Free or really low cost CPR certification classes in NY metro area?

January 7, 2011 1:13 PM

Does anyone know where to get FREE Red Cross CPR certification in NYC/NY metro area?

I've been thinking about working as a nanny after I graduate college this spring, in case I can't get a job in my desired field right away. I think being CPR certified might be a requirement if I go through an agency and a plus if I find a job on my own (ie: craigslist), but as a broke student, I do not like the idea of having to pay $90 for a certification that only lasts one year (Red Cross CPR/AED Child w/CPR Infant).

Googling has only turned up free CPR training, which is just bystander CPR training and NOT full certification. Not interested in online classes (really, how can you practice CPR and know if you're doing it right over a computer?).

Through my googling, I read that free certification classes aren't so common because of the costs of testing materials and paying the instructor, etc. Okay. But San Francisco offers free certifications and has CPR Saturday every year. Is there anything like that in NYC? Are there any community groups that offer this for free? Or do I have no choice but to pay the $90? Does having CPR certification on my resume really matter as much as I think it does?

Thanks all!

posted by lovelygirl to Grab Bag (5 answers total)

Have you called the Red Cross and asked them? They'll be able to tell you when/if there are any Red Cross training days scheduled (Chicago has two a year, or at least used to, where you could get CPR certification in 5 hours for 5 bucks).

You might also want to contact Red Cross clubs at colleges in the area. Groups are often able to get discounts or free training depending on their arrangements with their parent branch.

I used to volunteer a lot for the Red Cross (both for the city branch and at my college), and I assure you you won't be disrupting anyone's day by asking. It's a very common question.
posted by phunniemee at 1:47 PM on January 7, 2011

Check your local CERT program. At least in some places, the 10 week training includes free CPR and First Aid training.
posted by bentley at 2:02 PM on January 7, 2011

Response by poster: @phunniemee, what number should I call? I called the 1-877-REDCROSS number but wasn't actually able to speak to a real person. Also tried 1-800-514-5103 but they just closed at 5pm! I'll try calling back tomorrow.
posted by lovelygirl at 2:09 PM on January 7, 2011

It looks like 212-875-2222 is the Red Cross of Greater NY's customer service line. I'd try that one (tomorrow, during business hours). I assume their office is REALLY BIG, so they might try to route you through some pre-recorded info on classes or something. Ask to be transferred to their Heath and Safety director.
posted by phunniemee at 3:08 PM on January 7, 2011

If it doesn't HAVE to be red cross, the American Heart Association generally charges (in my experience) $5 a person, and that's for card registration. They'll even come to you if you can get a group together. I much prefer the AHA classes to the Red Cross ones anyway.
posted by TomMelee at 6:16 AM on January 8, 2011