Why One Nurse Practitioner Keeps Returning to ACLS Academy for Her BLS Certification
For healthcare professionals, maintaining lifesaving skills isn’t optional; it’s essential. For Lauren, a Nurse Practitioner (NP), keeping her Basic Life Support (BLS) certification current isn’t just a requirement. It’s a professional commitment she takes seriously, even though she works in an outpatient setting where emergencies are rare. Over the years, Lauren has renewed her BLS three times with ACLS Academy, and her reasons say a lot about what makes this training center stand out.
A Healthcare Professional Committed to Preparedness
Lauren currently practices as an NP in an occupational and employee health clinic affiliated with a hospital. Even in outpatient environments, she knows that unexpected medical events can happen, and she wants to be ready.
As she shared during our recent conversation, BLS is a credential required every two years, and healthcare providers are expected to intervene if a situation arises. While the likelihood may be low in her clinic setting, investing in preparedness is part of her professional responsibility.
How She Discovered ACLS Academy — and Why She’s Stayed Loyal
More than four years ago, Lauren found ACLS Academy through an online search while looking for a convenient place to renew her BLS certification. She enrolled at the Newton location, which happened to be right in her community.
Her first experience sealed the deal. From registration to course completion, everything was straightforward and organized. Over time, she realized how much she appreciated the Academy’s approach, especially the blended learning model, which allowed her to complete the online component at home and then attend a short, focused in-person skills session.
She also values the small class sizes, which make room for individualized instruction and more hands-on feedback. The entire process, she says, is “streamlined, organized, and really easy to register for,” which is why ACLS Academy continues to be her go-to training provider.
Learning the Latest: Her Most Recent Renewal & the 2025 BLS Updates
Lauren’s most recent renewal took place in early November, and even though the new 2025 AHA BLS curriculum had only been released at the end of October, her instructor made sure students knew what guideline changes were coming.
What stood out most was her instructor Peggy’s depth of knowledge and ease in the classroom. A seasoned nurse with years of teaching experience, Peggy clearly explained the upcoming 2025 guideline changes and why they matter. Lauren appreciated how naturally she broke down CPR metrics, compression quality, and real-world application — the kind of insight that only comes from someone who has truly mastered both the science and the instruction behind it.
“Extremely knowledgeable,” Lauren said. “You could just tell she wanted everyone to feel competent.”
Advice for First-Time BLS Students
When asked what she would say to someone nervous about taking BLS for the first time, Lauren didn’t hesitate.
Feeling nervous is normal, especially for new nurses or others entering fields that require certification. But the skills session is designed to build confidence, not pressure. Students have time to practice, ask questions, and repeat skills until they feel comfortable.
In her words, “There’s nothing to be nervous about. The whole point of the skills session is to make sure you really get the chance to be competent in everything you need to know.”
Using Her Skills in the Real World
While Lauren has never had to use CPR as a layperson, she has used her training in a clinical setting and feels prepared to step in if needed. That confidence, knowing she can respond calmly and correctly, is one of the biggest takeaways from regular recertification.
Why ACLS Academy Remains Her Choice — And Why She’ll Keep Coming Back
When you ask Lauren what keeps her returning, her answer is refreshingly simple:
Convenience (the Newton location is local to her)
Consistent, high-quality training
Skilled, supportive instructors
Easy sign-up and smooth logistics
The blended learning format that fits her schedule
Even if she were to move, she notes, ACLS Academy’s 3 convenient locations in Quincy, East Bridgewater, and Newton would make it easy to stay connected.
“Overall, it’s just been very positive,” she said. “That’s what motivates me to be a repeat customer.”
A Student Experience That Speaks for Itself
Lauren’s story reflects what so many ACLS Academy students experience: training that is convenient and clear, but also anchored in the kind of real-world expertise you can only get from instructors who actively work in the medical field. ACLS Academy’s team brings decades of collective frontline experience, from emergency medicine to critical care, and they translate that into practical guidance, memorable scenarios, and hands-on coaching that builds true confidence. It’s why students leave feeling prepared not just to pass a skills check, but to step up in a real emergency. And it’s why, like Lauren, they return year after year to refresh the skills that save lives.
Whether you’re renewing for the third time like Lauren, or stepping into your very first BLS course, ACLS Academy is committed to helping every student become a capable, confident, and prepared responder.