HeartCert CPR Twin Cities MN

American Heart and Red Cross CPR Training

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How IV Certification Can Benefit Your Career

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Whether you are new to the medical field, a long-practicing RN or LPN, or a healthcare professional wanting to learn new skills, an IV training course can give your career a boost. This is why HeartCert offers IV certification classes alongside our portfolio of CPR, CNA, and healthcare training courses.

There are many ways in which IV certification can help your career. Here are just a few.

4 Career Benefits of IV Certification

IV certification
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1. Employment Opportunities

Becoming certified in IV therapy will make you a more skilled – and, therefore, more valuable– employee. It will also allow you to work in more and different healthcare settings.

2. Salary and Pay

Similarly, having more skills will make you a more desirable employee, which often leads to more pay. In addition, you may be able to specialize in vascular therapy. This position tends to have a higher salary than a RN or LPN.

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3. Licensing

Each HeartCert IV training course comes with a certificate of completion that can be submitted for continuing education credits.

4. Confidence

IV skills are used in a variety of settings across the healthcare field. By obtaining IV therapy certification, you’ll be more confident in your skills, no matter where you work.

HeartCert offers IV training in person at our Twin Cities headquarters, or online through our partnership with The IV Guy. Classes fill quickly, so register today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Source: AllNurses, “Reasons to Become IV Certified”

Are BLS and Heartsaver CPR Courses the Same?

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If you’re considering a CPR training course, whether you’re required to by an employer or simply want to learn how to save a life, you may be confused by the options available to you. What’s the difference between BLS and ACLS? What is PALS? What about Heartsaver?

One of the most common questions we get is in regard to BLS and Heartsaver courses and how they differ. We’ll answer that question here today.

BLS vs. Heartsaver: What’s the Difference?

BLS vs Heartsaver CPR training course
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What is BLS?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. In this class, participants learn one and two person CPR skills for adults, children and infants. You will also learn how to clear the airway of a conscious or unconscious person, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Another focus of BLS courses is recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and respiratory distress, and how to respond to emergencies and life-threatening symptoms. Because BLS courses are geared toward health care providers and emergency responders, it is expected that participants will, at some point, be called upon to use these skills in an emergency situation.

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What is Heartsaver?

In comparison, the Heartsaver course is geared toward those who don’t work in a healthcare setting but may be called upon to perform CPR, or who are required to be trained and certified in CPR as a condition of employment. This can include teachers, childcare providers, coaches, parents or caregivers, or anyone who wants to learn CPR.

Heartsaver course participants learn the same basic CPR and first aid skills that are taught in BLS courses, without some of the more advanced techniques included in BLS coursework. You will leave a Heartsaver class knowing how to perform CPR, administer an AED, and do basic first aid. It is a valuable course for anyone, regardless of their employment setting!

If you have questions about which HeartCert CPR course is right for you, contact us today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2014.

Tips for a Heart-Healthy Grill

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As summer winds down, now is the time to check off the last boxes on your summer bucket list. Go to the beach or the pool, dine al fresco with family and friends, head out on a road trip, harvest the garden, go for a bike ride, or just enjoy the warm weather! If a backyard barbeque is in your end-of-summer plans, we have tips on how to grill the heart-healthy way.

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Heart-Healthy Grill Tips

According to the American Heart Association, there are a few easy steps you can take to make your grill more heart-healthy.

heart-healthy grill tips
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Choose a Leaner Protein

In general, it’s a good idea to grill healthier meats like chicken and fish. If you’re grilling beef, try to choose a leaner cut. You can even marinate and grill tofu!

Reduce Grilling Time

The longer that fatty muscle meat, such as beef or pork, is cooked, the more harmful chemicals it accumulates. To reduce grilling time, cut meat into smaller pieces or pre-cook it ahead of time.

Add Veggies to the Grill

Corn is great on the grill, but it’s not the only vegetable that works well for grilling. Onions, zucchini, peppers, sweet potatoes, summer squash, carrots, beets, and even lettuce are great options. Grilling enhances the flavor and texture of vegetables, and makes them satisfying and delicious.

Choose Healthy Sides

Whatever you choose to cook on the grill, choose heart-healthy sides to make the meal healthier overall. Look for whole wheat buns and salads made with low-sodium ingredients.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! Find a HeartCert location near you, or register for a virtual CPR certification course.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Are You Eating Enough Fiber for Heart Health?

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Dietary fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. It protects the body against a wide host of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and other digestive ailments. It can also lower cholesterol and help with weight management. But the majority of Americans don’t consume enough fiber, and therefore aren’t seeing those benefits.

According to a 2017 analysis, 95% of American adults and children consume less than the daily recommended amount of fiber. Although recommendations differ based on age and gender, the average American adult should aim for about 28 grams of fiber per day. According to the American Heart Association, the average fiber intake is only 14 grams – half the RDA.

enough fiber
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Why is it Important to Eat Enough Fiber?

Fiber can’t be broken down by the digestive system, so it passes through the body undigested. Along the way, it helps move other food through the digestive system, improving regularity and overall well-being. Fiber has many benefits, including:

  • Lowers glucose levels
  • Lowers blood cholesterol
  • Reduces risk of heart disease
  • Reduces risk of metabolic syndrome
  • Prevents and relieves constipation
  • Reduces risk of certain cancers
  • Helps with weight loss and weight management
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How Can I Eat More Fiber?

The good news: you can increase the amount of fiber in your diet with a few easy modifications.

First, choose whole grain bread, pasta and rice over their white and processed counterparts. Brown rice and whole grain carbohydrates generally have higher amounts of fiber. Second, add more servings of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Incorporate them into snacks and find creative ways to add them to meals. Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juices. Third, swap out meat for high-fiber beans or legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans or others a few times per week.

Making these small changes can help you get enough fiber – and improve your heart health.

Protect the hearts of those you love with a HeartCert CPR training course. We’re offering virtual and in-person options to meet your needs. Sign up today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid,, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Offers Babysitter Basics Course

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HeartCert is excited to announce a new offering in our lineup of CPR, life support and medical professional training courses. We’re launching a babysitter basics training program, aimed at giving new and experienced babysitters alike the tools they need for a safer, more confident babysitting experience.

babysitter basics
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What is the Babysitter Basics Course?

The American Red Cross babysitter training course is a fun, online course that teaches participants how to care for babies and children up to the age of 10.

The course includes instruction on proper feeding and basic care, how to choose age-appropriate games and toys, how to handle common discipline problems, and basic first aid. It also teaches babysitters how to find more work, build a resume, and interview with parents. These are all great life skills that will be valuable beyond babysitting!

The babysitting course is 100% online, and can be accessed from most computers or tablets. It takes about four hours to complete, but it can be paused and restarted as your schedule allows.

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Who Should Take the Babysitter Basics Course?

The course is specifically designed for young adults who want to start babysitting or become a more confident and capable provider. However, anyone who is interested in growing their child care skills may find the course useful.

Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a digital certificate. You will also receive a unique ID number and QR code so potential employers can verify your training. This certificate will be valid for two years.

Does the Babysitter Course Include CPR Training?

The babysitter basics course does not include CPR or first aid training. However, you will receive skill sheets on CPR and first aid. You’ll also have an option to enroll in a CPR course upon completion of the babysitting program.

Do you have questions about the babysitter basics course, or any of our CPR or nursing courses? Give HeartCert a call today – we’re here to help!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid,, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Free CNA Training Offered by State of MN

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Have you been thinking about training to become a certified nursing assistant? Now is the time! The State of Minnesota just announced that it will offer free CNA training (while funds last) to qualified individuals.

Note: The free CNA training program has reached capacity. However, people who become employed at a nursing home or similar facility in Minnesota can still have their CNA training costs reimbursed. Contact us for more information.

How to Access Free CNA Training in Minnesota

free CNA training
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It’s simple! Visit our website and register for a CNA training class using the code STATECNA. You can also contact our office to get set up. We’re currently offering CNA courses at our Minneapolis, Mankato and Duluth locations, with a portion of the coursework completed online.

Read: What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Qualifications for CNA Training and Employment

In order to qualify for free training and incentives, participants must be at least 16 years old and fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You must be willing to successfully complete the training program, and must pass the nursing assistant competency exam within four months of being hired. Employers generally require a TB screening, criminal background check, and the ability to speak English and lift 35 pounds.

Read: Why Should I Become a CNA?

Got Questions?

Do you have any questions about the HeartCert CNA training program or the state incentives? Give HeartCert a call at 651-261-2314.

There’s never been a better time to become a CNA in Minnesota. This program may not last long, so don’t wait – register for a free CNA training course with HeartCert today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.