I was looking for an affordable and convenient way to get re-certified to work at a gym when I stumbled across VA CPR & First Aid (certification provided through the American Heart Association).
The VA CPR & First Aid website was extremely easy to navigate. The course was offered (and displayed in a calendar online) more than once on a weekend during the month making it easy for me to find a class that fit my schedule.
Michelle (who taught the class) was very responsive when I asked her questions via email. I asked about dates and payment and usually got a response within 42 hours. As an instructor she was clear and friendly.
The location of the course (tucked inside a commercial office space) was a doable drive from the Alexandria, VA area. If you take a course here please note there is a limited number of food options that are within walking distance (when you break for lunch). The closest place to get something to go is the Dunkin Donuts accross the street.
I thought the price with the book (100 for the class, 20 for the book) was fair when compared to similar courses.
I have taken the American Red Cross certification (more than once). I thought the way the American Red Cross presented the material 4 years ago to me was more hands on than the American Heart Association. Specifically, with the first aid course material. If my memory serves me correctly, I remember doing a lot more hands on demonstrations when I got certified by the American Red Cross than by the American Heart Association.
In a nutshell its a good option if you need to get certified in a quick time frame and live in the northern VA area but if this is your first time getting certified specifically for first aid I would look at the American Red Cross' certification courses first. read more