How to Start Teaching Red Cross Classes
Being freshly graduated from the American Red Cross instructor course, you feel a blend of excitement and uncertainty. What to do next? If your desire to start teaching and help others is strong, then this guide is for you. Let’s explore the wide range of opportunities available to newly certified Red Cross instructors and how you can successfully launch your career in this field.
Your Teaching Options as a Red Cross Instructor
As a certified instructor with the American Red Cross, you have multiple avenues to begin your teaching career. Each option presents unique advantages and challenges, so it’s important to evaluate them carefully before making a decision. Below are the different pathways you can take:
Option 1: Align with a Training Provider
One of the easiest ways to start your journey as a Red Cross instructor is by partnering with an existing Licensed Training Provider (LTP). These organizations already have a license to provide Red Cross training and often seek additional instructors to meet demand. This option allows you to focus primarily on teaching without the stress of managing administrative tasks, marketing, and logistics.
Steps to Get Started:
Research local Red Cross Licensed Training Providers (LTPs) in your area.
Contact training providers to inquire about job openings for instructors.
Determine whether you will work as a 1099 contractor (independent) or a W-2 employee.
Negotiate compensation, class scheduling, and availability.
Pros of Aligning with a Training Provider:
✔ No need to manage business operations, allowing you to focus solely on teaching.✔ Gain hands-on experience and build confidence as an instructor.✔ The training provider handles student enrollment, marketing, and certification processing.✔ Steady stream of classes means less effort in finding students.
Cons of Aligning with a Training Provider:
✖ Less control over your schedule and rates.✖ Earnings may be lower compared to running your own training company.✖ Limited ability to build your own brand or business identity.
This option is ideal for those who want to gain experience before launching their own training company or for those who prefer to focus strictly on teaching rather than business operations.
Option 2: Start Your Own Training Company
If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and are willing to put in the extra effort to build a business, starting your own training company is a great option. While it requires more work upfront, it offers complete control over your classes, pricing, and business growth.
Steps to Start Your Training Business:
Register Your Business: File your business name and register it with your state and the IRS.
Create a Business Identity: Develop a website, logo, and set up professional phone and email communication.
Obtain Business Insurance: Protect yourself from liability with general and professional liability insurance.
Market Your Services: Reach out to businesses, schools, fitness centers, and community organizations.
Purchase Training Equipment: Invest in CPR manikins, AED trainers, and first aid supplies.
Schedule and Conduct Classes: Set up a training schedule and advertise your classes online and offline.
Manage Student Certifications: Ensure students receive their Red Cross certifications upon completion.
Pros of Starting Your Own Training Company:
✔ Full control over your pricing, class schedule, and business direction.✔ Unlimited income potential as you grow your business.✔ Ability to create your brand and establish credibility in the community.✔ Flexibility to offer various training formats, including group, corporate, or public classes.
Cons of Starting Your Own Training Company:
✖ Requires upfront costs and time investment to build a successful business.✖ Must handle marketing, scheduling, and administrative tasks.✖ Takes time to build a client base and establish a reputation.
This option is ideal for those who want full independence and the potential for higher earnings.
Option 3: Become a Licensed Training Provider (LTP)
If you decide to scale your training business further, you can apply to become a Red Cross Licensed Training Provider (LTP). This status allows you to operate independently and offer Red Cross certifications to students across the U.S.
Steps to Become an LTP:
Apply through the Red Cross to become a Licensed Training Provider.
Meet specific Red Cross requirements, including insurance coverage.
Pay necessary fees to become an authorized provider.
Develop your own marketing and enrollment strategies to attract students.
Deliver Red Cross training sessions and issue official certifications.
Pros of Becoming an LTP:
✔ Ability to offer Red Cross-certified courses on your own terms.✔ Control over student enrollment, pricing, and business growth.✔ Opportunity to expand into corporate and workplace training.✔ Greater brand recognition and credibility.
Cons of Becoming an LTP:
✖ More administrative responsibilities.✖ Requires business insurance and compliance with Red Cross policies.✖ Initial investment required to get licensed.
This option is best suited for instructors who want to grow their business beyond just a side hustle and into a full-time venture.
Option 4: Become an Authorized Provider (AP)
If you work for a company that wants to offer in-house Red Cross training, you can become an Authorized Provider (AP). This option is best for businesses that need to train employees in CPR, First Aid, or other lifesaving skills.
Key Details:
As an AP, you can teach Red Cross courses only to employees within your company.
Your company enters into a unique agreement with the Red Cross.
All training must comply with Red Cross guidelines and standards.
Pros of Being an Authorized Provider:
✔ Ideal for businesses that need regular in-house training.✔ Employees gain lifesaving skills in a convenient setting.✔ Cost-effective for organizations that frequently require certification.
Cons of Being an Authorized Provider:
✖ Training is limited to employees within the company.✖ No external revenue generation.✖ Dependent on company policies and budgets.
This option is best for corporate trainers, safety managers, or HR professionals looking to improve workplace safety.
Bonus Option: Associate Licensed Training Provider (ALTP) Program
If you already own a training company and want to leverage the resources of an established provider, the Associate Licensed Training Provider (ALTP) program is an excellent option.
Key Benefits:
Partner with a Primary Licensed Training Provider (PLTP) to access discounted certification fees and support.
Benefit from shared marketing and administrative resources.
Maintain independence while receiving guidance and business support.
This option is ideal for small training businesses looking to scale without taking on all the administrative burdens of becoming a full-fledged LTP.
Final Thoughts
Starting your journey as a Red Cross instructor presents multiple pathways. Whether you prefer to align with an established training provider, launch your own business, or become an LTP, each option offers unique opportunities for success.
Key Takeaways:
Aligning with a Training Provider is great for gaining experience without the hassle of running a business.
Starting Your Own Training Company allows for complete control and higher income potential.
Becoming an LTP enables full independence and greater market reach.
Becoming an Authorized Provider is ideal for businesses training internal employees.
Joining the ALTP Program offers the benefits of partnership without full administrative responsibility.
Regardless of your choice, continue developing your skills, networking with industry professionals, and staying up to date with the latest Red Cross training standards. If you have any questions about these options, feel free to reach out. Best of luck in your new teaching career!
Red Cross, Teaching, Instructor Training, Career Development, Lifesaving Skills
