CPR Courses in Guelph for University of Guelph Students
Which course your program actually requires, where to take it downtown, and how to fit it before placement.
U of G students take one of three courses depending on program: CPR C AED ($35, ~4 hours) for most placements, BLS ($55, 4–6 hours) for clinical and veterinary placements, or Standard First Aid + CPR C ($120, two days) for ECE, kinesiology, and co-op programs. Life Safe runs all three at our downtown Guelph venue near Norfolk and Paisley. Always confirm your exact requirement with your program advisor or placement coordinator before booking.
Which course do you actually need?
Your program coordinator or placement office is the final word — but here’s the typical breakdown by faculty and program.
| Program / Faculty | Usual requirement | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) | BLS or healthcare CPR | Clinical rotations align with healthcare-provider technique |
| Nursing (collaborative with Conestoga) | BLS | Hospital placement requirement |
| Kinesiology / Human Kinetics | Standard First Aid + CPR C | Co-op and clinical placements expect the broader FA cert |
| Early Childhood Education (ECE) | Standard First Aid + CPR C | Required under the Child Care and Early Years Act |
| Education / B.Ed. | Standard First Aid + CPR C | Required for practicum placements |
| Co-op placements (various) | Standard First Aid + CPR C (usually) | Workplace compliance under Regulation 1101 |
| Recreation / Outdoor programs | Standard First Aid + CPR C | Field and lab safety |
| General research lab assistants | CPR C AED or SFA | Depends on lab risk profile |
| Personal / community readiness | CPR C AED (or Free CPR) | No formal requirement |
The downtown Guelph venue
Life Safe’s Guelph location is near Norfolk Street and Paisley Street in downtown Guelph — a short trip from campus by bus (Guelph Transit routes serving the university) or a 10-minute drive from the main U of G campus. Parking is available downtown and the venue is walkable from the Royal City Plaza and Quebec Street area.
The space has dedicated training equipment — real CPR manikins (adult, child, and infant), AED trainers, and bag-valve-masks for BLS students. Class sizes stay small so everyone gets hands-on time.
Timing your course around the academic year
- Before fall semester — book in August so you have your card before placement assignments come out
- Before winter placements — book in December or early January
- For summer co-op — book in April or early May
- OVC clinical year transitions — book at least a month before your first clinical rotation
Classes fill up fastest in late August and early September. If you wait until the week before placement, expect to drive to a different city for an open seat.
What about renewals?
If you took a course in first year and your placement is in third or fourth year, check the date on your card. CPR Level C lasts 3 years; BLS lasts 1 year (Heart & Stroke Foundation / Canadian Red Cross recertification standard). BLS especially tends to expire mid-program — set a calendar reminder.
What to bring
- Student ID (useful for some agency record-keeping)
- Comfortable clothes — CPR is done on the floor
- A water bottle and snacks
- Your current card if you’re renewing
- Lunch or cash (downtown Guelph has lots of options within a short walk)
Book a Guelph class before placements start
CPR C, BLS, and Standard First Aid in downtown Guelph. WSIB-approved through Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Sources & medical review
Written and reviewed by Milos Radojcic (Canadian Red Cross / Heart & Stroke / Lifesaving Society First Aid & CPR Instructor, 10+ yrs; First Aid Instructor Trainer). Course structures and certification validity periods reflect Canadian Red Cross and Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada standards (aligned with the 2025 ILCOR Basic Life Support consensus); workplace approval reflects Ontario’s Regulation 1101 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Program-specific requirements are set by the University of Guelph. Last reviewed July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which course do U of G students normally need?
It depends on the program. Most placements need CPR C; clinical and vet programs typically need BLS; ECE, kinesiology, and co-op usually need Standard First Aid + CPR. Always confirm with your program advisor or placement coordinator.
Where in Guelph?
Downtown Guelph, near Norfolk Street and Paisley Street.
Will my certificate be accepted by U of G?
Yes — WSIB-approved certificates from Red Cross, Heart and Stroke, Lifesaving Society, or St. John Ambulance are universally accepted.
When should I book?
About a month before your placement start date, or in August/early September for fall placements.