I signed up for the BLS skills session on a Thursday evening, and went straight from work. Due to a horrible accident on the beltway causing traffic to crawl for miles and many people being redirected, I got to the session about a half hour late. Not only was I extremely embarrassed, since I pride myself on always being on time, but I had already paid for the class, and I was worried the instructor wouldn't let me in (the building is locked at the time that the session goes on.) Thankfully, the instructor was extremely understanding and had no problem letting me in late. Apart from being a very fun, helpful instructor, she worked quickly and the students got out in a quarter of the time we had expected to spend there. It was overall a great experience and I could not have been happier with the outcome! My only suggestion is that communication before the session could have been better. It turns out that the instructor that was originally scheduled to hold the session was out of town, but I never received a notification. So during the traffic jam, I had made a few attempts to inform the instructor with no response. Of course this was because it was a whole different instructor that was holding the session. In the end it didn't make a difference, but it still would have been nice to know! read more

Took the ACLS renewal 8 hour course. I always always always dread this, and I use it all the time in ICU. I can't imagine going into it having not utilized the information in the 2 years since last taking the class! I've had some instructors that were incredibly difficult and I barely made it through, and I've had some that were too far the other way, too laissez-faire to really feel it truly "refreshed" my knowledge. The instructor Denise put me (and I think the group) at ease from the start. It seems to be the way AHA is going now anyway, but she kept everything very simplified, succinct, straight to the point and easy to remember. For the first time in my 10 years I didn't have to use the book to just make sure I was answering correctly. I walked away feeling very capable in my knowledge, which is the way I feel we as professionals should feel in dealing with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (among everything else). In short, highly recommended. If at all possible I will be taking my courses through this center and with Denise as many times in the future as possible! 6 stars! ****** (PS- In the interest of full disclosure, I did use the book for one question. Should have used it for another, the one I answered wrong. ) read more

I recently took the BLS course that the Heart Center offers and was extremely impressed. Our instructor thoroughly covered each step and made sure each person understood everything fully prior to moving on to a new topic/procedure. This course is designed for someone seeking their initial certification or their renewal certification and was more than sufficient for both types in my opinion. In fact, there was a girl in my class who was getting her initial certification and our instructor ensured that she was comfortable with the material prior to moving on with the lesson. He took his time to answer each one of our questions explicitly. My first CPR class with another organization was awful as that instructor read directly from the book, extending the lesson unnecessarily. This was NOT the case with the course I took at The Heart Center. We were instructed through practical application and discussed various scenarios that we might be presented with in an emergency situation. It was great "real world" training in my opinion. The Heart Center provided informative, efficient, and thorough instruction and I was very pleased. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for a AHA BLS certification course. read more

This was a a very good class. I was not looking forward to going as I have been to so many boring CPR classes. Our instructor was awesome. He was serious but still laid back. I thought he made everyone in the small class (maybe 5 or 6 students) feel comfortable. I especially liked the fact that he headed off students from telling all their CPR, AED, and choking stories! He understood that most of us wanted to learn the information and go. The equipment was clean and in working condition. The room was well furnished with tables so we were not practicing on the floor. A restroom was nearby too. Street parking was close and available (for the evening class I attended) One thing: when I signed up online, the site seemed to indicate that purchasing the book was necessary. I did. When attending the class, I was told it was not necessary and there were no refunds. I thought that should have been more clear on the online sign up page. It was still a nice class and I am going back! read more

The ACLS class with John Hawkins was absolutely outstanding. I am a recently graduated medical student and took ACLS for the first time in preparation for residency. John simplified the algorithms in a way that made it easy to understand how to approach a sick patient, drilled several key points into our minds (for example ABCs/ CABs), and did a phenomenal job getting each student to do hands-on practice with simulated scenarios. John's extensive experience with cardiac life support combined with his concise, direct teaching style make this class highly effective and efficient. I have friends who took the initial ACLS at other places and had vastly different experiences, including some negative ones where the course was condensed into only a few hours without hands-on practice for all students. John's course at the Heart Center was excellent, and I feel prepared to begin residency and help run codes. I highly recommend the ACLS course with the Heart Center. read more

Recommendation for John Hawkins There is indeed no doubt to recommend John Hawkins and The Heart Center to everyone who wants to learn basic and advanced life support, principals /skills. John is not only smart and knowledgeable person, but he seems to have full of devotion to teach, and most important he knows how to transfer his knowledge to other. John is able to guid his students to implement the knowledge in a systematic , easy way in code situations . During my two days course /training with John at The Heart Center, he indeed created a relaxing, enjoyable environment although demonstrating critical scenarios. In my opinion, John has a passion for teaching and for sharing his knowledge . Ps: he is although thoughtful and generous in catering lunch for his students. I will highly recommend John Hawkins ,The Heart Center to everyone who wants to learn basic and advanced life support, principals and skills. F.Hosseinkhah read more

I took the ACLS and PALS recert courses and really liked the efficiency of it! They were able to accommodate a group of 15 of us and they have many days available to sign up. Having the flexibility of signing up almost any day of the week (including Saturday) day or evening classes was great! I even had to switch days several times because my schedule changed and there was no problem at all! John does a great job getting through the material very efficiently so you don't feel like you are wasting your time and taught us an efficient way to get through the algorithms without having to flip through that card and get lost in the arrows and trying to remember what to do next! Would highly recommend! The facility out in Alexandria is nice, but they can also come to you if you have a group of at least 5 I think. Glad these are good for 2 years, but will definitely come back when the time has come to recert again! read more

Very easy to register, TONS of classes at good times to accommodate all kinds of work schedules, nice environment, catered lunch, and good training. I registered 2 days before my class (no time to receive my book in the mail!) and John made me feel comfortable that everything would be just fine on the day of my recert class. John has his own algorithms to help you remember what you need to know, especially in a REAL emergency situation. In my work, I am exposed to a lot of emergency situations. These classes can be painful because you feel that you typically just go through the motions. In John's class, he makes the information very practical, and honestly, I feel like it's more geared toward the experienced provider to help team leaders truly RUN a code. I would highly reccomend this class if you are looking for an AHA certification for anything. I'll be going back for PALS and BLS as well. read more

I took the ACLS course with John. I was referred to him by my coworkers who said amazing things about him and the course. I had such a great experience as well and would highly recommend him to anyone that needs BLS, PALS, or ACLS. He teaches the material in a way that makes it easy to understand and remember. He'll give you tools and cards to help you study. The practical portion solidifies what you learn in theory so you can be prepared for real life scenarios. you won't waste time going off topic. Obviously you'll need to study before taking the class but no need to stress if you take the class seriously he will teach it to you well. I would take notes on what he says the first day and study it that night. I took the course in Alexandria- If you need your team trained you can also talk to him about coming into your office. read more

I took a BLS recert class earlier this week. Dr. Avery who normally teaches ACLS and PALS, was a substitute instructor. We were unable to watch the video due to technical difficulties but she winged it and taught the content as well if not better than the video. I had already watched the video online and it put me to sleep. Dr. Avery provided a fun and non-stressful experience. I would definitely take the class again and also enroll in an ACLS class there if necessary. The cost for the class was also slightly less than others I had considered and BLS classes are offered twice/week in the evening. The only drawback was parking. On-street metered parking is limited to two hours and garage parking is tight and expensive. The metro is right across the street and that would be the best way to go. read more

My son and I just took the BLS for Health Providers. The timing was perfect because we needed this course ASAP for our EMT training (missed the inclass CPR certification). The time of the class was great, allowing us to go after work. The location was convenient, easy to find, and parking was available (wished it was free). Our instructor was awesome, a highly experienced paramedic, nurse, cardiologist! When do you ever see such a combo!!! She gave the latest information, readily offered great tips and best practices, and easily walked us "newbies" through each of the skills with tremendous patience. It really helps that the instructor cares not only about skill acquisition for the student but also for the potential patients we will use these sills on! Thanks Doc! read more

It was well run and the learning modules were scaffolded in a way to build on skills. It was my first time taking the BLS course was anxious about passing the course. Once I made it through the first module, and saw how interactive it was my mind was put at ease. I will need to be re-certified every two years and will certainly be coming back to The Heart Center. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... The facility is clean and easy to find. The dummies are well maintained. The presentation is state of the art and engaging. read more

I am starting a new job and needed BLS for HCP through a specific organization, AHA, and after searching and reading many reviews I settled on The Heart Center. I had an original class date in June but had to reschedule on extremely short notice and John was more than accommodating in rescheduling me at a more convenient time that worked for me. I completed my class and could not have been happier with the instruction provided. The facility is top notch, the simulation tools are exceptional and my instructor, Rebecca, was amazing. She was kind, patient, and professional but most importantly knowledgeable. I highly recommend this organization and will definitely be using it in the near future for my required ACLS. read more

I have taken ACLS numerous during my nursing career. This is the BEST class I've ever taken! John is clear, a great teacher, and funny. He has organized the materials in a way that makes it easy to conceptualize and remember. Forget memorizing dozens of templates.. You will remember what to do after being taught this simple series of questions. Simple questions, starting with "is your patient dead or alive?" Revolutionized ACLS for me. The environment is beautiful and comfortable. When you arrive there are high quality pastries and coffee for you. You order lunch from Theisman's restuarant, all on him. What a classy touch! If you have to take ACLS, this is the class to take! read more

I have taken my last two ACLS courses at The Heart Center, and I am completely satisfied with the content, depth, clarity and positive team atmosphere that is provided. If you are a knowledge-deficient student, then you will be brought up to speed by being focused on in an intense, yet non-aggressive way. If you are a seasoned professional, all you have to do is ask questions, make requests for immediate course adjustments, or chime in any time to be satisfied. Students should always do their homework before class, but, at the end of the day, if you pay attention in class then you WILL learn everything necessary to be a competent emergency responder and you WILL get certified. read more

This class instructed by John Hawkins is uniquely different from the other certification classes I have done in the past. The ACLS class I have attended this last week stood up from the other classes I did, it was on point and uses common sense for the students to remember things easily. John also made the algorithm easy to understand by heart. He summarized the relevant points that you can easily apply to save lives. I would attend PALS and BLS in the future with John! His teaching style would benefit the Novice students for their early job start. I should have known him when I was a young RN so I will have a better and good foundation when I had started. Thank you again! read more

Very PLEASED with their customer service and trainings, they are great. I had signed up for both BLS and ACLS classes. Due to personal circumstances I had to CHANGE the class schedule a few times. They were very understanding and ACCOMODATING and did not give me any sort of hassle. I ended up doing BLS ONLINE with them instead, which is quite informative and do-able for everyone. They actually REFUNDED the difference to me since I was initially scheduled for on-site training. They're also very easily ACCESSIBLE by phone and email. No following PROMPTS! PARKING in Alexandria location is not bad either, plus there's a parking garage around the corner. Great experience! read more

Perfect way to get recertified-most is online, then you go in for a 30-45 min skills check, real easy to sign up, lots of available sessions, and location is across the street from king st metro. I'm an EM physician and have to recert every 2 years, which is a pain, this was the best way to do it without having to sit in a classroom for 8 hours. And the online class is a very good review if you take the time to go through it, even has simulation patient scenarios. The skills sessions don't teach you anything, they just have you run the basic skills (as it should be), and are short and to the point, they don't make you run mega codes by yourself or anything tough. read more