Get certified in wilderness medicine
Step forward on your next adventure with the preparation, confidence, and knowledge that comes with a NOLS Wilderness Medicine certification.
Why get certified
Skills that go where the ambulance can't
Whether you are or aspire to be a professional in the outdoor industry, or if you're a pro at being a weekend warrior, wilderness medicine skills provide an invaluable foundation to backcountry experiences.
A NOLS Wilderness Medicine certification prepares you to assess a patient, make sound evacuation decisions, and provide care when help is hours or days away. Choose the certification that matches how far you go and how much responsibility you carry.
Get certified
Wilderness medicine certification options
From a weekend introduction to a month-long dual EMT credential, there is a NOLS certification for every level of backcountry travel.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Our Wilderness First Responder Certification course is for those who work or recreate in the outdoors or in remote areas with limited access to medical care.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Earn your Wilderness First Aid Certification and prepare for the unexpected with this fun, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification (WAFA)
Our Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification course is ideal for travelers and outdoor professionals who need more than first aid basics.
Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT)
Our Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician course covers both wilderness medicine and urban medical care practices in an intensive, month-long program.
Emergency Medical Responder Bridge Course (EMR)
This self-paced online course allows you to upgrade your WFR to an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification.
How it works
How to get certified
Three steps from choosing a course to earning your certification.
1
Choose your certification
Match the certification to how far you travel and the responsibility you carry, from a weekend WFA to a month-long WEMT.
2
Find a course near you
Browse upcoming course dates and locations across the country, or find a course hosted near you, and register online.
3
Complete the course & certify
Learn through hands-on scenarios and practical skills. Complete the course to earn your NOLS Wilderness Medicine certification.
Go deeper
Wilderness medicine semesters
For those seeking long-term immersion, or pursuing careers in medicine, fire, EMS, ski patrol, or search & rescue, our semester programs pair wilderness medicine with expedition skills, including the Wilderness Medicine and Rescue Semester and Global Healthcare Semesters in India and Tanzania.
Already certified?
Need to recertify?
Keep your certification current with a WFR Recertification or Hybrid WFR Recertification course. Recertification refreshes your skills and extends your credential so you're always ready for the backcountry.
Find your wilderness medicine course
Browse upcoming certification courses by date, location, and level, and take the first step toward being prepared.
