After training more than 8,000 professionals and students in life-saving CPR and Basic Life Support in the past eight years, The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing has officially been designated as an American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center.
“Becoming an American Heart Association Training Center is a distinguished achievement that affirms the School of Nursing’s unwavering commitment to excellence in health care education,” said DeAnna Baker, Learning Enhancement & Academic Progress Center (LEAP) training and special projects director, who manages the trainings. “This designation elevates the School’s position within the UT System and underscores our dedication to advancing health education and life-saving skills across both the health care profession and the community.”
The designation, awarded on May 27, 2025, recognizes UT Austin School of Nursing’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality Basic Life Support (BLS) training across campus and the wider community.
The School of Nursing’s journey toward becoming a Training Center began in Fall 2017, when the LEAP Center partnered with St. David’s Institute for Learning (IFL) to certify four staff members as AHA BLS instructors. This step enabled the School to deliver affordable, AHA-compliant training to students, faculty and staff—particularly crucial for nursing students preparing to enter their clinical year.
By 2018, the School of Nursing had become an official AHA training site. From there, the School expanded its reach, collaborating with UT Athletics and University Health Services to centralize IFL instructors under a single program. The School also extended its impact beyond campus by partnering with the Austin Independent School District to certify Career and Technical Education teachers, equipping them to train high school students in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
To date, 8,500 have been certified through the School of Nursing.
“Through nationally recognized certification programs—such as AHA Heartsaver and BLS Provider courses—the School of Nursing proudly upholds the highest standards in CPR, aligned with the most current AHA Emergency Cardiovascular Care guidelines,” Baker added. “These offerings reflect our steadfast commitment to preparing individuals with the knowledge and confidence to act decisively in critical moments.”
Today, the School of Nursing’s AHA program includes a network of more than 55 certified instructors who serve a wide range of communities—from Fort Hood and Laguna Vista to Dripping Springs and throughout the Austin area.
Becoming an AHA Training Center elevates the School of Nursing’s ability to strengthen public health preparedness and supports its mission to empower future nurses and health professionals with critical, life-saving skills.
Visit the School of Nursing’s Compliance Certification page for upcoming courses and program details.