You probably already know that CPR is a skill that saves lives. But did you realize that an increasing number of jobs now demand their employees to have CPR certification? And it’s not just jobs in healthcare. Many professions consider this certification a must-have, some of which might surprise you.
This shows that companies recognize the importance of being prepared for emergencies in any setting. As a result, holding a CPR certification not only demonstrates your ability to respond in a crisis but makes you a more valuable job candidate.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top careers that require CPR certification and why. Whether planning your career path or looking to add valuable skills to your resume, knowing which roles prioritize this life-saving skill could give you a significant advantage.
Healthcare Sector Careers
It’s understandable why professionals in the healthcare sector need CPR certification. With around 290,000 cardiac arrests occurring in hospitals annually, doctors and nurses must know how to do chest compression or use a defibrillator at a moment’s notice. That is true for other careers within the sector, each with unique demands but a common requirement for CPR proficiency. The most notable healthcare professions that require CPR certification are:
- Nurses and nursing assistants: These professionals are often the first to react to patient emergencies, and most nurses participate in at least 10 resuscitations a year. Whether in a hospital setting, a nursing home, or during home health care, nurses must be ready to act swiftly and perform CPR confidently. They have close contact with patients, meaning they are the ideal person to give immediate care in cardiac arrest situations.
- Emergency medical technicians and paramedics: These first responders are on the front lines, dealing with life-threatening situations before a patient reaches a hospital. In Florida, for instance, the law requires that all EMTs and paramedics maintain a valid CPR certification. Staying proficient in CPR means they can save a life whenever necessary. Their ability to perform CPR can impact the survival and recovery rates of those experiencing cardiac arrests outside of hospital settings.
- Physicians: Having a CPR certification is a job requirement and an ethical responsibility for these professionals. It highlights their commitment to patient safety and emergency preparedness. Doctors, regardless of their specialty, often find themselves as the first responders during a cardiac emergency, significantly impacting patient outcomes.
- Nursing Home Staff: People in these careers work with a demographic that’s particularly vulnerable to cardiac issues. In these settings, cardiac arrests can occur without warning, and staff must react quickly.
Non-Healthcare Careers Requiring CPR Certification
You may think CPR certification is only a must-have if you want to work in healthcare, but that’s not accurate. Many professions, especially those related to public safety and education, also require employees to know CPR. Emergencies can happen anywhere, and you must be able to respond promptly and effectively. Some of the jobs that also require CPR certification are:
Lifeguards
Whether it’s a swimming pool, a water park, or the beach, lifeguards are responsible for the safety of swimmers. Like most states, Florida requires that all lifeguards have a valid CPR certificate. The certification process for lifeguards is rigorous, involving CPR, first aid, and water rescue techniques.
Camp Counselors and Staff
Camps, whether day camps or residential, offer a variety of activities that can sometimes lead to accidents or health emergencies. Medical help might not be immediately accessible in remote camps, so this certification is especially valuable. If you want to get a job as a camp counselor in Jacksonville, FL, you must complete a CPR and First Aid course.
School Coaches
You might not immediately associate sports coaching with a need for CPR certification, but emergencies occur during physical activities and sports events. Coaches are responsible for training young athletes and ensuring their safety. They must know what to do in case of a cardiac event or other emergencies that require CPR. Florida state law takes this responsibility seriously, mandating that coaches must have CPR certification.
Law Enforcement Officers
They often encounter emergencies where CPR is needed before medical professionals arrive on the scene. Because of the role CPR has in law enforcement, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement strongly recommends that all police officers receive CPR training.
911 Operators
They are the first point of contact in emergencies and must know how to talk a caller through the steps of CPR. They will often find themselves guiding callers through performing CPR over the phone until emergency responders arrive. It’s such an essential skill that Florida has enacted a law requiring all 911 operators to hold a current CPR certification.
Other Professions That May Require CPR
Some less obvious professions also call for CPR certification. Some involve a risk of getting hurt on the job, while others have you in regular contact with the public. A couple of these careers are:
Construction Workers
The construction environment is filled with potential hazards—from heavy machinery accidents to falls from heights. Construction workers and laborers face risks daily, and knowing CPR in this field is more than just an extra skill. If a coworker suffers from a cardiac arrest or a severe injury leading to unconsciousness, the minutes before emergency services arrive are critical.
Flight Attendants
Medical emergencies are challenging in the enclosed, pressurized aircraft environment. Flight attendants must know CPR because, at 35,000 feet, they may be the only ones to provide immediate help. From sudden cardiac arrests to choking incidents, they need to spring into action quickly and efficiently. Their CPR skills can keep a passenger stable and alive until the plane lands and medical professionals can take over.
Security Guards
These individuals are often located in malls, office buildings, events, schools, and places with a lot of foot traffic. Their job isn’t just preventing theft or handling unruly behavior but also handling medical emergencies. Security guards with CPR certification are invaluable because they can quickly respond to incidents, providing necessary life-saving interventions.
The Path to CPR Certification
When you’re ready to get CPR certified, the first step is to sign up for CPR training. If you want your certification to follow OSHA requirements, find a CPR class aligned with the American Red Cross or the AHA. There you will learn the basics of CPR, including:
- How to recognize when someone needs CPR
- The correct hand placement and depth of compressions
- How to provide rescue breaths
- How to give first aid
- How to use an AED
The classes typically combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice so you can feel confident in your ability to perform CPR in real-life situations. To select the right CPR course, consider your learning style and schedule.
If you prefer face-to-face interaction, look for in-person CPR classes in Jacksonville, Florida. Online courses might be better if you have a tight schedule, although you should ensure they include a practical component.
Get CPR Certified To Get Your Dream Job
Most people don’t realize how many careers require you to have a CPR certification. And it’s not just the ones you’d automatically think of, like doctors and nurses. We’re talking about jobs you wouldn’t immediately associate with saving lives. From lifeguards to construction workers, the list is long and varied.
Listing a valid CPR certification on your resume makes you stand out as a more appealing candidate. So, if you’re on the fence about signing up for CPR classes, consider this a nudge in the right direction. Enroll in CPR training in Jacksonville, Florida, and get on the right track to land your dream job.