The American Red Cross recently has been approved as an Authorized Provider of Continuing Education by The International Association for Continuing Education and Training. The approval comes after an extensive application and vetting process of the American Red Cross and its courses by the organization, which was created in 1968 to ensure that education providers meet strict continuing education guidelines.

Certification by IACET means that nurses, social workers, recreation professionals, teachers and day care providers among others, can gain or maintain their licenses or certifications by taking Red Cross courses in a variety of subjects and obtaining Continuing Education Credits for them. This approval distinguishes the American Red Cross from other training providers.

"It was important to get these courses accredited for those professionals needing CEUs," said Robin Outland, Health and Safety Services Director of the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter. "Across all lines of service, the American Red Cross prides itself on educating the public about many issues and it's certainly an added value to receive CEUs for taking our training courses."

Among the courses eligible for continuing education credits are First Aid and CPR/AED, Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructors, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, Disaster Instructor Specialty Training and International Humanitarian Law. These classes are offered at or through the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross at various times throughout the year.

Once training has been completed, continuing education units may be obtained online at www.redcross.org/store. Class participants should verify with their appropriate accrediting organization that CEUs received from taking Red Cross courses will be accepted.

American Red Cross Health and Safety courses help finance all Chapter services, including disaster assistance and emergency assistance to the military. For more information, call Outland at 321-0591 or log on to www.redcross.org.