The American Heart Association (AHA) is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health and providing lifesaving training to individuals worldwide. As an aspiring instructor, you're taking the first step towards joining a community of dedicated professionals who share a passion for teaching and saving lives. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the AHA Instructor Candidate Application process, ensuring you're well-prepared for this exciting journey.
Why Become an AHA Instructor?
Before diving into the application process, let's explore the benefits of becoming an AHA Instructor. As an instructor, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Teach valuable lifesaving skills to individuals in your community
- Stay up-to-date with the latest medical research and advancements
- Enhance your professional development and networking opportunities
- Make a meaningful impact on the lives of others
Getting Started: Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
To become an AHA Instructor, you'll need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Hold a current certification in a relevant healthcare field (e.g., CPR, ACLS, PALS)
- Have a strong understanding of adult learning principles and teaching methods
Step 1: Choose Your Training Path
The AHA offers various training paths to become an instructor, including:
- Instructor Candidate: This path is ideal for individuals who are new to teaching and want to develop their skills.
- Experienced Instructor: If you have prior teaching experience, you may be eligible for this path, which allows you to teach AHA courses without additional training.
- Facilitator: This role involves assisting instructors with course delivery and may be a good option for those who want to gain experience before becoming a full-fledged instructor.
Step 2: Find a Training Center
To become an AHA Instructor, you'll need to find a Training Center that offers the Instructor Development Course (IDC). You can search for Training Centers in your area using the AHA's online database.
Step 3: Complete the IDC
The IDC is a comprehensive course that covers the fundamentals of teaching, adult learning principles, and AHA course-specific content. You'll learn how to:
- Create an engaging learning environment
- Develop effective lesson plans
- Teach AHA courses with confidence
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Once you've completed the IDC, you'll need to submit an online application to become an AHA Instructor. You'll be required to:
- Provide personal and professional contact information
- Upload a copy of your current certification and ID
- Pay the instructor candidate fee
Step 5: Pass the Instructor Written Exam
To become an AHA Instructor, you'll need to pass a written exam that assesses your knowledge of AHA course content and teaching principles.
Step 6: Complete a Monitoring Session
After passing the written exam, you'll need to complete a monitoring session with an AHA representative. This session will assess your teaching skills and provide feedback for improvement.
Gallery of AHA Instructor Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements to become an AHA Instructor?
+To become an AHA Instructor, you must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a current certification in a relevant healthcare field, and have a strong understanding of adult learning principles and teaching methods.
How do I find a Training Center to take the IDC?
+You can search for Training Centers in your area using the AHA's online database.
What is the cost of becoming an AHA Instructor?
+The cost of becoming an AHA Instructor varies depending on the Training Center and the courses you choose to teach.
By following these steps and meeting the eligibility requirements, you'll be well on your way to becoming an AHA Instructor. Remember to stay focused, work hard, and always keep your passion for teaching and saving lives at the forefront of your journey. Good luck!