University Of Alabama School Of Medicine Medical Student Services Policy On BLS Certification

Background: Medical Students are actively involved in seeing patients from the beginning of their freshman year. In order for them to handle emergency situations with some preparedness they are expected to have Basic Life Support skills.

Policy: All current students are required to have a BLS Certification for Healthcare Providers. No student may see patients in any capacity unless the Records office has proof of current certification.

Procedure: Students must provide proof of certification to the Records Office. Generally, the Orientation Program (beginning of MS-1 year) and the Transition Course (beginning of MS-3 year) will include a BLS for Healthcare Providers certification course. However, any approved training organization that issues a 2–year certification may be used for certification and the responsibility to obtain and submit verification remains with the student.

Some provider locations for two-year BLS for Healthcare Providers training are listed on the web site of the American Heart Association.