Organization Comparison Guide
Don't know what organization is right fit for you? This will help guide you on your way
1. American Heart Association (AHA)
The American Heart Association is the leading cardiovascular care and resuscitation training authority. It sets the standard for CPR guidelines worldwide and is the preferred certification provider for healthcare professionals, including hospitals, EMS, and advanced life support providers.
Pros:
Widely Recognized – Preferred by hospitals, healthcare providers, and employers, especially in medical settings.
High-Quality Training – Emphasizes evidence-based guidelines and high-quality CPR techniques.
Blended Learning Available – Offers online + in-person skills sessions.
BLS, ACLS, PALS Expertise – Gold standard for advanced resuscitation courses.
Cons:
Higher Cost – AHA courses tend to be more expensive than other providers.
Less Flexibility – Course availability depends on authorized training centers.
Strict Compliance – Requires training centers to follow rigid guidelines for course delivery.
2. American Red Cross (ARC)
The American Red Cross is a globally recognized humanitarian organization that provides CPR, First Aid, and disaster response training. It focuses on community safety, workplace preparedness, and lay responder education, offering flexible training options at a lower cost than AHA.
Pros:
Broad Accessibility – Offers online, in-person, and blended learning options.
Lower Cost than AHA – Generally more affordable for individuals and businesses.
First Aid & Lay Responder Focus strongly emphasizes community-based first aid and CPR.
Workplace Training Solutions – Offers corporate and OSHA-compliant training options.
Cons:
Less Preferred in Healthcare – Some hospitals and medical facilities prefer AHA over ARC for professional-level CPR.
Limited Flexibility for Instructors – Instructors often have less independence in structuring classes than AHA and ASHI.
Shorter Certification Validity in Some Cases – Some courses require more frequent renewals than AHA.
3. American Health and Safety Institute (ASHI)
ASHI is a national training organization that provides CPR, First Aid, and emergency care courses tailored for workplaces, schools, and general industry. It is known for its instructor-friendly approach, cost-effective courses, and OSHA-compliant workplace training solutions.
Pros:
More Instructor Flexibility – Allows independent instructors and training centers more control over scheduling and pricing.
Cost-Effective – Generally lower cost than AHA and ARC.
Meets OSHA Requirements – Approved for workplace CPR and First Aid compliance.
Blended Learning & Online Options – Flexible course delivery options.
Cons:
Less Recognition in Healthcare – While accepted in many industries, hospitals do not consistently recognize ASHI for BLS, ACLS, or PALS.
Variable Quality – Instructor-led courses can vary in quality since standards are not as strictly enforced as AHA.
Not Always Accepted for Licensure – Some states or organizations may require AHA or ARC certification instead.
