Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Wilderness First Aid

Boulder, CO

Mar 1, 2026 - Mar 7, 2026

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About This Session

Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two or two and a half days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.

This course is great for people of all experience levels, and is best suited for those who recreate outdoors where EMS response can be expected in a timely manner (fewer than eight hours). You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.

You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments!

Course Policies
Please review our policies including cancellation policies, attendance requirements, minimum age requirements, and more.

Additional Details

Academic Credit (Learn more)
This course is approved for 1 college credit through the University of Utah and 0.5 college credit through Western Colorado University.

Course Approval
This course is recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards requiring certifications. The course meets the  Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid training requirements. Additionally, the Wilderness First Aid course (WILDMI-554), and when included the CPR/AED course (WILDMI-134), are approved by the  United States Coast Guard  to meet the first aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)(ii) and  46 CFR 11.201(i)(2)(iiI) for a merchant mariner credential.

Financial aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

  • AmeriCorps
  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)

Keep Your WFA Certification Current

How long does a WFA certification last?

A NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is valid for 2 years. Make sure to retake the course every 2 years to keep your certification and skills up to date.

Recertifying Other Certifications

The WFA may also be used to recertify your Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness First Responder and the wilderness portion of your Wilderness EMT certification. If you’re using the WFA to recertify, you’ll need to pass both a written and a practical examination.

TBA

Mar 1, 2026 - Mar 7, 2026

Boulder, CO

16 hours

Sponsor: University of Colorado-Boulder

Course End

Mar 7, 2026

Minimum Age

16 Years Old

Language

English

Start/End

Various

Fly In/Out

Various

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Questions?

Questions about this expedition?

Talk to an expeditions expert who can help with logistics, financial aid, or choosing the right course for your goals.