Policies

NOLS Alumni asks that you turn in the required paperwork upon registration for a trip or at least 45 days in advance, whichever is more proximal to the trip date. This helps us ensure we have commitments from all participants and we are aware of any dietary or health considerations that will need to be made.

Registration paperwork is valid for one year from when it is signed and may be used on multiple trips. If you register more than one year in advance, we ask that you wait until you are within the one year mark to send us your paperwork.

Our policies for Alumni Trips and all other courses can be viewed here.

The NOLS Alumni Department tries to be flexible and allow transfers to a different NOLS experience without charge. Depending on how many days it is till your original trip starts and our fixed expenses, we will be able to fulfill this goal. Please contact us directly if you would like to transfer and we will work in your best interest while also ensuring we cover the financial commitments of the school.

Like most websites, NOLS websites use cookies to collect information. Cookies are small data files which are placed on your computer or other devices (such as smartphones or tablets) as you browse this website. They are used to “remember” when your computer or device accesses our websites. Cookies are essential for the effective operation of our websites and helping you interact with us online.

We may use cookies to determine whether you have visited our site previously and to save and remember any preferences that you set while using our site. Cookies also allow us to measure activity on our site and to improve your user experience, for example, by remembering your username and viewing preferences, thus allowing you to visit any member-only parts of the site without re-registering.

The cookies on the NOLS websites do not collect personally identifiable information beyond your first name. We use a variety of cookie types to make our websites functional for our users.

Preferences cookies 
These cookies allow our websites to remember information that changes the way the site behaves or looks, such as your preferred language or the region you are in. These cookies can also assist you in changing text size, font, and other parts of web pages that you can personalize.

Security cookies
We use security cookies to authenticate users, prevent fraudulent use of login credentials, and protect user data from unauthorized parties. Some of these cookies capture and use your first name to make the website friendly and to address you by name when you log in to our website.

Functionality cookies
These cookies help make the website work and deliver services that the website visitor expects, like navigating around web pages,accessing secure areas of the website, or accepting payment for services offered on the site. Without these cookies, the website cannot function properly.

Analytics cookies 
These cookies provide us information to help our engineers do things like improve page load times to make our website more responsive to visitor requests. We also use cookies to analyze the usefulness of our web pages and to evaluate changes to our website.

Social Sharing cookies 
We enable users to share content on their social media platforms via AddThis. The cookies allow our visitors to share our content on social media platforms outside of the NOLS.edu website.

Third Party cookies

Google
Google Analytics is Google’s analytics tool that helps website and app owners understand how their visitors engage with their properties. It may use a set of cookies to collect information and report website usage statistics without personally identifying individual visitors to Google. Click here for a link to the full Google cookies policy.

HubSpot
We also use HubSpot’s website analytics to evaluate how our website is meeting the needs of our customers (current and prospective). Click here for a link to the full Hubspot cookies policy.

Chat/ Messaging Providers
We use a variety of tools as part of our chat/messaging services to offer an alternate method of communication with our admissions team. Click here for a link to the full SnapEngage privacy policy. Click here for a link to the full Quiq cookies policy. Click here for a link to the full Help Scout cookies policy.

Disabling cookies
If you want to disable cookies you need to change your website browser settings to reject cookies. How you can do this will depend on the browser you use. You may find more information about removing or restricting cookie use at allaboutcookies.org.

What happens if I stop allowing cookies?
If you delete cookies or disable cookies this could mean that the particular feature or service associated with a part of the NOLS website may not be available to you or may not function as expected.

• Student Handbook (pdf)
• Health Form (pdf)
• Student Agreement (pdf)
• Insurance Form (pdf)

A qualified student is one that meets the Essential Eligibility Criteria for the course type they are applying for.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Final acceptance to your course is contingent upon the receipt and review of the required materials, which you can find online on your course Dashboard.

The health and well-being of our students and staff and the effective education of our students are important to us. The wilderness environments NOLS courses live in and travel through are remote, dynamic, and physically and emotionally challenging. These environments, along with the educational activities conducted and the living and traveling conditions encountered, require all students to be fully committed to and capable of working hard, taking responsibility for themselves, and working effectively in the group to achieve the goals of the course.

Our student health review process helps us support students’ health and safety and determine whether a current condition is appropriate at NOLS. It’s important that students provide accurate and honest health information so we can learn of conditions that our instructors need to know about. Our admissions staff may need to further discuss health issues with the student, their parent, or their health care provider. NOLS reserves the right to deny admission to anyone that NOLS, in its sole discretion, believes is unable to meet the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, or safety demands of our courses.

You can learn more about our admission criteria by contacting the Admission Office.

For NOLS Custom Education students paying full or partial tuition, if you cancel or leave for any reason:

• NOLS retains the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit due with application (amount varies)

• Between 15 and 29 days before the course starting date, NOLS will retain 25 percent of the course tuition

• Between 8 and 14 days before the course starting date, NOLS will retain 50 percent of the course tuition

• Less than 8 days before the course starting date or after the course has begun, NOLS will retain 100 percent of the course tuition

• If you have paid an equipment deposit, it will be fully refunded

At NOLS, we embrace the physical and emotional challenge of the natural environment to attain our learning objectives.

Wilderness adventure involves hazards: rock fall, quickly-flowing rivers, and steep terrain can pose a risk to even the most experienced outdoor leader. Activities ranging from simple day hikes to climbing glaciers can, due to the unpredictable forces of nature or an error in judgment, become dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Students transport their own gear, sleep outdoors—possibly in mixed gender tent groups—prepare their own meals, and are expected to care for themselves in weather conditions that can be extreme. Each student plays an important role in the success of a NOLS course. Good physical conditioning and a positive mental attitude are essential. Should unforeseen circumstances arise, such as weather, permit restrictions, unusual situations, risk management concerns, or if NOLS deems it necessary, NOLS reserves the right to make changes to course activities, curriculum and area locations.

On all NOLS courses students will be independent (unaccompanied by instructors) at various times. This will include time in and around camp such as while cooking or performing camp chores. Instructors may allow students to travel away from camp, and on many courses students have the opportunity to travel without instructors for one or more days. Students also often have independent unsupervised time, usually in town, before and after their course starts or between sections of semesters.

Our courses are expeditions that travel through remote areas, which can create complex situations should an emergency arise. It is not uncommon to be days from medical help, but NOLS instructors are trained in wilderness first aid and backed by comprehensive wilderness emergency response and evacuation systems. Instructors carry first aid kits that include some specific medications for treating sick or injured students in remote locations. Many of the medical incidents that might occur are simple and often treated in the field. For more serious incidents or when a student is evacuated for a medical reason, they will be taken to a medical facility for evaluation or treatment.

Instructors carry satellite telephones, radios, or other electronic communication devices on each course to use in the event of life-threatening emergencies, but this does not guarantee communication from the field to our support bases. Portable telephone and radio signals may be subject to interference caused by terrain, atmospheric conditions, and other variables and may not always work.

We are committed to promoting the physical and emotional well-being of all students and we are proud of our excellent record managing the risks of wilderness travel, but it is important you understand that there are risks. Some adventure programs say that they can guarantee your safety. NOLS does not. The risk of injury, even serious injury or death, is always present in the outdoor environment. Indeed, much of the value of a NOLS course lies in learning how to identify hazards and adapt behavior to strive to avoid injury or illness. We feel that the risks are manageable and that no organization is better equipped to manage them than NOLS.

We aim to create a positive learning environment. Each person’s values and beliefs affect the entire group, and we work to ensure that everyone is treated with respect.

On your course, you can expect the following:

• Freedom from discrimination of any kind and a learning environment free from physical or verbal harassment.
• Real challenges and meaningful experiences. We will try to inform you of anticipated curriculum and risks. At the same time, it must be understood that unanticipated situations may dictate that more attention is given to some elements of the course and others might receive minimal or no attention.
• Thoughtful, honest, and timely comments concerning your performance and abilities.
• Well-trained and qualified instructors.

NOLS expects the following of you:

• To follow the field practices and policies described in pre-course information, course orientation, and as taught by instructors throughout the course, and to be responsible for your own well-being and for contributing to the well-being of the group.
• To participate fully in the expedition—take part in classes, camp chores, activities, discussions, leadership, conflict resolution, and the building of a safe learning environment for all.
• To respect the values and beliefs of other expedition members.
• To be courteous to local residents and merchants and help maintain a positive image of NOLS.

Issues, such as personal conflicts with fellow students or instructors, should be addressed promptly. If the issue arises with a fellow student, first, we recommend trying to work out the conflict with that student if you feel comfortable doing so. If the issue persists or if you need assistance, bring it up with one of your instructors and ask them to assist in resolving the conflict. Your instructors are always available to assist in resolving a conflict.

If the conflict continues or you are in conflict with one of your instructors, then address the issue with another instructor or the individual conducting your course debrief when you return to the NOLS campus. They will be able to address the issue personally or pass it to the appropriate representative at NOLS’ headquarters in Lander, Wyoming.

Course transfers are available up to 30 days before the original course start date, subject to availability and any price differences.

Cancellations made 60+ days before course start receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee. Cancellations 30-59 days before receive 50% refund. Less than 30 days, no refund.

All participants must meet minimum age requirements for their chosen course. Some courses require prerequisite skills or certifications. Full details are provided during the enrollment process.

NOLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, training, layoffs, and terminations — are made without regard to any protected status and are based on legitimate business needs, qualifications, and merit. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Please contact us with any questions.

Here’s what you can expect from the admission process for your NOLS Expedition.

• Find your course online and click on the Apply Now button, or give us a call! We’ll ask you for some quick contact information and a $65.00 application fee. Once you’ve paid your fee, your space on the expedition is reserved, if there’s space available.
• Look for an email with a link to your NOLS Dashboard. Click on the link before it expires.
• Your NOLS Dashboard will be your hub of information while preparing for your course. You’ll find your course information, required documents, and tuition deadlines here as well as your Admission Officer’s contact information.
• Don’t forget to check out the deadlines—we’ll be asking you for your non-refundable tuition deposit and NOLS health form within 21 days of receiving your application. Your Admission Officer wants to help you make this adventure possible, so do contact us with all of your questions.
• Send in all of your required documents by the due dates and we’ll do our best to review them as soon as possible. We’ll be in touch with any questions.
• Students must adhere to deadlines set out by their Dashboard and/or Admission Officer for submitting enrollment forms and tuition. If a deadline passes, and an extension has not been granted by the Expedition Admissions Office prior to the passing of the deadline, enrollment will be cancelled, and the spot on the expedition will be released to another applicant. Please note that extensions are rarely granted.

Student Handbook (pdf)
Health Form (pdf)
Risk Management at NOLS (pdf)
Self-Reporting Health Form (pdf)
Student Agreement (pdf)
Insurance Form (pdf)

Final acceptance to your course is contingent upon the receipt and review of the required materials, which you can find online on your course Dashboard.

The health and well-being of our students and staff and the effective education of our students are important to us. The wilderness environments NOLS courses live in and travel through are remote, dynamic, and physically and emotionally challenging. These environments, along with the educational activities conducted and the living and traveling conditions encountered, require all students to be fully committed to and capable of working hard, taking responsibility for themselves, and working effectively in the group to achieve the goals of the course.

Our student health review process helps us support students’ health and safety and determine whether a current condition is appropriate at NOLS. It’s important that students provide accurate and honest health information so we can learn of conditions that our instructors need to know about. Our admissions staff may need to further discuss health issues with the student, their parent, or their health care provider. NOLS reserves the right to deny admission to anyone that NOLS, in its sole discretion, believes is unable to meet the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, or safety demands of our courses.

You can learn more about our admission criteria by contacting the Admission Office.

Your health form and your non-refundable tuition deposit are due 21 days after we receive your application. The remaining tuition is due 75 days before your course begins. You can find information about all required forms and due dates on the personalized checklist of your online course Dashboard.

Tuition for all courses is due 75 days before course start, or if enrollment is within 75 days of course start the tuition is due within 10 day of enrolling or prior to course start date, whichever comes first.

For all semester and academic year courses in any location as well as all courses in India, if you cancel or leave for any reason we will retain the non-refundable deposit or the following percentage of tuition, whichever is greater:

• Between 30 and 60 days prior to the course start date, NOLS will retain 25 percent of the course tuition
• Between 15 and 29 days prior to the course start date, NOLS will retain 50 percent of the course tuition
• Less than 15 days prior to the course start date or after the course has begun, there will be no refunds

For all other courses, if you cancel or leave for any reason we will retain the non-refundable deposit or the following percentage of tuition, whichever is greater:

• Between 15 and 29 days prior to the course start date, NOLS will retain 25 percent of the course tuition
• Between 8 and 14 days prior to the course start date, NOLS will retain 50 percent of the course tuition
• Less than 8 days prior to the course start date or after the course has begun, there will be no refunds

If NOLS cancels your enrollment due to you missing your deadlines, all cancellation policies above apply.

For all semester and academic year courses in any location as well as all courses in India, if you transfer from one course to another:

• More than 60 days prior to the course start date, there will be a $25 processing charge
• 60 days or less prior to the course start date, regular cancellation policies will apply

For all other courses, if you transfer:

• 30 or more days prior to the course start date, there will be a $25 processing charge
• 29 days or less prior to the course start date, regular cancellation policies apply

At NOLS, we embrace the physical and emotional challenge of the natural environment to attain our learning objectives.

Wilderness adventure involves hazards: rock fall, quickly-flowing rivers, and steep terrain can pose a risk to even the most experienced outdoor leader. Activities ranging from simple day hikes to climbing glaciers can, due to the unpredictable forces of nature or an error in judgment, become dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Students transport their own gear, sleep outdoors—possibly in mixed gender tent groups—prepare their own meals, and are expected to care for themselves in weather conditions that can be extreme. Each student plays an important role in the success of a NOLS course. Good physical conditioning and a positive mental attitude are essential. Should unforeseen circumstances arise, such as weather, permit restrictions, unusual situations, risk management concerns,  or if NOLS deems it necessary, NOLS reserves the right to make changes to course activities, curriculum and area locations.

On all NOLS courses students will be independent (unaccompanied by instructors) at various times. This will include time in and around camp such as while cooking or performing camp chores. Instructors may allow students to travel away from camp, and on many courses students have the opportunity to travel without instructors for one or more days. Students also often have independent unsupervised time, usually in town, before and after their course starts or between sections of semesters.

Our courses are expeditions that travel through remote areas, which can create complex situations should an emergency arise. It is not uncommon to be days from medical help, but NOLS instructors are trained in wilderness first aid and backed by comprehensive wilderness emergency response and evacuation systems. Instructors carry first aid kits that include some specific medications for treating sick or injured students in remote locations. Many of the medical incidents that might occur are simple and often treated in the field. For more serious incidents or when a student is evacuated for a medical reason, they will be taken to a medical facility for evaluation or treatment.

Instructors carry satellite telephones, radios, or other electronic communication devices on each course to use in the event of life-threatening emergencies, but this does not guarantee communication from the field to our support bases. Portable telephone and radio signals may be subject to interference caused by terrain, atmospheric conditions, and other variables and may not always work.

We are committed to promoting the physical and emotional well-being of all students and we are proud of our excellent record managing the risks of wilderness travel, but it is important you understand that there are risks. Some adventure programs say that they can guarantee your safety. NOLS does not. The risk of injury, even serious injury or death, is always present in the outdoor environment. Indeed, much of the value of a NOLS course lies in learning how to identify hazards and adapt behavior to strive to avoid injury or illness. We feel that the risks are manageable and that no organization is better equipped to manage them than NOLS.

NOLS has developed specific risk management practices to protect student and staff well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, which you can read in further detail on our About page.

We aim to create a positive learning environment. Each person’s values and beliefs affect the entire group, and we work to ensure that everyone is treated with respect.

On your course, you can expect the following:

• Freedom from discrimination of any kind and a learning environment free from physical or verbal harassment.
• Real challenges and meaningful experiences. We will try to inform you of anticipated curriculum and risks. At the same time, it must be understood that unanticipated situations may dictate that more attention is given to some elements of the course and others might receive minimal or no attention.
• Thoughtful, honest, and timely comments concerning your performance and abilities.

Well-trained and qualified instructors.

NOLS expects the following of you:

• To follow the field practices and policies described in pre-course information, course orientation, and as taught by instructors throughout the course, and to be responsible for your own well-being and for contributing to the well-being of the group.
• To participate fully in the expedition—take part in classes, camp chores, activities, discussions, leadership, conflict resolution, and the building of an inclusive course culture.
• Be inclusive by being warm and curious, and demonstrating respect for those aspects of a person’s identity as outlined in our equal opportunity statement.
• To be courteous to local residents and merchants and take time to learn about and respect local customs and culture.

Issues, such as personal conflicts with fellow students or instructors, should be addressed promptly. If the issue arises with a fellow student, first, we recommend trying to work out the conflict with that student if you feel comfortable doing so. If the issue persists or if you need assistance, bring it up with one of your instructors and ask them to assist in resolving the conflict. Your instructors are always available to assist in resolving a conflict.

If the conflict continues or you are in conflict with one of your instructors, then address the issue with another instructor or the individual conducting your course debrief when you return to the NOLS campus. They will be able to address the issue personally or pass it to the appropriate representative at NOLS’ headquarters in Lander, Wyoming.

A qualified student is one that meets the Essential Eligibility Criteria for the course type they are applying for.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

NOLS uses students’ names, photos, and other images in promotional material, videos, and press releases.

Multiple scholarship programs are available for diverse applicants, veterans, educators, and other qualifying groups.

NOLS offers flexible payment plans for course tuition. A minimum deposit is required to secure enrollment.

NOLS offers need-based financial aid for eligible students. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awards are based on demonstrated need.

NOLS is committed to securing any of your data that we collect online and to only collecting what we need to serve our community.

This policy is designed so that you understand what information is collected by NOLS when you visit our website, what we do with that data, and how you can review/correct your data.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

When you are simply browsing our website we collect very little data about you as a person. We do automatically collect information about how you use the website so that we can make it better and improve the user experience (for example, making our pages flow in the most logical way possible and making it faster to load the pages).

If you are applying for a NOLS course through the NOLS website, we require that you create an account so you may access specific content related to your requests. If you are downloading content from our site, signing up for a newsletter, or requesting more information from us, we will prompt you to enter additional information such as first and last name, email address, and phone number so that we can best address your requests for information.

We share this type of information within NOLS to use as part of our everyday business practices, such as processing your requested transactions, maintaining your account, and responding to court orders and legal investigations. We also share information within NOLS so that we can offer relevant products, benefits, and services to you.

When you are no longer an active customer, we may continue to share your information internally as described in this notice.

NOLS does not sell your information to external companies and only shares with key third party partners to leverage their services on your behalf.  You can see more about our use of third party services below.

Cookies
Like most websites, NOLS websites use cookies to collect information. Cookies are small data files which are placed on your computer or other devices (such as smartphones or tablets) as you browse this website. They are used to “remember” when your computer or device accesses our websites. Cookies are essential for the effective operation of our websites and helping you interact with us online. Please review our cookies policy for more information.

We may use cookies to determine whether you have visited our site previously and to save and remember any preferences that you set while using our site. Cookies also allow us to measure activity on our site and to improve your user experience, for example, by remembering your username and viewing preferences, thus allowing you to visit any member-only parts of the site without re-registering.

NOLS does not sell your information to third parties; however, we do share some information with a limited number of third party companies performing services on our behalf. These services include things such as marketing, website analytics, and payment services. These companies are prohibited from using your personal information for purposes other than those requested by us or required by law.  One such service provider is Hubspot.  For more information on their practices, please see Hubspot’s privacy policy.

SMS consent or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not shared with any third parties.

Payment Services
NOLS accepts payments in a number of ways.  This section specifically deals with the electronic payments we accept through our website.  NOLS does not store credit card or bank account information.

Credit Card Payments
NOLS uses Stripe, Inc. (Stripe) to allow our visitors to submit online payments with their credit card. For more information, please see the Stripe privacy policy.

Automated Clearing House (ACH) Payments
To allow our students to directly debit from their bank account, NOLS uses Plaid Inc. (“Plaid”) to gather End User’s data from financial institutions. By using the service you grant NOLS and Plaid the right, power, and authority to act on your behalf to access and transmit your personal and financial information from the relevant financial institution. You agree to your personal and financial information being transferred, stored, and processed by Plaid in accordance with the Plaid privacy policy.

Chat, and messaging tools
To offer additional ways to engage with our admissions team we leverage chat and messaging tools on our website and as part of our admissions process. For more information, please see Help Scout’s privacy policy .

The NOLS websites are not intended for nor targeted toward children under 13.

NOLS is headquartered in Lander, Wyoming, United States of America and our websites are also hosted in the United States of America. Any personal information submitted to NOLS will be transferred from your computer to the NOLS database (also in the United States of America) where it will be stored. By providing your personal information you are expressly consenting to this transfer, processing, and use of this data. In some instances you could be submitting information via one of our trusted partners, such as Hubspot. Please refer to the Hubspot privacy policy for details about their data transfer policies.

To request a copy of your information please send a request via email to [email protected] or via mail to NOLS Data Governance 284 Lincoln St., Lander, WY 82520. Requests will be processed in a timely manner.

You may modify your personal information, address, phone number, and email via your profile on the NOLS Portal. Name changes require special handling but can also be requested through the NOLS Portal.

You may also request a correction to your information via email or mail. For email, please send a request to [email protected]. For mail submissions please send requests to NOLS Data Governance, 284 Lincoln St. Lander, WY 82520. Requests will be processed in a timely manner. We reserve the right to maintain certain information for recordkeeping purposes and/or to complete any transactions that are in progress.

This policy undergoes periodic internal review and will be updated on our website when any changes are made. This policy was last updated on September 12, 2018.

If you are hosting a course, working with NOLS on a customized training, or a consulting client, please contact us at [email protected] or 800-710-6657 for cancellation policy information specific to your program.

NOLS maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use during courses.

All participants complete a detailed medical history form reviewed by NOLS medical staff. Some conditions may require additional clearance from a healthcare provider.

NOLS maintains comprehensive health screening and communicable disease prevention protocols. Participants may be required to meet vaccination requirements for certain courses.

NOLS encourages you to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and up-to-date with any boosters you are eligible to receive. Based on requirements of our clinical partners, WEMT students will continue to need to be fully vaccinated at the start of their WEMT course.  In addition, we strongly recommend being up up-to-date with all eligible boosters.

Please see our Communicable Disease Mitigation Practices for more information.

• Wilderness Medicine Expedition: 23 years old
• Wilderness EMT: 18 years old
• Wilderness First Responder: 16 years old
• Wilderness Advanced First Aid: 16 years old
• Wilderness First Aid: 16 years old

Cancellation Policy

If NOLS Wilderness Medicine is providing the registration service for your course, the following policies apply:

For Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician:

• 45 days or greater prior to the course start date – Students may cancel the course, and will receive a refund less a $50.00 fee.
• Less than 45 days prior to the course start date-The course is non-refundable or transferable. Tuition in full is due at 45 days.

All Other Wilderness Medicine Courses:

• 15 days or greater prior to the course start date – Students may cancel the course, and will receive a refund less a $50.00 fee.
• Less than 15 days prior to the course start date-The course is non-refundable or transferable. Tuition in full is due at 15 days.

If NOLS cancels the course for any reason we will refund or offer a transfer to a future course.

Payment Policy

If NOLS Wilderness Medicine is providing the registration service for your course, full tuition payment must be received by the cancellation deadline for your course. Failure to pay in full for a course by the deadline will result in the cancelation of your registration, and retention of all monies paid. For WEMT courses tuition in full is due 45 days prior to the course start date. For all other wilderness medicine courses payment in full is due 15 days prior to your course start.

Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend all class sessions and field exercises. Students may miss no more than 10% of the in-person course hours and students on hybrid courses may not miss any portion of the first day. Students on WEMT courses may not have more than 16 hours of excused or unexcused absence. Review of missed curriculum or examinations is the student’s responsibility. Students with absences exceeding 10% of in-person course hours will not be eligible for testing and/or certification. No refunds of tuition or course costs will be offered.

Tuition Protection

In alignment with our Cancellation Policy, we will not refund or transfer any students who are unable to attend a course within the cancellation deadline due to last-minute personal or medical issues including COVID-19; this policy is inclusive of issues that arise once the course has started. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance which includes coverage for COVID-19. Policies vary greatly and it is your responsibility to ensure your policy is the right fit for your needs and has appropriate coverage. While there is a range of available Tuition Protection and Travel Insurance providers, our preferred provider is MDM Group Associates, Inc.. Please read each policy carefully and discuss any questions with a policy specialist at the provider you select.

Keep your edge, learn updated curriculum, and refresh your skills: recertify your wilderness medicine training before your certification expires.

All NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications are good for two years from the end date of the course. NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications will be afforded a one-year period after expiration within which to recertify. This one-year re-entry period is only offered for NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications. Your certification is not valid during your re-entry period. Should you fail to recertify by the end of your re-entry period you will need to participate in a full course to gain a valid certification. NOLS Wilderness Medicine certified students should bring their certification card to the course so that the instructor can verify the expiration date.

Example: If the last day of your course is September 1, 2021, your certification expires on September 1, 2023, your re-entry period ends September 1, 2024.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Weapons
No alcohol, no tobacco, no drugs, and no weapons are allowed in the classroom.

Animals on Courses
Animals are not allowed at the course site. This includes leashing them outside. Any student bringing an animal to class will be asked to leave until the animal is safely situated in a kennel or other facility. No exceptions.

If you have a service animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks on your behalf and intend to bring them to class, please contact us.

A qualified student is one that meets the Essential Eligibility Criteria for the course type they are applying for.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

NOLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, training, layoffs, and terminations — are made without regard to any protected status and are based on legitimate business needs, qualifications, and merit. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Please contact us with any questions.