Teach in a classroom like no other
We look for educators who are growth-oriented and passionate about teaching. Your path to instructing with NOLS starts with a single curriculum-based course.
Path one · Expeditions
Become a field instructor
Your first step is to apply for a NOLS Instructor Course, expedition-based training that prepares you to teach our expedition core curriculum: leadership, risk management, outdoor skills, and environmental studies.
Path two · Wilderness Medicine
Become a wilderness medicine instructor
Instructors are first and foremost intentional educators. They teach the recognition, treatment, and prevention of wilderness emergencies across every NOLS Wilderness Medicine course, from 2-day Wilderness First Aid to the 30-day Wilderness EMT.
To teach, you complete the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Instructor Training Course (ITC): a 7- or 10-day intensive.
What we look for
Intentional educators, first and foremost
We look for people who are growth-oriented and genuinely passionate about teaching. Leaders who can hold risk, skills, and human connection in the same hand, in the places that ask the most of us.
How it works
Your path to instructing
Three steps from applicant to teaching your first course.
1
Complete an Instructor Course
Apply for the NOLS Instructor Course (field) or the Wilderness Medicine Instructor Training Course. This experience-based training is where instructing begins.
2
Field assessment & mentoring
Demonstrate your teaching, judgment, and skills alongside experienced NOLS instructors, who mentor you through the standards we teach to.
3
Start teaching
Join the instructor pool and begin leading courses, growing your skills and scope with every course you teach.
Ready to teach where it matters most?
Explore instructor courses, or reach out to our team to talk through the path that fits you.
