BLS for travel nurses Basic Life Support · American Heart Association

Which travel specialties ask for it

• ICU travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• ER travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• Labor and delivery travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• Med-surg travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• PCU travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• Telemetry travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• OR travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• Pediatric travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• NICU travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• Psych travel nurseRequired on most contracts

Getting it

Who can get it

None: open to any healthcare provider.

Format

Classroom, or blended: online HeartCode part plus an in-person skills check.

Cost

Set by the training center.

Valid for

2 years, through the end of the month on the card.

Renewal

Retake the course (or a renewal course) before the card expires.

Tips for travelers

• Most hospitals want American Heart Association cards specifically, and many don't accept online-only courses. Keep the eCard PDF handy: agencies upload it to every submission.
• Ask your agency whether it reimburses the course fee; many do for credentials a contract requires.
• Add the expiration date to your profile: agencies track it, and an expired card can hold up a start date.

Questions

Do travel nurses need BLS?

Most ICU, ER, Labor & Delivery, Med-Surg, PCU / Stepdown, Telemetry, OR, Pediatrics, NICU and Psych travel contracts require it. Each hospital sets its own list, so check the job post.

How much does BLS cost?

Set by the training center.

How long is BLS valid?

2 years, through the end of the month on the card. Retake the course (or a renewal course) before the card expires.