I’ve worked with hundreds of aspiring nurses, fresh grads, and even seasoned pros making a career pivot. And there’s one line I hear over and over again: “I have certifications, but I don’t know where or how to put them on my resume.” Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding your head right now, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Whether you’re just stepping into healthcare or you’ve been on the floor for years, figuring out how to present your certifications like BLS, ACLS, and CPR can feel… confusing.
But trust me, it’s simpler than it looks. And once you get it right, you’ll instantly boost your resume’s impact—both for human eyes and those pesky Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
So let’s dive in. You’ve worked hard for these credentials. It’s time your resume shows it.
Why BLS, ACLS & CPR Matter on Your Resume
Imagine you’re an ER nurse manager sorting through 150 resumes. Who do you pick for an interview? The one with clearly listed emergency certifications or the one with a vague “certified in patient care” line buried somewhere near the bottom?
Certifications like:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
…aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re often must-haves, especially for jobs in emergency care, acute units, and even outpatient clinics.
Hiring managers want to know: Can you act fast? Can you respond to a code blue? Can you keep calm when someone’s life is on the line?
And your certifications answer that—fast.
Where to Put BLS, ACLS & CPR on a Resume (The Golden Rule)
Rule of thumb: Keep it clean, clear, and high up.
Here’s what I usually recommend:
✔ Certification Section (Best Practice)
Create a separate section titled Certifications or Licensure & Certifications below your education or near the bottom (if you’re experienced).
Example:
Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, Expires: March 2026
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), AHA, Valid through: March 2026
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Certified 2024
✔ Optional: Add to Summary
If the job posting emphasizes these certs (which many do), mention them briefly in your Professional Summary.
Example:
Compassionate RN with 4+ years in emergency medicine. Certified in BLS, ACLS & CPR. Known for fast response during high-pressure clinical situations.
This approach helps both ATS software and real humans instantly see that you’re qualified.
Formatting Tips: How to List Them Clearly
Don’t overthink it, but do follow these tips:
- Use bullet points.
- Include full names of certifications.
- Mention issuing organization (like AHA).
- Add expiration dates (if you have them).
And please, avoid vague lines like:
“CPR Certified.”
Instead say:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), American Heart Association, Issued 2024
Bonus Tip:
If you’re still in school or awaiting renewal, use phrases like:
- “Scheduled for renewal June 2025”
- “In progress, expected April 2024”
Real-Life Coaching Story: Jenna’s Resume Glow-Up
When I worked with Jenna—a newly graduated RN—her first resume draft buried her certifications halfway down the second page.
She told me, “I thought they’d just know I had them. Doesn’t everyone?”
Not exactly.
Once we bumped her BLS and ACLS into their own section near the top and reworded her summary to highlight them, she started getting interview calls within a week.
Moral of the story? Don’t hide your superpowers.
BLS, ACLS & CPR vs. Other Certifications
Here’s how they stack up:
| Certification | Who Needs It | How to List It |
|---|---|---|
| BLS | All nurses, CNAs, med students | BLS, American Heart Association, Expires 2026 |
| ACLS | ER, ICU, Cardiac nurses | ACLS, AHA, Valid thru 2026 |
| CPR | Entry-level, home health, caregivers | CPR Certified, Red Cross, 2024 |
Also consider:
- PALS (for peds)
- NRP (for neonatal care)
Include those too if they’re relevant.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
❌ Mistake: Grouping them into one vague line
“CPR/BLS/ACLS certified.”
✅ Fix: Break them out separately with dates and sources.
❌ Mistake: Leaving out the expiration date
Hiring managers may think it’s expired.
✅ Fix: Always include valid-through or expiration info.
❌ Mistake: Hiding it at the bottom
Especially on a 2-page resume
✅ Fix: Put it near the top or in a clean “Certifications” section.
How ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) Read Your Resume
Here’s the truth: ATS systems scan your resume for keywords like “BLS certified” or “ACLS”.
If your certs aren’t listed clearly or if they’re inside a graphic or image, the system might not see them. That could send your resume straight to the digital trash.
To be safe:
- Use plain text
- Avoid putting certifications in headers/footers
- Use standard phrasing (“Basic Life Support (BLS)”)
When You Don’t Have the Certifications Yet
First off, don’t panic.
Many employers allow time to complete certs after hiring. Just be honest.
Example:
Basic Life Support (BLS) – Scheduled April 2024
Also, you can still say:
Knowledge of emergency care protocols; CPR/BLS training in progress
Related Resources:
- How to Write a Nursing Resume with No Experience
- Free Nurse Resume Builder
- Infection Control Nurse Resume Guide: Tips & Examples
FAQs
Q: How do I include BLS, ACLS, and CPR on my resume?
A: Create a dedicated “Certifications” section. List each cert by full name, include the issuing organization, and note the expiration.
Q: Where should I list my CPR certification on a resume?
A: Either under a “Certifications” section or in your summary if it’s required for the job.
Q: Should I include expiration dates?
A: Yes! It helps employers know your certifications are up-to-date.
Q: Can I still get hired without them listed?
A: Maybe—but why risk it? Clear, well-placed certs give you an instant edge.
Final Encouragement
If you’re sitting there thinking, “I still don’t know if I’m doing this right,” let me reassure you:
You don’t have to make it perfect. You just have to make it clear.
If you need a boost, I’ve got a free template that includes space for your certs and all. Grab it below. Tweak it. Make it yours.
You’re already doing amazing things—now let your resume show it.
Want a head start? Try our free nurse resume template. It’s clean, simple, and built to help you feel confident applying. You’ve got this.
