Frequently Asked Questions:
What classes do you offer?
We offer Babysitting Preparedness, Pet First Aid CPR & Disaster Preparedness, Mental Health First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Wilderness First Aid, Sports First Aid & Injury Prevention for NYS Coaches, and a variety of American Heart Association CPR AED, First Aid and Professional levels Certifications like BLS, ACLS & PALS and much more. We also offer training related to child safety.
Where do you hold your classes?
At our various business locations, hospital locations, and on-site for local businesses in the NY and CT area primarily in Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Litchfield, and Fairfield Counties.
Who is considered a Nuvance employee?
Any employee that works for and is paid by Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Danbury Hospital, Northern Dutchess Hospital, Sharon Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center, Norwalk Hospital, Nuvance/HQMP Medical Practices, Heart Center, Home Care and other Nuvance Owned and Operated Specialty Pracitices. Nuvance staff who require classes for employment can register without a fee with an employee code. Please email CommunityEdu@nuvancehealth.org for the employee code. Nuvance security staff can also sign up for the Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Course for all ages which meets job requirements for First Aid CPR AED. Non-Nuvance staff can sign up for a fee. GME staff and residents have a separate promocode email us for that! Individuals that are traveling staff, have privledges only or are other students do have to pay a fee.
How do I launch/access the online portion of an AHA blended learning package and print the certificate of completion?
You will receive an email with a keycode (a website link) that is unique to you that will give you free access to the online portion of the course. The course launches in AHA elearning (same location ACLS and PALS pre-course assessments are completed). If you do not already have an account it will prompt you to create one and then go over and re-click your unique keycode again and click "ACTIVATE COURSE." We have a video available here Access and Launch AHA Online Training Video Tutorial. The video also imcludes how to print yoru certificate of completion and print a CE certificate.
Are you following COVID19 precautions?
We have resumed training in June following all required COVID19 procedures. Students attending class will need to ensure they do not arrive to class ill. You must be fever and symptom-free to attend in-person courses. Students will also be subject to any required screening procedures at class sites. Masks are being worn based on the current Nuvance policy or alert level. Please bring a Mask to class in case the alert level requires its use. Should you refuse to follow these mandated requirements you will not be permitted to sit for class. Further requirements are outlined in the terms and conditions page at check out. Social distancing is required whenever possible, decontamination procedures have been enhanced and any team skills adjusted to follow proper precautions.
When will I get my e-card?
E-cards are issued for AHA and ECSI certification classes. Paper cards are no longer available from the distributors. You will get an email from AHA with a link to click and must follow the prompts to claim, view, save or print your AHA e-card. You must claim your e-card to have access to it. ECSI will send your certification as an attachment. E-cards are typically processed within 1-5 business days so check your email (inbox, junk, spam, and trash folders). If you did not get the AHA email to claim your ecard you can claim it directly here: https://ecards.heart.org/student/myecards
If your certification card requires a spelling correction please email us so that we can correct that for you.
Where can I find my AHA ecard?
If you need to find your AHA certification e-card please visit this site where you can find a previously issued ecard or a new one if you did not get the email to claim your ecard from the American Heart Association
https://ecards.heart.org/student/myecards
Can I take a renewal or update class if I am expired?
Your AHA certification expires at the end of the month you were certified in. AHA does NOT extend certification dates and offers limited reasons to take a renewal after expiration which may include things like an approved medical or military leave up to 45 days after experation.
What classes can Nuvance Employees take?
Nuvance staff can sign up for classes required for their employment which include BLS, ACLS or PALS depending on their position and for our security staff it includes AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Techniques for Adult, Child & Infant). Classes are listed as AHA Nuvance Staff only for those dedicated to only Nuvance staff or simply by the class title for those open to all. Staff can sign up for one class per discipline required for employment. You cannot sign up for multiple dates to HOLD spots. If you cannot make the date you orignially registred for we will work to reschedule you and transfer that original registration. You must email CommunityEdu@nuvancehealth.org to reschedule and cannot simply re-register. If a class is full for staff we will work to see if we have a way to expand seats or add additional class dates to ensure you can get certifed provided you do not wait until the last minute or are already expired.
How big are your classes?
Class sizes are restricted meaning that prior registration and payment are required. We will NOT accommodate any walk-in students. Class sizes are based on the various instructor:student ratios required by the class curriculum as well as room capacity.
Do you do private group training or come on-site to businesses?
Yes! If you are interested in group training we can conduct onsite classes for groups of 6 to on average 20 for most classes. Some classes may be able to be a bit larger. Wendy.Hennessy@NuvanceHealth.org or call us at 845-475-9742 for more information.
Does the department offer any complimentary services?
We offer complimentary child safety seat checks and bike helmet fittings by appointment if you need assistance email CommunityEdu@nuvancehealth.org
We also offer our AHA Friends & Family CPR AED, Mental Health First Aid, and Stop the Bleed classes held at the hospital locations free of charge year-round.
How long is my certification valid?
Most certification courses are valid for a period of 2-years and will expire at the end of the month the class was taken. For example, if your class was March 5, 2020, you will expire on March 31, 2022. Non-certification courses recommend an update every year and Bloodborne Pathogens are also required each year.
How do I get CEUs for AHA Certification Classes?
You can follow this instructional step-by-step job aid from AHA for information on CEU credit and follow the first section "claim using ecards" AHA Claim CE Instructions
What is Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-Only CPR is a basic version of CPR that can be performed on ADULTS when someone is not trained in CPR or when a barrier device is not available. While traditional CPR with compressions and breaths is still a best practice and still must be used for pediatric patients compressions alone have proved beneficial in Adult patient outcomes. Both compressions and breaths are still recommended for the highest quality care as well as the use of an AED as soon as possible. See our site for a brief online training!
Is there an App for that?
Download the FREE American Heart Association CPR & First Aid app to learn lifesaving skills and have simple steps for common health and safety emergencies at your fingertips available on Apple and Google Play
https://apps.apple.com/id/app/cpr-first-aid/id1532282997
How do I keep my skills up to date during the 2-year time frame?
Refer to your class book or online modules to keep the information fresh. You can also visit the AHA's website for the most up-to-date information at www.heart.org or follow their science news youtube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/AHAScienceNews Consider the AHA Knowledge Booster App: https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional/aha-knowledge-booster
Who can register for a class?
Anyone is welcome to register for our classes. Please see the class descriptions and ensure it is the best fit for what you are looking for. Classes noted as staff only are only for Nuvance Staff. If you are unsure email us and we can help!
Do you offer online classes?
None of the nationally accepted and reputable certification providers (AHA, Red Cross, ECSI, ASHI) offer a fully online certification course for BLS, ACLS or PALS. We are required to follow their requirements and curriculum to certify you so in-person instruction is required. Never practicing skills with a certified instructor with equipment may increase your liability risk so all our BLSand advanced certifications require in-person instruction as required by AHA currently. Blended learning options are available where the bookwork is completed online followed by an in-person skills practice and testing session for some course types. We may at times offer some fully online training for other non-certification course types as available and directed by the AHA or through other national training organizations. For example, the 6-hour NYS Insurance Point Reduction Course, Safe Kids Car Seat Basics, Opioid education, and a few others are all completely online.
Did AHA Offer any accommodations because of COVID19?
AHA allowed some course modifications because of COVID19 to increase safety. AHA did offer a very rare accommodation of a certification extension of 120-days only for those who expired at the peak of COVID19 who may have been unable to find a class. For those who expired from March 2020 to June 2020, the 120-day extension was available but currently, all extensions have expired. No further extensions have been announced at this time.
Why do I not see Babysitting Preparedness, Pet First Aid CPR AED & Disaster Preparedness, or some of your other courses?
Some of our courses are offered seasonally in Spring, Summer & Fall, and may not be held in the winter as we have a low demand. Please check back regularly for our updated yearly schedule of course offerings.
Why are classes so long?
We are an official AHA Training Site, all our class time frames are aligned with the AHA curriculum, lesson maps, educational requirements, and agendas. Some smaller classes may finish a bit more quickly but not by much. Classes are the designated length meeting the AHA requirement for certification. The same is true for our ECSI, ASHI, Stop the Bleed, Safe Kids, and Mental Health First Aid classes they set the structure and curriculum requirements that must be followed for certification.
Do you accept donations?
Yes! Thank you for supporting the Nuvance Health Community Education Division! Your kindness and generosity allow us to offer vital community programs and services at no cost, including Complementary Child Safety Seat Services, Child Bike Safety Services, Mental Health First Aid Training, Stop the Bleed Training, Family & Friends CPR Training, Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT), Senior Car Fit, Pedestrian Safety, free online education courses, and much more! We are constantly exploring new ways to serve our community better. Your tax-deductible donation helps us maintain these essential services, reach more individuals, and expand into new areas that our community needs. You can make your tax-deductible donation through our Nuvance Health Foundation to support our team. Please visit our or Donation Page for Community Education or contact us for more information! Once again, thank you for supporting safety education in our communities!
How can I get more involved with the American Heart Association?
Want to help the AHA make a difference worldwide? Join the You’re the Cure Network to see current campaigns available that you can help with here https://www.yourethecure.org/join
Do you rent or sell equipment?
We do not currently rent or sell equipment. Please see a distributor for your equipment needs.
What is the cancellation policy?
Should we need to cancel a class, change the location, delay or reschedule because of weather, a COVID19 precaution, or other reason we will email you and (if you opt-in) text your cell. Please register with an email you check often. We will make every attempt to do this as soon as possible but please check your email in the days leading up to class as well as the morning of for any changes. We will provide options available for rescheduling if needed. Most of our courses do run as scheduled.
What is the refund policy?
If you are unable to make it to class we can process a refund (less the cost of books shipped) for fully in-person classes if we have 1 (one) full business day of notice. For example, if the class is on Saturday morning you need to notify us by Friday morning. You can notify us via email or phone. We also have the option to change your class date should you have a last-minute emergency just let us know. Books mailed are not returnable and are non-refundable. Online or hybrid courses are also non-refundable. You may contact us at 845-475-9742 or CommunityEdu@nuvancehealth.org
Do you hold instructor trainer classes?
We do hold AHA instructor certification classes for Heartsaver/BLS. You must be certified as an AHA provider first. We offer these classes 1-4 times per year based on demand. We typically offer them in Spring & Fall so check back on the site for offerings then. Taking this course will not make you an employee. Anyone taking the class is considered an independent instructor and must purchase their own supplies and equipment as well as will set their own prices. This can be a significant investment as the AHA can make unannounced price changes at any time and update the materials and curriculum at a minimum of every 5 years. We can also hold instructor classes on-site for groups of 4 or more. AHA will require you to be monitored regularly for compliance by your AHA Training Center (Nuvance). AHA requires you to teach a specified minimum number of classes each year and be evaluated by your AHA training center prior to expiring to renew. If you do not meet both requirements you will not be permitted to renew and will need to take the entire class over. Any other instructor classes like Stop the Bleed, ECSI, ASHI, or Mental health First Aid we do not provide the training and our TC covers direct staff only. You can visit the websites of these organizations to find out how to become an instructor. www.stopthebleed.org https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/become-an-instructor/
We do occasionally offer child safety seat technician Courses and update courses that utilize the Safe Kids curriculum.
Are you an authorized training center?
Yes. We are an authorized training center for the American Heart Association, Emergency Care & Safety Institute, and the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI). All instructors have a fully active and current instructor certification for any discipline they are teaching. All car seat technicians are certified by Safe Kids and follow a curriculum approved by NHTSA.
Do you work with corporations and small businesses?
Yes! We offer a variety of corporate training options both on-site or at one of our locations where we can offer BLS, ACLS, PALS, CPR, First Aid, Defensive Driving, or any of our other course topics. In addition, we offer on-site training for small businesses in BLS, ACLS, PALS, CPR, First Aid, Defensive Driving, or any of the other courses we offer. We can also collaborate with existing educational institutions to offer our classes through your existing educational platform at your various locations. Courses provided onsite do have a fee please contact us for details on prices and how to schedule an on-site training or certification at wendy.hennessy@nuvancehealth.org
Do you work with schools, non-profits, and youth groups like scouts or youth sports?
Yes! We work with many school districts to assist with CPR in Schools Programs, training staff in CPR, First Aid, Hands-Only CPR, AED training, and Sports First Aid & Injury Preparedness for Coaches. We also participate in health fairs and provide other specialized classes and services such as Stop the Bleed Training, Car Seat Safety Car Seat distribution & fitting, Bike Safety, Bike rodeos, Bike helmet fitting & distribution, and many other topics. We work with many scout groups to provide Wilderness First Aid Training, Babysitting classes, CPR & AED Training, and other courses. We provide training in youth sports for CPR, AED, First Aid, and Sports First Aid & Injury Prevention. We work with many non-profits as well to provide a wide variety of training options. Some course options may have a fee depending on the option selected. Please contact us for further information at Wendy.Hennessy@NuvanceHealth.org