BLS vs CPR: What is the Best for Ontario healthcare
BLS vs CPR in Ontario: what employers really require (2025)
Quick answer: In Ontario healthcare, BLS (Basic Life Support) is the standard certification employers ask for in clinical roles (nurses, physicians, RTs, paramedics, dental teams, students on placement). CPR (often “CPR Level C” with AED) is typically acceptable for non-clinical roles and for meeting general workplace first-aid compliance under WSIB Regulation 1101.
Tell us your role (RN student, dental assistant, LTC, clinic admin) and your start date—we’ll match the right certificate.
Anyone in Ontario who is unsure whether they need BLS or CPR Level C,
especially students starting clinical placements and teams working in healthcare settings.
TL;DR: who needs what
Hospitals, clinics, long-term care & placements
Need: BLS (healthcare provider level)—commonly from Heart & Stroke or Canadian Red Cross. Many Ontario nursing programs and placement partners require BLS before you can start clinical shifts.
Dental practices (Ontario)
Need: Clinical staff should be trained to deliver BLS. Keeping BLS current is strongly recommended, and is mandatory for those providing sedation (or equivalent requirements).
General workplaces (non-healthcare)
Need: Standard First Aid + CPR (often Level C) with AED for WSIB Regulation 1101 compliance. BLS is usually not required for non-clinical workplaces.
BLS vs CPR: what’s the difference?
| Topic | BLS (Basic Life Support) | CPR (often Level C) with AED |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Healthcare professionals & first responders | General public & non-clinical workplaces |
| Skills focus | High-performance, team-based resuscitation; bag-mask ventilation; 1- & 2-rescuer adult/child/infant CPR; choking; AED | Single-rescuer adult/child/infant CPR; choking; AED basics |
| Typical duration | ~4 hours standalone (longer with oxygen/airway modules) | Varies by provider; often included in Standard First Aid |
| Certificate validity (Canada) | Typically 1 year | Often 3 years (organization-dependent; many employers recert sooner) |
| Common brands in Ontario | Heart & Stroke BLS; Canadian Red Cross BLS | Red Cross CPR A/C; St. John Ambulance CPR C; etc. |
If you still see “CPR-HCP”, that’s an older label—many providers replaced it with BLS for healthcare audiences.
What Ontario healthcare employers ask for in 2025
Hospitals, outpatient clinics, home & community care
Ontario postings and partner clinical programs consistently expect a current BLS (healthcare provider level) certification. Many nursing and allied health programs specify BLS as a pre-placement requirement. Expect annual renewal.
Dental practices
Dental teams are expected to be capable of delivering BLS; maintaining current BLS is strongly recommended, and may be mandatory for those involved with sedation services (or equivalent requirements).
Paramedics
Paramedic practice assumes BLS-level competencies as a minimum baseline of patient care.
General workplaces (non-clinical)
To comply with WSIB Regulation 1101, employers must have trained first aiders on every shift and appropriate kits. This is typically met with Standard First Aid + CPR (Level C) with AED—not BLS.
How long is your card valid?
BLS (Canada)
Typically a 1-year certification cycle. Many hospitals and schools require you to be current on placement start and remain current at all times while practicing.
CPR (non-BLS)
Often 3 years (provider-dependent). Some employers set shorter renewal expectations.
Pro tip
If you’re starting placement, book early so your certificate is current on day one—and stays current through the term.
Which one should you take?
- Clinical staff (RN, RPN, NP, MD, RT, EMS, PT/OT/SLP in hospitals/clinics, dental teams): Take BLS. Check whether Heart & Stroke is specifically preferred.
- Students heading into clinical placements: You’ll virtually always need BLS before your first shift—book early.
- Admin/support roles & non-clinical workplaces: CPR Level C with AED (often inside Standard First Aid) typically meets WSIB rules.
2025 Ontario nuance to know
Branding can matter
Some postings and advanced courses explicitly require Heart & Stroke BLS; others accept Red Cross BLS. Always check the fine print before you book.
“CPR-HCP” vs “BLS”
If you still see CPR-HCP on older job posts or documents, it’s usually referring to today’s BLS (healthcare provider level).
FAQs
Is BLS harder than CPR Level C?
BLS is deeper and faster-paced, emphasizing team-based resuscitation (bag-mask ventilation, roles, timing) on top of high-quality compressions and AED use. CPR Level C is built for lay responders.
How often should I renew BLS?
Plan for every 12 months in Canada; many employers and schools require you to stay current year-round.
Does WSIB require BLS?
No. WSIB Regulation 1101 requires trained first aiders and CPR/AED coverage—BLS is not stipulated for general workplaces.
I work in a dental office—do I need BLS or CPR C?
Ontario’s dental regulator expects clinical staff to be trained to BLS level; current BLS is strongly recommended and required for sedation providers (or equivalent requirements).
I’m an Ontario nursing student starting placement—what card do I need?
Your school and clinical partners will almost certainly require BLS (healthcare provider level)—often named Heart & Stroke BLS—before your first shift.
References
Add links to the official pages below (Heart & Stroke, Canadian Red Cross, WSIB Regulation 1101, Mohawk/Faculty placement requirements, RCDSO).
- Heart & Stroke Canada — BLS overview & renewal guidance
- Canadian Red Cross — BLS course & certification validity; recert policy
- WSIB Regulation 1101 — First aid requirements for Ontario workplaces
- Ontario nursing/clinical placement requirements (e.g., Mohawk College / Faculty of Health Sciences)
- RCDSO — Ontario dental office expectations (BLS competence; sedation requirements)
