A fast, and easy option for NRP certification and recertification is to take your courses online in lieu of the old format of attending in-person classes.
As the number of hospitals and institutions requiring NRP has increased, so too has the demand for certification courses. Many employers now give their employees the option of going online to certify as it is time and cost efficient.
The process to certify or recertify your NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) credentials online is not at all difficult. As easy as it is, you will need to take some time to make sure that the provider you choose will fit your needs. As such, we have compiled the following questions and answers to help you make sure that you can make the most informed decision possible.
These are commonly asked questions about NRP certification and recertification offered online:
Is an AHA Provider Card included?
In the simplest terms, no. The AHA (American Heart Association) does not at this time accredit nor approve any wholly online programs – as they do not offer a hands-on skills assessment – which is one of their key requirements for certification or renewal.
Must I take a skills assessment to pass?
You will not be administered a skills assessment for an online NRP certification course that is taken entirely online. Your grasp of the material normally tested by a skills assessment is tested cognitively rather than online.
If my employer does not accept my card, what then?
If your employer does not accept your Provider Card, some websites will offer a 100% money back guarantee, but not all will so be sure you make sure that the provider you choose does. It is also suggested that you check with your employer prior to registration to see if they will accept a Provider Card from the website you have chosen.
Is there a time limit on courses and exams?
You will find that very few NRP online courses are timed. Most are designed to allow you to work at your own pace, recognizing that being flexible and fitting into your schedule is one of the biggest perks of certifying or renewing online.
What happens if I don’t manage to pass the final?
If you do not pass your exam, most websites will allow you to retake it an unlimited number of times without waiting. There are some sites, however, that will impose a waiting period before retaking an exam and they may also charge an additional fee for each retake. Be sure you are clear on their policy for this prior to registering with any class.
What happens when I do pass the final?
Once you have passed and reviewed your exam, you will want to apply to receive any CME credits that are available and begin the process of obtaining your printable Provider Card.
How long before my physical Provider Card arrives?
The time it takes to receive your physical Provider Card may vary slightly from site to site, but in most cases, you can expect to receive it within 2-5 business days from the time you make your request. Some providers will offer a digital Provider card for the interim, which can be downloaded and printed immediately.
How long is certification good for?
NRP certifications and renewals are valid for two years from the date of issue, whether obtained on or offline.
What study material can I expect to receive?
Provider dependent, the study materials provided with your online course may vary significantly in format, but will always adhere to AHA guidelines. The three most common formats for study materials to arrive in are a downloadable PDF format, access to a locked website containing materials, or hard copies mailed to you. Which you choose is a matter of personal preference.
How is your organization legit without being accredited?
No NRP course that is offered online alone is AHA accredited. There are some, however, that may be accredited by other institutions and agencies such as the California Board of Registered Nursing or the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine. Just because a program is not AHA accredited does mean it is not accredited at all or invalid. Even unaccredited programs NPR cards are accepted by many hospitals.
Are CME Credit(s) part of this course?
This is wholly dependent on the provider. In many cases, you can receive CME credits for passing your NRP course online, but you will want to be sure that the provider you choose can do so in advance of registering.