heart Association BLS Certification
https://www.citywidecpr.com/bls-certification/
Learn how Citywide CPR’s hands-on Self-Guided Skills experience works:
Self-Guided CPR Training
https://www.citywidecpr.com/self-guided-cpr-training/
Then choose a convenient location:
Find a Citywide CPR Verification Station Near You
https://www.citywidecpr.com/locate-us/
After successful completion of all required BLS components, Citywide CPR provides your AHA BLS Provider eCard the same day.