AHA-certified BLS, ACLS, and CPR + First Aid classes designed specifically for dialysis technicians, nephrology nurses, and renal unit staff. Whether you work at a DaVita, Fresenius, or independent dialysis center — we deliver the certifications CMS ESRD and NNCC require with same-day cards and dialysis-specific instruction.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) ESRD regulations require all dialysis center clinical staff to maintain current CPR certification. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) and Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) mandate CPR certification for certified hemodialysis technicians (CHT) and nephrology nurses. Our dialysis-focused certification classes are taught by instructors who understand the unique cardiac risks of ESRD patients — including fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, access-related complications, and the high cardiovascular mortality rate in this patient population.
Different dialysis roles require different certifications. Here is what Illinois dialysis technicians and nephrology staff need based on their position and CMS ESRD requirements.
BLS required by NNCC and BONENT. CPR + First Aid for non-certified techs.
DaVita, Fresenius, independent dialysis centers, hospital-based units
BLS required. ACLS for charge nurses and clinical leads in dialysis units.
Dialysis centers, hospital nephrology units, home dialysis programs
CPR + First Aid required. BLS recommended for PCTs in acute dialysis.
Outpatient dialysis centers, acute dialysis in hospitals
CPR + First Aid required. BLS recommended for clinical bio med techs.
Dialysis equipment maintenance, water treatment systems
BLS required. ACLS for interventional nephrology specialists.
Fistula centers, vascular access programs, interventional suites
CPR + First Aid recommended for all renal team members per CMS.
Dialysis centers, renal clinics, transplant centers
BLS for all dialysis clinical staff. CPR + First Aid for all center personnel. ACLS for charge nurses and clinical leads. All AHA-certified with same-day card issuance and CMS ESRD compliance.

Required for all dialysis technicians and nephrology nurses
AHA BLS Provider certification is required for all dialysis technicians, nephrology nurses, and clinical staff in dialysis centers per CMS ESRD regulations. Covers high-quality CPR for adults, AED use, bag-mask ventilation, and team-based resuscitation dynamics for dialysis unit code responses — critical for patients with high cardiac risk during treatment.
Required For:
Required for all dialysis center staff including patient care techs
Heartsaver CPR + First Aid certification covers the emergency response skills dialysis center staff need during treatment. Includes hypotension and syncope response, fluid overload recognition, access site bleeding management, allergic reaction to dialyzer or medication response, and seizure management — all common dialysis unit emergencies where rapid response saves lives.
Required For:
Required for charge nurses and dialysis unit clinical leads
AHA ACLS Provider certification for dialysis charge nurses, nephrology nurse practitioners, and clinical leads who manage cardiac emergencies in the dialysis unit. Covers cardiac arrest algorithms specific to ESRD patients, advanced airway management, pharmacology including dialysis-specific drug dosing, post-cardiac arrest care for fluid-restricted patients, and team-based resuscitation in the dialysis setting.
Required For:
Our instructors use real dialysis center scenarios — cardiac arrest during treatment, hypotension and syncope response, access site bleeding, fluid overload emergencies, and electrolyte-related arrhythmias. Not generic classroom examples.
Early morning (before first shift), between shifts (midday), evening (after last treatment), and weekend sessions — because dialysis centers operate 6-7 days a week. We schedule around your treatment schedule, not the other way around.
Walk out with your official AHA card in hand. Accepted by CMS ESRD, NNCC, BONENT, and every Illinois dialysis center licensing survey without question. No mail delays that risk compliance gaps.
On-site training at your dialysis center for your entire staff — clinical, technical, dietary, and administrative. Volume pricing and CMS compliance documentation included. Perfect for DaVita, Fresenius, and independent centers.
Complete roster reports, completion certificates, and AHA card tracking formatted for your clinical manager and CMS surveyors. Compatible with CROWNWeb and most dialysis center management systems.
From downtown to the suburbs — find a class within 15 minutes of your dialysis center, no matter which county or health system you serve. DaVita and Fresenius networks across Chicagoland covered.
“I needed my BLS renewed before my NNCC recertification deadline. The instructor actually knew about dialysis — they used hypotension and syncope scenarios that happen every shift in our unit. Best CPR class I've taken in my 12 years as a CHT.”
“We needed to recertify 28 staff members before our annual CMS survey. They came to our center, ran sessions between our treatment shifts, and every technician had their card before they left. The compliance documentation was exactly what CMS needed.”
“As a charge nurse, I needed ACLS specifically for dialysis patients. The instructor covered cardiac arrest algorithms for fluid-overloaded patients, potassium-related arrhythmias, and post-arrest care for ESRD patients. Clinically relevant and immediately applicable.”
Coordinating individual CPR renewals for an entire dialysis center staff wastes administrative time and risks CMS ESRD compliance gaps. Our on-site group training solves this for DaVita, Fresenius, and independent dialysis centers of any size across Chicagoland.
We bring all manikins, AED trainers, and dialysis-specific equipment directly to your center. No travel required for your staff. Training in your break room, conference room, or unused treatment bay.
Groups of 6+ receive discounted per-person rates. Centers of 30+ staff qualify for partner pricing. BLS + First Aid combo packages available for mixed clinical and non-clinical staff.
We run sessions before first shift, between shifts, after last treatment, and on weekends — ensuring every staff member gets certified without disrupting your treatment schedule or understaffing your unit.
Complete roster reports, completion certificates, and AHA card tracking formatted for your clinical manager and CMS surveyors. Compatible with CROWNWeb and most dialysis center management systems.
2,100+ dialysis staff certified annually
Across 45+ Illinois dialysis centers
Tell us about your center size, certification needs, and preferred timing. Our dialysis training coordinator will respond within 2 hours with a custom quote and available dates.
No commitment required. We will respond within 2 hours.
We offer BLS, ACLS, and CPR + First Aid certification for dialysis technicians at locations near every major dialysis corridor in the Chicago metro area.
BLS, ACLS, and CPR + First Aid certification for dialysis technicians across the Chicago metro area. Same-day AHA cards, CMS ESRD-compliant instruction, and on-site group training for your entire center.