How to Start a First Aid Training Business

Part 1 - How to start a First Aid Training business - Background

A first aid training center offers instruction and certification in first aid and related skills. This includes AED (Automated External Defibrillator), first aid, blood-borne pathogens, CPR (including pediatric), and instructor training.

Whether in the classroom, at the grocery store, or on a job site, there’s always the potential that someone could need immediate, life saving medical assistance. Many SCA victims require defibrillation within 4 minutes of an attack, yet it takes emergency medical personnel 8-12 minutes to arrive after an emergency call is placed. Your assistance in training individuals and workplace teams will, undoubtedly, save someone’s life.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a First Aid Training business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a first aid training business?

You’ll first need to write a business plan that outlines how you plan to structure the school. Will you offer a neutral classroom setting or would you rather travel to your students, working out of your client’s conference rooms? If your vision includes a classroom, the first thing you’ll need to do is find an office space and sign a lease.

Regardless of where you intend to instruct, there are a few items you’ll need to invest in:

• Mannequins: adult, child and infant – $1,800 for a classroom pack

• AED training kits – $1,800 – $3,000

• Accompanying safety and training supplies – $1,000

• Marketing materials, including a comprehensive and interactive website, business cards, and brochures – $10,000 – $15,000

• Learning management system, such as Otis Learning Management System, which will help manage everything from administrative duties to organizing your class material

What are the ongoing expenses for a first aid training business?

Ongoing expenses include printing of marketing materials, brochures, and classroom material, as well as sustained website maintenance. Since part of your day will be spent traveling meet with prospective customers and for off-premises classes, regular maintenance and fuel costs should be allocated for in your monthly budget. If you have a physical location, you’ll also face the standard overhead costs of rent and utilities.

Who is the target market?

Your customers are anyone in need of certification. This ranges from teenagers looking to babysit, to teachers and coaches, as well as warehousing and distribution companies. Many expecting parents now include pediatric CPR training in their baby preparation strategy.

Before building a marketing strategy, conduct research to determine if there are any specific groups of professionals you should be targeting. Find out what kind of training your area is lacking and what courses are already being taught. Knowing who needs your courses and what their unique needs are offers insight into how courses should be designed and who you should market to.

How does a first aid training business make money?

Your first aid training school generates revenue for every individual scheduled for each class. Many trainers offer both in class and online courses, depending upon the class and how much hands-on experience is needed.

How much can you charge customers?

Instructor led classes range anywhere from $70 to $300, depending upon the course and location. Proficient instructors certify approximately 150 students per month.

How much profit can a first aid training business make?

While it will take some time to build your business, successful businesses that focus on teaching first-aid training have the potential to realize a profit of more than $100,000 annually.

How can you make your business more profitable?

The following are a few strategies you can implement to ensure a more profitable business:

• Offer refresher/recertification courses at a discounted price to ensure student retention.

• For classes that don’t require hands-on experience, offer online classes.

• Consumers have become reliant on accessing videos for just about everything. Consider offering videos for those in need.

• Include training courses for instructors. You’ll realize a greater profit and you might just find your next team member along the way.

• Partner up with your local hospitals. Their employees are required to take a certain number of hours to renew their license and many offer CPR and first-aid courses for their patients as well.

• Offer additional classes geared toward workplace safety, team building, and specialized first aid techniques.

• Offer inspection services for local businesses. Tour their facility and offer advice regarding how their first aid program could be improved.

• Focus on courses that can be taught at the customer’s workplace to keep cost per student down and business volume up.

• There are few franchising opportunities out there, so consider set up a franchise as your business starts to grow.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a first aid training business?

While not a requirement, most owners enter the “classroom” and teach the courses they offer. Your first aid training business will also involve a number of other activities to keep you busy throughout the day.

Most days will include the following activities:

• Marketing your business

• Attending additional certification classes to ensure your school is on top of the latest changes in first aid

• Answering the telephone and emails

• Scheduling upcoming classes

• Updating and maintaining student records and issuing certificates for offered courses

At least weekly, you’ll also need to restock inventory/supplies for classes and pay any unpaid invoices.

Once you’ve built a team, you can delegate the administrative duties to your staff. This will allow you to shift your focus towards managing your team and maintaining your marketing strategy.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful first aid training business?

Even if you don’t plan to take on the role of instructor, it’s a good idea to obtain certifications on each subject you plan to offer, as well as the instructor certification. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association both offer well-structured courses. You might even want to attend a few different schools. This would offer valuable insight into various instructor methods and how different target groups respond.

One skill this profession requires is speaking in front of large groups of people with finesse. You’ll be required to speak confidently about what your school offers over the competition, and offer details to back it up.

Running a successful first aid training business isn’t just about being in the classroom. It requires commitment and strong business management skills. You’ll need to be patient and educated in a variety of different teaching methods so that each of your employees and students walk away with the knowledge and skills they’re seeking.

What is the growth potential for a first aid training business?

Whether you envision a small school, with you as the only instructor, or wish to lead multiple instructors, ultimately offering franchise opportunities, the opportunities are there. More information is learned every day about the intricacies of the human body, as well as on-the-job safety, ensuring this is a career that will always be in demand.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a first aid training business?

• Purchase an existing first aid training school. This will help ensure a shorter time to realize a return on your investment.

• Work at the American Red Cross prior to starting your own school to get a feel for the industry.

• Make sure your school is OSHA-compliant and approved by multiple state and federal agencies, such as state emergency medical services departments, educational boards, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

• If speaking in front of people isn’t one of your strengths, take a public speaking course at your local college.

How and when to build a team

You can grow a successful business, whether you decide to be the only instructor, or hire a team. Whichever route you take, consider hiring an attorney and an accountant to assist you in navigating through the intricacies and compliance standards of owning such a business.

If and when you decide to grow your team, keep in mind who your audience is. Professionals who have left the boardroom to learn in your classroom are more apt to respect a teacher who is older and wiser. Team members who are experienced in various classroom techniques and interacting with different social and professional classes will more effectively convey the material.

Part 2 - Is a First Aid Training business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your First Aid Training business in 90 days