If you’re a nurse, medical assistant, CNA, EMT, or any healthcare professional working in Lakeland, Florida, keeping your CPR certification current is not just a requirement—it’s a critical part of your profession. But what happens when your CPR card expires?
Whether your CPR certification just expired last week or has been expired for months, this guide will walk you through exactly how to renew an expired CPR card in Lakeland and surrounding Polk County cities like Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, and Haines City.
Why CPR Certification is Critical for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers are required by employers and state licensing boards to maintain active CPR certification, typically through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross. This certification ensures you’re prepared to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies both in and out of the clinical setting.
In Florida, especially in healthcare-dense areas like Lakeland and Tampa, being AHA BLS certified is often a non-negotiable job requirement. Allowing your card to expire could affect your ability to work, renew your license, or maintain hospital privileges.
What Happens When Your CPR Card Expires?
If your CPR card has expired, you’re technically no longer certified, which means:
You may be pulled from direct patient care.
You may not meet job requirements or state board standards.
Your employer may require immediate recertification to maintain compliance.
Unlike a driver’s license, there’s no grace period for expired CPR certification. Once it’s expired, you must take a full BLS Provider class again—a renewal course is only valid for those who still hold an unexpired certification.
Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing an Expired CPR Card in Lakeland, FL
1. Determine What Type of CPR Class You Need
In most cases, healthcare providers need BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers, certified by the American Heart Association (AHA).
Common professions that require BLS CPR certification include:
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
Respiratory Therapists
Dental professionals
Medical assistants
Physical therapists
2. Find a CPR Training Center Near You in Lakeland
Search for AHA-certified CPR classes in Lakeland, FL. Look for providers who offer same-day certification and have mobile or on-site training options—especially helpful for healthcare teams or facilities.
Here are a few high-ranking Google search terms you can use:
“BLS certification near me Lakeland FL”
“Renew expired CPR card Lakeland Florida”
“American Heart Association BLS classes Polk County FL”
“CPR training for nurses in Winter Haven”
“Mobile CPR certification for healthcare providers Lakeland”
3. Choose Between In-Person or Blended Learning Options
In-person CPR classes in Lakeland are still the gold standard, especially if your card has expired. You’ll get hands-on practice with an instructor, and you can walk out with a new CPR card the same day.
However, many providers now offer blended learning options:
Part 1: Complete the AHA’s online BLS course.
Part 2: Schedule a hands-on skills session with a local instructor.
If your schedule is tight or you’re renewing for multiple staff members, blended CPR training may be the most convenient option.
CPR BLS Course
The AHA’s BLS CPR Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings.
The AHA’s BLS course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED.
Our BLS CPR course is available in our Lakeland and Tampa Locations, Our Online CPR Hybrid Course or We can set up a group class at your facility.
*Make sure to enter discount code upon checkout.
CPR, AED and First Aid Course
Looking for CPR certification near you? Enroll in our American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver® CPR, AED, and First Aid course, designed for individuals, employees, teachers, coaches, caregivers, and anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a CPR and First Aid certification to meet job or regulatory requirements.
This comprehensive, hands-on safety training course covers essential life-saving skills, including: CPR for adult child and infant; Use of an AED (difibrilator), Choking relief technique and First Aid care.
*Make sure to enter discount code upon checkout.
How Long Does a CPR Class Take?
A full BLS Provider CPR class typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. If your card is expired, you’ll need to take this full course rather than a shorter renewal session.
Mobile CPR instructors in Lakeland often offer flexible scheduling—nights, weekends, and even on-site at your facility.
What Will You Learn in a BLS for Healthcare Providers Class?
The American Heart Association BLS course includes:
High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
Use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
Team dynamics during resuscitation
Rescue breathing and choking relief
Bag-mask techniques
Response to opioid overdose emergencies
The course includes a written test and skills check-off, and upon completion, you’ll receive a 2-year AHA BLS certification card.
Where to Take CPR Classes in Lakeland and Polk County
If you’re searching for a reliable CPR training provider in Lakeland, make sure they are:
Certified by the American Heart Association
Experienced in training healthcare professionals
Offering fast certification and digital cards
Located conveniently or offering mobile CPR training in Polk County
Our CPR business offers on-site and mobile AHA BLS CPR certification classes in:
Lakeland
Winter Haven
Bartow
Auburndale
Haines City
Davenport
Lake Wales
Mulberry
We specialize in training for hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, dental offices, and healthcare students in clinicals.
What to Bring to Class
When you come to your CPR class in Lakeland, bring:
A valid photo ID
Pen and notepad
Comfortable clothing for kneeling and practicing CPR skills
Payment (some providers accept cash, card, or invoice employers directly)
How to Schedule Your CPR Renewal in Lakeland Today
Renewing your expired CPR certification doesn’t have to be a hassle. Our local CPR instructors serve all of Polk County and Central Florida, offering flexible class times to fit your schedule.
To schedule a class or request group training, call us today or book online:
Serving: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Auburndale, Lake Wales, and surrounding Polk County cities
We Come to You: On-site CPR classes for clinics, home health agencies, and ALFs
Same-Day Certification: Digital AHA BLS card issued the same day
Save time and take CPR Online!!
Our American Heart Association Hybrid CPR course is the ideal solution for busy healthcare professionals who don’t have hours to spare. Complete the online portion at your own pace, anytime, anywhere—and then schedule a quick, in-person skills session (30 min) at our facility to finish your certification.
It’s convenient, flexible, and fully AHA-compliant—perfect for those with demanding schedules who still need to stay certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my CPR card expired more than a year ago?
That’s fine. You can still take the full BLS class. Just be sure to let the instructor know it’s a renewal so they can focus on any skills you want to refresh.
Can I renew my CPR certification online?
Only partially. The AHA allows online learning for Part 1, but you must complete a hands-on skills session with an instructor in Lakeland to receive your card.
Do you offer group CPR training for clinics or facilities?
Yes, we specialize in mobile CPR certification for healthcare teams in Lakeland, Bartow, and surrounding areas. We bring the training to you!
What’s the difference between BLS and regular CPR?
BLS (Basic Life Support) is the level required for healthcare professionals, while standard CPR (Heartsaver) is for the general public, teachers, coaches, and parents.
Don’t Let an Expired CPR Card Risk Your Career
As a healthcare provider in Lakeland, you work hard to care for others. Keeping your CPR certification current is one of the easiest ways to stay compliant, stay employed, and stay ready to save lives.
We’re here to help you renew your expired CPR card quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a nurse, CNA, therapist, or student heading into clinicals, we’ve got you covered.
Lakeland Florida Training Center
211 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801 (No walk ins)
Tampa Florida Training Center
2130 W Main St, Tampa, FL 33607 (No walk ins)
