Should You Be an AHA Instructor? Take This Fun Quiz to Find Out!
Have you ever caught yourself narrating CPR steps during a medical show? Do your coworkers look to you when the AED beeps? Do you secretly love giving presentations even if it’s just to your dog? Then it might be time to ask: Should YOU be an AHA Instructor?
Let’s find out with this not-so-scientific but entertaining quiz!
Question 1: Do You Speak "Calm in Chaos"?
When faced with an emergency (or, let’s be honest, a coffee spill), you:
A) Freeze like your phone at 1% battery
B) Jump in, give clear instructions, and keep your cool
C) Try your best, but get a little flustered
If you chose B: You're code blue ready! Great communication and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key traits of an effective AHA Instructor.
Question 2: Lights, Camera, Education!
How do you feel about teaching others?
A) Only if it’s over text
B) Love it! I’m the go-to explainer in my group
C) I’d try, but I’d need help getting comfortable
Did you pick B? If so, you're a natural educator. AHA Instructors don't just know CPR, they empower others to save lives with confidence and clarity.
Question 3: Are You a Lifelong Learner?
When new guidelines drop, you:
A) Groan, Google the summary, and move on
B) Read them, highlight them, and adjust your practice
C) Wait for someone to explain it at the next staff meeting
If you're the highlighter type, you already have the instructor's mindset! Staying current and adapting to best practices are part of the role.
Question 4: Team Player or Lone Wolf?
During group simulations, you:
A) Hang back and watch
B) Lead the debrief and give solid feedback
C) Participate but don’t take the lead
If you lead the debrief, you’ve got leadership and coaching potential. AHA Instructors help shape future responders through guidance and mentorship.
Your Quiz Results Are In!
Mostly Bs: You’re Instructor Material, Baby!
You’ve got the heart (and brain) of a life-saver AND a teacher. Your leadership, clarity, and communication style make you an ideal candidate for the AHA Instructor pathway. Let’s get you certified with ACLS Academy!
A Mix of A, B, and C: You're Close!
You may need more experience, or you may need a little confidence boost. Don’t worry, ACLS Academy’s Instructor Essentials course is built to help you grow into the role.
Mostly As: You Might Be a Rescuer, Not a Teacher (Yet!)
And that’s okay! Continue training and consider co-teaching or mentoring before making a decision. When you're ready, ACLS Academy will be here.
So…What Exactly Is an AHA Instructor?
AHA Instructors are certified professionals who teach American Heart Association courses like BLS, ACLS, PALS, and Heartsaver. They’re not just skilled providers, they’re passionate educators who help others become confident and competent in life-saving techniques.
Whether you’re in nursing, EMS, respiratory therapy, or another healthcare field, becoming an AHA Instructor expands your impact and enhances your leadership.
How to Become an AHA Instructor (The Fun Way)
Here’s your step-by-step cheat sheet to becoming an instructor:
1. Hold a Valid Provider Card
Ensure you're current in the course you want to teach (e.g., BLS, ACLS).
2. Take the Instructor Essentials Course
This is where ACLS Academy shines! Our instructor training courses are designed to be interactive, engaging, and full of real-world application, not just slide reading.
You’ll learn how to:
Deliver high-quality training
Evaluate student performance
Manage a class effectively
Use AHA’s latest tools and tech
3. Align With an AHA Training Center
No need to search far and wide, ACLS Academy offers instructor alignment to help you get started teaching ASAP.
4. Be Monitored: Teaching Your First Course
Your first official class will be monitored by an experienced instructor to ensure you’re ready to fly solo. (Don’t worry, we’ll be cheering you on the whole time.)
5. Get Your Instructor Card
Boom. You’re in. You’ll receive your AHA Instructor card and can start making a difference right away.
Why Choose ACLS Academy?
Let’s face it: learning should not feel like a snooze-fest. At ACLS Academy, we take pride in making our courses dynamic, practical, and personalized.
Nationally recognized AHA Training Site
Flexible scheduling options
Supportive instructor mentorship
Alignment assistance for new instructors
Online + in-person hybrid options
We don’t just teach instructors. We build leaders.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Whether you scored all Bs or you're just curious, becoming an AHA Instructor is one of the most fulfilling steps in your healthcare journey. You’ll gain confidence, leadership skills, and the power to help others save lives.
Enroll in the AHA Instructor Courses at ACLS Academy today, and let’s turn your passion into purpose.
ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) Aligned Training Center, and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS-EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Browse our course catalog.