I always dread renewing my ACLS every 2 years, it's such a gruesome experience with megacodes, EKG readings, etc. I usually get my renewal through work but this year I decided to try something different. I wanted to try a renewal outside of work with the hopes that it is less stressful. I came across this place through my Yelp search based on the high ratings. When I went to the website, the option to renewal was online portion + skills assessment. I was worried about the skills assessment. I purchased it and scheduled my skills assessment. The online portion is something I have done in the past with my other renewals which really helps prep you with the algorithms and lots of feedback. The online portion is nice because you work at your own pace, on your own time. You must completed the online portion in order to do the skills assessment in person. Before my skills assessment, I received very helpful e-mails to help me pass my skills assessment. They had some videos and helpful tips in the e-mail. When I arrived to the location at San Ramon, I was a little confused as I easily missed the door and was very lost. I called the phone number and they were very helpful in guiding me on where to go. There is NO instructor there, it's just a manikin hooked up to the computer that assesses the skill. I thought the videos helped me pass the skills assessment. I did have to re-do some sections a couple times but the feedback from the computer helped me and I think the e-mail tips clicked after doing the skills assessment. Overall, the skills assessment was definitely less stressful than I expected. It wasn't that bad. I definitely plan to return to do my BLS + ACLS renewal here, it's very chill and at your own pace! I love it. This really eases my anxiety regarding renewal, I would highly recommend for anyone that wants to renew! Everything is at your own pace. You do only have an hour to do the skills assessment, which I felt was PLENTY of time! The skills assessment focuses mainly on the breaths/compressions of CPR and 2:1 teamwork. read more

I finally decided to take the plunge and do ACLS. Very similar to BLS, except the pediatric portion you don't have to do. I went to the Castro Valley location, the same location I have used since last year. I love that this location has its own little parking lot in the back and you just follow the instructions which are emailed to you in order to access the office where you will do your skills testing. Not that this is a dealbreaker, but just be aware there is no restroom at this location. Last year I recall there used to be, but they have now locked the adjoining door so you cannot access the restroom if you need to go. The other thing was it doesn't seem that the cart the mannequin is on is able to be moved; or maybe I just couldn't move it? I went in the morning hours and the sun was shining right in my eyes. Just be forewarned if you decide to go to the Castro Valley location - - use the bathroom first and you may want to bring some sunglasses just in case LOL read more

- 10% off discount code available with "AHA." - the dummy had issues connecting but a quick call with their support line easily corrected the issue - A unique highlight of this company is that they have diligently provided FAQs and helpful tips to ensure you have a smooth experience with the certification process. - A strong fan, sanitizing options, and goodies are also provided within the room. read more

I did the BLS online test and then went to Walnut Creek for the skills portion. It was the first time in 32 years of not having an instructor during the skills portion. Once you grasp the very specific way the computer "grades" your compressions and ventilations then you are good. Even though I watched all the "tips" videos, it was still an adjustment to figure it out. But not impossible. Jeff was readily available to assist me and offer me more "tips." Finally, I got it and passed. I would use Heart Start CPR again. read more

Highly recommend if you have taken CPR/BLS classes before. This was a great refresher/renewal course. The online class was extremely informative and the in-person session was great if you're looking for a quick and effective way to renew your skills. Instructions were clear and to the point. I will definitely be taking this class when it's time to renew! read more

Needed to take a CPR/BLS course for my program, and it was a breeze! I was very nervous at first, but the instructor really prepares you with the skills you needed. He'll repeat repeat repeat until it is engraved into your soul. Ample amount of parking too! read more

Heart Start CPR - First Aid Classes Near Me - San Ramon, California

See all

I have been going to Heart Start for several years for my initial certifications and pre-certifications. All the instructors are experienced and very knowledgeable. I always attend the in-person classes in San Ramon just because I learn better in person, and I love to hear the stories from the instructors and other students about their on-the-job experiences. The classes have always been thorough and a non-stressful environment. I have had John as my instructor a few times already, and I appreciate his knowledge and I enjoy his style of teaching. Scheduling and rescheduling classes are very easy, and the reminder emails and texts are great. I highly recommend Heart Start! read more

It was extremely convenient and if you are experienced it was easy to pass both the online and practicle part. The only part was the dummy was extremely difficult to ventilate. read more

Been going here for some years now to recert in ACLS and PALS and I must say the classes are second to none. The instructor Sig Jacobson is a paramedic legend in Alameda County and he's earned the same reputation as an instructor. Aside from the curriculum he also brings decades of experience and field knowledge which he shares through his stories. And the stories he shares aren't just those of an old guy reliving his glory days, they are pertinent stories with knowledge you can only get from real experience in the field. I plan to take other classes to advance my career and I think it's fair to expect an instructor as good as Sig at heart start. read more

David was our instructor. He kept the class interesting and interactive throughout. Highly recommend! read more

Heart Start CPR - First Aid Classes Near Me - San Ramon, California

They were wonderful my test out was manikin only but when there was a misunderstanding and I was messing things up, they turned on their video camera came in on the phone and helped me to adjust and fix and pass the test so thank you read more

A great place to renew your BLS or other certifications. It takes a slight adjustment to get the timing down once you start to count out loud and switch with your computer partner quickly it will go smoothly. I will definitely renew with them again. read more

Very convenient to have the online elearning portion with the in person skills test which was so easy and convenient, especially after having done it cpr training for so many years. I always dreaded having to go in and do the in person learning, I always felt like I would forget all the info the second i walked out of the door. And to be honest, I found that I retained it way more with the elearning process. The in person seems to be more beneficial if it's your first time to be able to ask questions if needed, but not for those who have done it many times. And the skills portion ended up being way easier than I thought it would, and very helpful to be able to visually see on the screen to see what adjustments you need to make (more/less depth, frequency, hand placement etc) read more

Great instructors! Very relaxed and conducive for learning. I always take my recerts here.

Great class with knowledgeable instructor looking forward seeing him again next time. I'm so glad I found this one. read more

Quick and easy to follow instructions, great location and plenty of parking. Room is equipped and clean.

Overall, this was a great experience. I completed the online portion at home before my "hands-on" demonstration nearby. By the way, there are abundant locations for your hands-on skills portion. Before my arrival, I received emails and text message instructions, and I appreciated the excellent overview and communication. I had a few issues when I started the hands-on skills, but I completed them without any problems with Abby's help via a quick phone call. The manikin is "lifelike" compared to previous recertification, and the computer gives immediate feedback. The room was clean and private, and the instructions were easy to follow once familiar with the setup. read more

The class was a stress free learning environment. Sig made it really fun as well. I recommend Heart Start to all my colleagues.

Instructor was very caring and used several very interesting clinical examples from his own experience.

Amazing communication, great education and awesome ability to schedule on short notice.

Very easy way for healthcare workers to get necessary hands on recertification of BLS/CPR. Scheduled the day before and completed the online component. Easy to find and clear instructions on what to do for testing with the manikins read more

Heart Start CPR is extremely convenient at a reasonable cost. I was able to sign up, complete the online portion in about an hour and finish the in person simulation the next day. I would recommend this course for anyone who is looking for a fast and simple certification. I will be back for my other certifications in the near future. read more

The cpr class for our company " MSRC" went very well . The instructor was very straight forward and got us all to understand very well .

Quick, efficient, and convenient. This class arrangement is great for those with competent or above skills. Only problem I had is letting the screen distract me and not paying enough attention to the task at hand. The class gives both audio and visual real time feedback. Wouldn't recommend it for someone new to BLS CPR. I'd recommend face to face classes for the first few times. read more

Traveled from SJ to take my CPR/BLS training here. Close to freeway which was nice. Ample parking. Located on second floor. Booking the training was fairly simple. I emailed the owner how long this would be so I could coordinate since I was coming a bit far. He emailed back promptly which was nice! David Ybarra was our instructor for the course and he kept the room engaged the full 3 hours. We had a short break midway. He was articulate and allowed us to demonstrate our learnings with skills tests and exam at the end. He was great as he provided us with some golden eggs in his training that we wouldn't receive from other instructors. Was emailed the card by EOD same day! Thank you! read more

Heart Start CPR - First Aid Classes Near Me - San Ramon, California

See all

This was the most thorough CPR and first aid class I have ever taken. The instructor was very effective and covered all the material that was needed. He really emphasized assessing the situation. The class was lengthy but worth every minute to make sure we all knew what to do in case of emergency . Cusps to the instructor. read more

I have been going to heart start for several years now and what brings me back? Wide availability of courses. Ease of signing up. The instructors who make it easy to learn especially Sig. In-person Course/class is always enjoyable and valuable experience. BLS/ACLS cards are distributed at end of day. If you ever have a problem/question, Jeff (owner) is easy to contact and he gets back to you immediately. Thanks HeartStart CPR! read more

Instructor did an excellent job with ACLS. In my opinion, ACLS needs to be an onsite class and so I appreciate him taking the time to present this review. ACLS is new for me, and it was an amazing experience because it was interactive with firefighters and ICU nurses sharing their experiences; cases, new devices and what works/ didn't etc. love this component. I drove from Napa for the instructor led on-site hands ACLS class. No regrets. BLS- Voice assisted manikin (VAM) I watched experienced nurses struggled on this system. AHA- Why do you have to complicate what worked in the past? VAM was a traumatic experience. Voice manikin was interruptive. I had to block her voice and just do my thing to get out. I'm already anxious about my renewal in 2 years. VAM causes anxiety. Why do you wish to increase the rate of anxiety in people with high stressed jobs? It was refreshing to have an ACLS instructor led class. I'm all for technology but why the change to BLS- VAM if no instructor will be onsite to give feedback; why is Anne talking back now- a little weird. So glad my ACLS instructor was still onsite to address some of our concerns. Thank you Instructor Sig. I appreciate your time and kindness. What worked- having a real instructor onsite who can give feedback on our technique. BLS-VAM could be an option for some people but new healthcare staff should have the option to have the traditional interactive classroom experience. Our instructor was amazing with tons of experience and so much to offer. Why waste this to VAM. Just saying. Overall, excellent instructor led ACLS class, we got feedback on how to pass BLS-VAM. So thankful for that because otherwise I would still there. If there are humans with tons of valuable experience who enjoys sharing their knowledge, we should honor that... not everything should be robotic. Instructor led class- valuable VAM- optional for experience folks Reasonable price- thank you Clean, comfortable environment with coffee and water- thank you. Nice location. Thanks for the 15% discount off ACLS/BLS combo. Excellent experience excluding VAM. Excellent ACLS instructor led class. Thank you so much Sig. Owner- Please continue to offer instructor- led, onsite hands-on class- See ya in 2 years. Thank you. Already stressing about BLS-VAM renewal read more

This was my first time taking an ACLS class here, and the experience was very pleasant. The instruction was clear and easy to follow, and the equipment was clean and well-maintained. Overall, it felt well-organized and professional. I'm planning to take another one for PALS ! read more

I love coming to this San Ramon Location for my BLS renewal, just recently did my ACLS/PALS and I loved my experience! I got an email with confirmation and several emails ahead of time prior to the date with info and tips on how to access the room, timing, tips for the skills session and more. The instructor is always super friendly and really teaches you and wants you to pass. There is always enough parking in the lot and super safe. I saw discussion boards online about the RQI mannequins not working properly/ being broken but at this location it was super easy and they were super accurate and helpful. Definitely recommend this company and location!! read more

Heart Start CPR - First Aid Classes Near Me - San Ramon, California

This is the only place to renew your certification or attend classes on required skills. The staff are professional, hard working and willing to help you through your renewal or initial certification training. read more

I was looking for a place to renew/update my CPR certification and this place was recommended to me by another healthcare professional colleague. I am so glad I to have taken my recertification here. Hearth Start has an easy location to find, lots of parking, the place is clean, easy to register for the class & I like that they send out text notification the day prior to class as a reminder. The instructor, David, was very good, he knew his stuff well. He gave thorough instructions & made learning CPR worth having in life just in case it's needed to save a life one day. Plus, he even made the class laugh, this is probably by far one of the best CPR classes I've taken. Thanks Hearth Start CPR! Overall, I highly recommend this place. read more

The in-person skills testing using the manikins with real-time feedback was the best practice I've ever had. I've been using Heart Start for CPR certification for years and this is my favorite addition. read more

RQI was easy and efficient. Adequate instructions provided. Multiple email reminders for YouTube video links so you could not fail. No human instructor present read more

I would recommend Heart Start CPR! It is a bit expensive, but I was able to get my initial ACLS and PALS done in less than a week. The Heartcode online program was super easy to navigate and they were really thorough with their instructions for the in-person skills session. I was in and out of the skills session in 20 minutes. I would usually prefer a class with a real life instructor but I actually learned a lot and feel much more confident after these courses! Thanks Heart Start! read more

Excellent place to learn. The instructor is humble and understands that not everyone is an expert immediately. This place is conducive to learning and I highly recommend it. read more

Jeff is an amazing instructor, highly recommend this class for anyone wanting to learn first aid and CPR!

Abby was absolutely amazing she was trying to help me find a location closer to me because they dont have one in sf she gave me place that wasn't even her business just tryung her best to help me find something I'm trying to get my sister kids from foster care she even said check with red cross this is an emergency they can do it for free then said if I can't find anthing call her back so she can help me even further!! please use this business they are so amazing thankyou Abby read more

So fast and easy! I did my acls renewal skills with them and loved it! Busy mom life made easy!

There are plusses and minuses in taking this type of computer only class. For advantages, the time slots and locations are numerous and very convenient, and there is no pressure from being watched by a person in the room. Disadvantages are you need to be more organized and self reliant (the room in the building was hard to find for me), and there is no one to help directly if you have a question, and you may feel a bit isolated. However there is a number to call to call if you get stuck. I found it interesting, but felt like the computer was continuously correcting me, and I was surprised that I passed fairly easily. Also, they sent too many e-mails before hand and even a text in the middle of my class to let me know where my strengths and weaknesses were as being reported by the computer. Your choice read more