Re: American Red Cross CPR for incoming (Q1) students
Well, you can always take the AHA course every year if you like.
FWIW: Santa Clara EMS requires EMTs/EMT-Ps to have AHA "certification" (it really isn't "certification" -- but not sure what else to call it), from what I understand. So, if you happen to be interested in also getting your EMT (and work in Santa Clara County) -- AHA would be the way to go.
Further, if you ever want to be a CPR instructor (a great job, IMO, for nursing students) -- AHA pays better. $20-$25/hr compared to $14 -- unless ARC has raised their prices.
ARC (for whom I've been a volunteer) annoys me at times because they seem to charge students more and pay instructors less. I had the sense of being somewhat nickled and dimed.
Incidentally, you can also get "certified" via various classes at local community colleges (West Valley, Mission, maybe DeAnza -- but may be part of another course, like the lifesaving course).
In about a year after starting school, you may be interested in taking ACLS, which is definitely an AHA course.
