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.
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. 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.
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.
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.