Top 10 Tips to Find Students for CPR Classes in 2024

One of the many benefits of owning a Training Center or being an Emergency Care Instructor is knowing there is a strong need for CPR classes. There’s a large pool of students just waiting to be tapped into, whether they need initial training or renewal certification. But to teach these students, you must find them first. Whether you’re a new or seasoned CPR Instructor, consider these proven methods to find students for CPR classes.

How to find students for CPR classes

Before diving into strategies to attract students, you need to understand your target audience. Start by analyzing your local market to identify gaps among industries and community groups. This might include offering services to parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, fitness groups, first responders, and more. Tailoring your approach to the specific needs and interests of each demographic will increase the likelihood of connecting with the right students.

Once you have a target audience (or several) in mind, you can focus your efforts on bringing students in. Here are some of the best ways to find students for CPR classes.

1. Rely on word of mouth

Every CPR course you teach and every interaction you have is a chance to boost your reputation and leverage the most organic form of marketing: word of mouth.

We naturally share our opinions — positive or negative — on products and services to those around us. When a student has a great experience in class, they will share that experience with friends, family members, or co-workers. So, encourage students to provide feedback online that way others can also benefit from taking your class.

2. Distribute marketing materials

Printed and digital marketing materials can help find students and spread the word about your business. Not everyone is skilled in graphic design, so HSI has created templated fliers that are located in the Otis Portal. HSI Training Centers can simply fill in pertinent class information, print and distribute. You can also directly email your fliers to cut costs.

Distribute your fliers to places such as local daycares, learning centers, churches, private businesses, dental offices, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, youth organizations, and camps. No business is too big or too small to benefit from your services.

Keep in mind that many industries require their employees to gain, at minimum, an Adult CPR and First Aid training certification every two years. This provides a great opportunity to earn repeat business.

3. Take advantage of networking opportunities and hand out business cards

Business cards are a traditional marketing tool that you can take anywhere. You never know who you might run into at the grocery store, airport, or a casual night of dining. Be ready to provide a simple means of communication if the conversation turns to what you do for a living or the need for your services arises. There are many online stores that can help you create your business cards for a low price.

Additionally, consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce to network with other small business owners and the local community. These organizations focus on creating opportunities for small businesses.

4. Use online platforms

Social media is a free marketing outlet that allows you to leverage your current network of friends and family to find students. But it also gives you an opportunity to extend your reach to additional audiences.

Popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Yelp. But it’s not necessary to overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all. Pick a platform that makes since for your target audience and then dedicate some time to doing it well.

For example, if you create a business Facebook page, you can reach a broader audience and use analytical tools to determine which posts your audience is engaging with and how far your reach is.

When using social media for marketing, be sure to:

• Post information about upcoming courses.
• Create useful content that can be shared.
• Network within local Facebook groups.
• Show testimonials from students.

Your social media strategy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. But you should try to be consistent to boost engagement.

5. Create a business website

A website is a great way to give instant credibility to your CPR business. There are many user-friendly platforms that are low-cost and equipped with templates to make building your website less intimidating. There are also numerous free resources and tutorials online to get your technology skills up to speed, so you can properly maintain your website.

6. Expand your customer base with a variety of HSI programs

You’re likely teaching CPR, AED, and First Aid courses, but did you know HSI has other emergency care and active violence training programs? Consider expanding your offerings with:

• Basic Life Support (BLS). Ideal for healthcare providers and public safety professionals.
• Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT). Active shooter response training created for all industries.
• Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS). Gives teenagers and young adults information about starting a babysitting business; working with parents and children; and key safety, caregiving, and first aid tips.

This list is just a small sample of the training programs HSI has to offer.

7. Reach out to youth organizations and local schools

Don’t overlook the opportunity to work with local youth organizations, including elementary and high schools. Staff members will be required to maintain current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification. Plus, you can hold a CPR certification class or enrichment course for the children. Keep in mind that you may need to tailor your teaching style and course delivery when teaching CPR to children.

Youth organizations, like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the YMCA, employ part-time staff and tend to have a naturally high turnover rate. Therefore, many youth organizations can benefit from having a go-to person for CPR classes.

8. Participate in community events

Get some face-to-face time with your community by participating in local health fairs, street fairs, and other community events. Set up a simple booth with marketing fliers and sample training materials, and bring manikins for hands-on practice of chest compressions and other essential skills.

9. Capitalize on repeat business

Use your Otis portal to stay connected with students and contact them when it’s time to renew their certification. The Otis Portal allows you to easily access their contact information and email reminders about renewing with you. No more digging through boxes or binders of course records to generate repeat business!

10. Contact local media

Establish a relationship with local newspapers, radio stations and television channels to share information about the lifesaving skills of CPR. Offer to provide interviews or contribute to articles on the importance of CPR training, especially when a newsworthy event happens, such as a celebrity or athlete experiencing cardiac arrest. Local media will want to provide quotes and insight from experts in the field while covering the topic.

Teaching CPR classes in 2024

Successfully finding students for CPR classes involves a combination of online and offline strategies. By understanding the needs of your target audience and building rapport within your community, you can create a thriving CPR business that fills your roster and empowers students to respond in an emergency situation.

Is your Training Center taking advantage of everything HSI has to offer? New programs can help you expand your training offerings to new markets.

And remember, the HSI store has everything you need for training. Order directly through your Otis portal.