Emergency teams in Pittsburgh regularly receive calls related to cardiac arrest cases outside the hospital. As such, special efforts are made to reduce the number of CVD casualties.
One good example is the development of the Pittsburgh 4-level illness severity score, which can predict health outcomes after cardiac arrest. Such methods combined with CPR double and even triple the survival chances of a victim, causing interest in CPR to spark year by year.
However, since not everyone can afford to commute to CPR learning centers, there is the option for online courses. Yet, some candidates strongly refuse to sign up for online CPR classes for fear the certificate will not be deemed valid by their employer, for example.
In this article, we’re comparing the in person vs online CPR certification and the pros and cons, so you can have a clear picture of which one to choose.
In person vs Online CPR Certification: Differences
Online and in-person CPR certifications are two class format types that come with specific advantages and disadvantages. Some states in the US offered online classes even before the pandemic, while other states included online classes during the pandemic as an alternative solution and have continued to rely on them until today.
Below, we describe both formats in detail and then proceed to the advantages and disadvantages of both class formats:
In-person CPR Certification Classes
In-person CPR certification classes are educational and practical class formats that take place in a CPR training center. Usually, the candidates have to sign up and reserve their seat beforehand because the seats are limited. This is especially relevant if the training center is nearby.
The in-person CPR certification classes are held by a certified instructor. Each curriculum is separated into theoretical and practical components.
The theoretical part covers the CPR technique in depth, the anatomy of cardiac arrest, the hands-on CPR compressions, and how CPR mimics the pumping of the heart to help it return to its natural rhythm. The instructor will demonstrate the hands-on CPR technique and rescue breaths on a manikin for a more tangible experience. They may even make some music recommendations to recall in your head when providing CPR, which will keep your rhythm in check.
The practical exercises follow right after the theoretical part, where candidates have to demonstrate what they’ve learned and get a sense of the technique. The instructor tracks their skills carefully and corrects them on the spot.
Ultimately, the candidate taking the in-person CPR class will have to pass the written examination and demonstrate CPR without assistance from the instructor to get the certificate.
Online CPR Certification Classes
Unlike the in-person CPR Certification classes, where you have to register your name to save a seat in the nearest center, with the online class, you will not have such worries. Most online CPR class providers accommodate an unlimited number of candidates who want to join a particular meeting.
Again, a certified instructor covers the material and explains CPR in-depth, including hands-on CPR, rescue breaths, and when to support the victim with an AED. However, the difference between these and in-person classes is that online CPR classes cover only the theoretical part.
So, while the candidates will get familiar with the concept, they won’t be able to confirm their knowledge and get face-to-face feedback from their instructor.
Hybrid Classes for More Flexibility
In some cases, candidates end up signing up for the only class only to later realize they need hands-on training to get a workplace-friendly certificate. So, CPR providers like the Red Cross offer hybrid classes. In these classes, the candidate goes over the theoretical part online but has to take the practical component of the curriculum in a training center in front of a certified CPR instructor.
What Is OSHA CPR Requirement & the Importance
Many candidates join CPR classes because they need the certificate for the job. US states that are subjected to the OSHA protection act for all workers require workers in private sectors to own a CPR certification.
However, OSHA has specific regulations in terms of certificate validity. Online certificates are not acceptable because the candidate has to prove their skills in person in front of the instructor to meet the OSHA requirements.
Otherwise, candidates who have listened to the online class can look for a chance to practice the technique and get assessed by the instructor eventually. Learning the skills and improving your confidence saves lives, so demonstrating them in front of an instructor is a must.
In Person vs. Online CPR Certification Classes: Advantages and Disadvantages
In-person and online classes come with their unique sets of pros and cons. While the former provides a more interactive learning environment, the latter offers more flexibility and lower costs.
Below, we discuss in person vs online CPR certification in detail so you can have a clear image of the better option for you:
In-person CPR Classes: Pros & Cons
The pros of in-person classes are:
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- Candidates can create better connections in-person compared to online and grasp more knowledge
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- In-person classes promote a productive learning atmosphere
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- Practical exercises included
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- Opportunity to test your skills and get free feedback from a certified instructor.
The cons of these classes go as follows:
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- The number of candidates who can participate is limited and quickly fulfills the quota
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- The training centers may be far and require you to commute
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- In-person classes are often more expensive.
Online CPR Certification: Pros & Cons
The pros of online CPR certification go as follows:
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- Usually more affordable than other types of CPR classes
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- Online classes take less time to complete
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- Offer greater comfort for the candidates
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- Generally, the number of candidates who can participate in a class is often unlimited.
The cons of online CPR certification are:
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- The candidate has to eventually attend a physical exam, especially if required by their employer;
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- Learning is not as interactive, and online classes are more difficult to follow.
In-person vs. Online CPR Certification: Prices
When it comes to the prices of online vs. in-person CPR certification, the difference is pretty notable. Let’s go over some of your options and help you decide which one’s the ideal choice for you.
We’ll start with the Red Cross CPR classes. In Pittsburgh, online CPR classes cost around $40, depending on the material and CPR technique that’ll be covered.
In-person classes, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in pricing but are also costlier. A regular Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Skills Session costs $62. If you’re looking to acquire pediatric skills as well, you’re looking at $80+ in costs.
Finally, hybrid CPR classes are the most expensive, as they allow you to go over the learning material online and then attend a physical demonstration.
The AHA also offers all three course formats, and the learning materials are sold separately. The price varies depending on the CPR technique (infant, child, or adult CPR) and the level of expertise you’re looking to gain.
In-person vs Online Certification: Final Say
To conclude the article, Pittsburgh has plenty of options for all candidates who want to learn more about the CPR technique, including online and in-person.
However, these two certificates have a different value. The in-person certificate recognizes or verifies that a person is capable of executing CPR on a victim, while the online certificate doesn’t. This is because online classes lack practical exercises, and if a person needs a certificate for their job, they will have to pass the practical exercises and get assessed by a certified instructor.
Price-wise, online classes are way more affordable and flexible than in-person CPR certifications. A typical online CPR certification costs less than $40 (and sometimes even $20), while the in-person costs are $45 or more. Of course, this ultimately depends on the provider.
You’re probably thinking, “Which option is better – in person vs online CPR certification?” This depends on your specific needs.
If you need a certificate for an office job, you may be allowed to simply attend an online class. However, if you need certification for a job in the medical field, you must demonstrate your skills in person.