Northern Illinois University
Department of Police and Public Safety

The NIU Department of Police and Public Safety believes each member of the community can save a life with the proper training. We want to give you the necessary skills in case a medical emergency arises. We hold skill checkoff classes on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is highly recommended due to demand and the limited availability of instructors for skill sessions.

Course Outline

Heartsaver CPR AED Course (American Heart Association)

This course is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for employment, regulatory or other requirements, or just wants to learn CPR. This course meets U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. The course covers adult CPR and AED, child CPR and AED, infant CPR and choking. The course is offered in a blended learning format that combines eLearning with a hands-on skills session. The student first completes the eLearning portion on their own through the American Heart Association (AHA). This gives the student flexibility to learn anywhere and at any time! The skills session is completed in person with an NIU Department of Police and Public Safety AHA certified Instructor on NIU’s campus in DeKalb, IL.

Students who successfully complete the online course and skills session will receive a Heartsaver CPR AED course completion card, valid for two years.

HeartCode BLS (American Heart Association)

This course is designed for healthcare providers caring for patients both in and out of the hospital setting. This class is for students pursuing careers in nursing, physical therapy, athletic training or other healthcare programs. HeartCode blended learning delivers quality resuscitation education regardless of where providers are located and gives them more control to complete the course at their own pace. Providers first complete the online portion of HeartCode BLS through the American Heart Association, and then complete a hands-on skills session with an NIU Police & Public Safety AHA certified BLS Instructor. Skills sessions are offered on NIU’s campus in DeKalb, IL.

Cost and Materials

Heartsaver CPR AED Course (American Heart Association)

The cost for the Heartsaver CPR skills checkoff is $20, which includes the certification card. The online portion of the course is completed and paid for separately through American Heart Association. A course completion certificate is required to be eligible for the skills checkoff.

HeartCode BLS (American Heart Association)

The cost for HeartCode BLS skills checkoff is $6.00, which includes the certification card. The online portion of the course is completed and paid for separately through American Heart Association. A course completion certificate is required to be eligible for the skills checkoff.

Fall 2023 Semester Schedule

Adult CPR Skills Sessions (For Heartsaver® and HeartCode® BLS).

If our classes do not meet your schedule, please reach out to the American Red Cross regarding their available classes. View all American Red Cross training classes.

First Aid Classes

First Aid Classes are now offered online. There is no longer a need to attend an in-person class. You can sign up for and take a First Aid Class through the American Red Cross.

Registering for a CPR Skills Checkoff Session

1. Pay the online fee and successfully complete the online portion of the American Heart Association class you need.
   • Heartsaver® CPR AED Online
   • HeartCode® BLS
2. Email the following information to cprinfo@niu.edu.
   • Full name
   • Skills session date and time requested
   • Attach a copy of your online course completion certificate
3. Pay for the card/skill test fee on the day of the test (must be cash/exact change).
   • Heartsaver card/skills ($20)
   • HeartCode BLS card/skills ($6)
   • Bring a photo ID
   • For university departments wanting to do an invoice to the NIU Police Department for the card/skills session, please provide a cost center.
     
     • Important note: this can only be done for the card/skills price and not the online cost to AHA

Once your email is received and it is confirmed you completed the online course you will be emailed the location for your skills test. If you fail to complete the steps above, you will be unable to participate in the skills test and will not receive a card.