The New Requirement for Missouri High School Graduates

A big change is coming to high school graduation requirements in the state of Missouri.

Beginning in 2017, Missouri high school students must pass a first aid training course in order to be eligible to graduate. Governor Jay Nixon signed Senate Bill 711 on Tuesday which mandates that all students must take, at minimum, 30 minutes of instruction in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.

“Basic first aid can sometimes be the difference between life and death,” Gov. Nixon said in a statement. “Making sure young people are familiar with CPR and the Heimlich maneuver is a prudent addition to their coursework in physical education.”