Starting a CPR and First Aid Training Business in 8 Steps

Date Published: March 15, 2024

If you have a passion for saving lives and a knack for sharing your knowledge with others, this may be the perfect career move for you. Whether you're looking to earn a little extra income on the side – or you want to know how to start a business teaching CPR and First Aid full time – there are some simple steps you can take to reach your goal. First, let's take a closer look at exactly what the job is and what it entails.

An independent CPR and First Aid instructor is someone who, after becoming a certified instructor, can deliver training to others in the areas of CPR and First Aid. But it's certainly not limited to those two areas.

Here are eight steps that will help you get your CPR and First Aid Training Provider business up and running:

1. Know the Basic Requirements.

   Before you can become a training provider, you will have to meet certain minimum requirements, including instructor certification prerequisites and age minimums, and they will differ depending on the area(s) you choose. Be sure you know the minimum requirements before you get started.

2. Take Care of the "Nuts and Bolts" of Starting a Business.

   Different business entities will have different legal, insurance and tax requirements. From sole proprietorships, to limited liability companies (LLC) to corporations, be sure you have a basic understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Once you're ready, ensure that your business is duly organized or incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the state where your business is established.

3. Become a Licensed Training Provider (LTP) with the American Red Cross.

   Many people who want to become independent training providers choose the American Red Cross for outstanding, cost-effective certification programs designed to meet their needs. Red Cross LTPs are organizations and individuals licensed by the Red Cross to independently use and teach Red Cross training courses. Once you've met our minimum requirements for becoming an LTP—securing a license to access our curriculum and then obtaining individual instructor certification to deliver the program—you're a step closer to becoming self-employed as an American Red Cross LTP.

   American Red Cross courses are easy to start and offer many benefits, including:

   • Flexible training with robust training curriculum that can be customized to your needs
   • Free bridging programs if you are a certified instructor for other programs
   • Free digital instructor and student materials
   • Access to the American Red Cross Learning Center
   • Access to the American Red Cross Portal to create and schedule training

   Certified Red Cross instructors can deliver training to others in CPR / AED and First Aid, along with many other courses such as:

   • Infant & Child CPR
   • Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
   • Basic Life Support (BLS)
   • Bloodborne Pathogens Training
   • Administering Emergency Oxygen
   • Asthma Inhaler Training
   • Babysitter's Training
   • Epinephrine Auto-Injector
   • Aquatics
   • Learn to Swim
   • Lifeguarding
4. Hone Your Newly Acquired Skills.

   Before becoming an independent instructor, consider working as an instructor for an organization like the American Red Cross before branching out. Once you perfect your skills, you'll have the confidence you need to run your own business.

5. Get the CPR Equipment and Supplies You Need as an LTP.

   Shop for all the equipment you'll need to run a successful business – from instructor kits and manuals, to books and DVDs, to a host of other training supplies like cpr manikins, masks, gloves, AED trainers and beyond. Browse our Instructor Kit Guide, CPR Manikin Guide, and First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Equipment Guide to help you get started.

6. Know How to Market Your CPR Business.

   To have a lucrative CPR business, it's important to recognize a need for it in your community and then fill that need. When deciding who to target your CPR training and other lifesaving services toward, many potential clients come to mind, like hospitals, medical centers, and medical and dental practices, to name a few. But there are many other places you can market your services to, including:

   • Schools
   • Childcare Centers
   • Elderly/Companion Care Companies
   • Fitness Centers
   • Community Centers
   • Senior Centers
   • Community Pools
   • Churches, and more

   As an LTP, you can promote your classes on redcross.org with our Class Posting Service (CPS). This is a benefit offered to LTPs for a minimal fee to reach potential customers visiting our website.

7. Decide the Best Place to Host Classes.

   Many of your clients may allow you to train at their location, essentially making you a mobile CPR business. But you may also need to provide the space sometimes. Luckily, many places like churches, schools, small businesses and community centers have a lot of unused space like classrooms or conference rooms that they are willing to rent out weekly. If your business continues to grow, you may eventually have to lease out a space of your own.

8. Keep Your Training Current.

   Certifications like CPR/AED and First Aid, along with many others last for two years. Luckily, there are many recertification classes available that allow you to refresh your memory, renew your skills and stay up to date on the latest techniques. To reduce student training time, our proven adaptive learning methodology enables students participating in blended learning and online courses to take a pre-assessment test. You can then personalize the curriculum to their knowledge and level of skill which optimizes student learning and shortens overall course time.

How to Become a CPR Instructor

To become a CPR instructor, you must:

• First, obtain certification in CPR/AED and First Aid
• Then, take the First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor course

The American Red Cross provides training programs for instructors to learn how to teach CPR and other life-saving techniques. These programs will cover topics such as adult and pediatric CPR, AED usage, and basic first aid. To participate in the instructor course, you must be at least 16 years old on the last day of the class.

In addition to completing the necessary training, you will also need to have good communication skills and be able to effectively demonstrate and explain the techniques to your students. Being a CPR instructor can be a rewarding experience, as you will be helping others learn how to potentially save a life in an emergency situation.

Ready to become a CPR instructor? For more than a century, the American Red Cross has prepared people to respond to emergencies of all sizes, from the everyday to the large disaster. Join the millions we train every year and learn skills that can save a life. Fill out the form by clicking here or call 1-855-560-0067 for more information.