Can I obtain Continuing Education as a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Can I earn Physician CMEs for my WMI course?
Can I earn credits towards the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM)?
General Questions
How old do I have to be to take a course?
Wilderness Medicine Expedition: 23 years of age
Wilderness EMT: 18 years of age
Wilderness First Responder: 16 years of age
Wilderness Advanced First Aid: 16 years of age
Wilderness First Aid: 16 years of age
What is your cancellation and transfer policy?
If WMI of NOLS is the course sponsor, the following policies apply.
All courses except WEMT and WME:
If you cancel or withdraw from a course:
- Greater than or equal to 30 days prior to the course starting date, WMI will retain a $35.00 administrative fee and refund your deposit/tuition.
- Within 30 days of the course start date and prior to the start of the course, your tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable per the following: WFA, WFR-R, WMPP loss of full tuition; WFR, WAFA, WUMP loss of course deposit.
- Once the course has begun, the full tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
WEMT Courses:
If you cancel or withdraw from a course:
- Greater than or equal to 45 days prior to the course starting date, WMI will retain a $35.00 administrative fee and refund your deposit/tuition.
- Within 45 days of the course start date and throughout the duration of the course, your deposit/tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Please see WEMT refund and cancelation policy for additional details.
WME Courses:
If you cancel:
- Between 60 and 46 days prior to the course starting date, NOLS will retain 50% of course tuition.
- Less than 45 days prior to course start date and once the course has begun, there will be no refunds.
We strongly urge you to purchase refundable plane tickets and trip insurance.
If WMI of NOLS is not the sponsor, you must contact the sponsor to inquire about their cancellation and transfer policy.
How do I sponsor a WMI course?
The majority of WMI courses result from a successful collaboration between WMI and a sponsoring agency. When you sponsor with WMI we are committed to providing you with: excellent instructional staff, complete equipment and materials, customized flyers, and a team of programming staff dedicated to helping you run your course. We also market your course on our web site and at national conferences. In return, you are responsible for: securing a suitable classroom, registering students, providing housing and meals for the instructors (either through a meal plan or a daily budget) and working with WMI to create a successful program. Please be advised that popular spring course dates book up 6-8 months ahead of the program, so plan early. To obtain more information about sponsoring a WMI course, please request a sponsor packet by email or call us at 866-831-9001. We look forward to working with you.
Do you have courses for professional medical practitioners?
Indeed we do. We have a variety of options for EMTs, paramedics, medical students, nurses, physician assistants and physicians. Options include the two-day Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner course, the five day Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course and our Wilderness Medicine Expeditions . Each of these courses offers a variety of continuing education credits and credit towards the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) through the Wilderness Medical Society.
For medical students we offer the Medicine in the Wild Medical Student Elective in partnership with the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency program and a one-week field expedition in conjunction with the Madigan Army Medical Center Wilderness Medicine Elective.
What is your attendance policy?
Students are required to attend all class sessions and field exercises. Limited absences for family or medical concerns can be accommodated. Review of missed curriculum or examinations is the student’s responsibility. Contact the WMI office for more information or speak with the WMI instructors on site.
Scholarship/Financial Aid Questions
Does WMI accept AmeriCorp education awards for course payment?
Yes we do. In addition to course tuition, AmeriCorps students must register and pay for college credit. Please contact the WMI Admissions Supervisor at least one month prior to the course start date for a complete packet of information:
Debra East
WMI Admissions Supervisor
debra_east@nols.edu
307.335.2360
Is WMI approved for VA Benefits?
Yes, WMI can directly process Veterans Benefits for Wyoming based WEMT and WFR courses only. For more information about registering for an eligible course and applying for VA Benefits, please download the below PDF. You may also contact Debra East, WMI Admissions Supervisor via email at debra_east@nols.edu or by phone at (307)335-2360 with any questions you may have.
NOLS and WMI of NOLS Veterans Information sheet (pdf)
Is WMI Eligible to Receive Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Funding?
Yes, WMI is an approved MyCAA program. Spouses wishing to access their funding need to establish an account with MyCAA at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx. Spouses wishing to enroll in a WMI program should contact WMI once they have an approved career/training plan and let them know they have selected a WMI course as a part of their plan. Please contact Debra East, WMI Admissions Supervisor via email at debra_east@nols.edu or by phone at (307)335-2360 with any questions you may have.
What is the Moving Hands Scholarship?
Through a generous grant from the Figure Foundation, individuals fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course taught by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (WMI). This Scholarship is not intended to be used for recertification. Scholarships cover tuition expense only. Please submit your application 12 weeks prior to the start date of your desired course and allow two weeks for your application to be evaluated. If your application is approved, you will be directed to enroll in a course and pay the appropriate deposit or tuition which will be refunded upon course completion. For more information and an application please contact the WMI Admissions Supervisor (866-831-9001 x 1).
Are scholarships available for WEMT courses?
Yes! Partial scholarships are available for WMI WEMT courses beginning after May 1, 2010. The typical WMI scholarship award ranges from $500 to $1000. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and merit.
Students must pay a $1000 deposit and register for a WEMT course before their application will be considered.* The WMI registration form and scholarship application can be downloaded below. Only COMPLETE scholarship applications will be considered.
Please contact Debra East, WMI Registrar with any questions at (307) 335-2360 or by email at debra_east@nols.edu.
You can fax your WMI Registration form, deposit and scholarship application to the WMI
office at 307.335.2355 or mail it to us at:
WMI Admissions
284 Lincoln St
Lander, WY 82520
WMI Registration Form (pdf)
WMI Scholarship Application (pdf)
Certification and Recertification Questions
How long does my wilderness medicine certification last?
Upon successful completion of your WMI course, you will receive a WMI of NOLS Wilderness Medicine certification card that is current for two years. You have a one year grace period after the expiration of your wilderness certification. During this grace year you are eligible to participate in a recertification program, however your certification is not current. If you exceed your grace year, you must retake the entire course.
How do I recertify my wilderness medicine certification?
The preferred way to recertify your Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is to enroll in a WMI Wilderness First Responder Recertification course. This three-day course is specifically designed for students needing recertification. This training is built around scenarios and case studies crafted to reinforce evacuation decision-making. It also provides you with the latest updates in wilderness medicine and includes Adult and Child CPR.
You must possess a current WFR certification of at least 72 hours to recertify through a WFR Recertification course. It is your responsibility to make sure that your certification meets this standard. If you are unsure, please contact WMI before enrolling in a course.
This course will also recertify those who hold a valid WEMT (wilderness portion only) or WAFA certification.
To recertify your Wilderness First Aid certification you must take another Wilderness First Aid course.
WMI certifications will be afforded a one-year grace period within which to recertify. Your certification is not current within the grace year.
We ask WMI certified students to bring their certification card to the course so that the instructor can verify the expiration date. Students certified by any other organization are REQUIRED to submit a photocopy of their certification card on the first day of the course. Please note: We cannot issue you a new card until we have verified your previous training.
Students recertifying their WEMT certification must submit a current WEMT card and a photocopy of their current EMT card on course.
How do I prepare for my Wilderness First Responder Recertification course?
We suggest you prepare for your Wilderness First Responder Recertification course by studying prior to the course start date. Students who are the most successful, report that they reviewed their textbook and studied their notes from their previous course. In addition to this tip from students we have added some resources to our website that we highly recommend you review prior to your course
WMI Student Resources
Can I take a Wilderness First Aid course to recertify my Wilderness First Responder certification?
Though it is a less challenging and a less effective means of recertification than taking a WFR Recertification course, you may choose to take a Wilderness First Aid course to recertify your WFR, or WAFA BUT ONLY
if you hold a current/in grace year WMI WFR, or WAFA or a current (unexpired) SOLO WFR, or WMA WFR, or WAFA.
Participants using the WFA to recertify their WFR, or WAFA need to pass both a written and a practical test.
How do I recertify the wilderness portion of my Wilderness EMT?
Generally, recertification of the wilderness component of a Wilderness EMT is identical to recertification of a WFR (see How do I recertify my Wilderness Medicine certification?)
Another great option for recertifying the wilderness portion of your Wilderness EMT is the Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course (WUMP). This is the best choice for students who are also seeking Continuing Education Units. The WUMP offers 48 hours of Continuing Education Units.
You are required to submit a photocopy of both your Wilderness EMT card and your state or national EMT card on the first day of the course.
If your wilderness certification is expired beyond the one year grace period then you may reenter by accomplishing ALL of the following:
a) Hold a current State or National Registry EMT card
b) Complete WMI's Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course.
Be advised that most WMI courses offer EMT Continuing Education Units (CEU's). Your recertification choices offer the following CEUs:
Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals: 48 CEU hours
Wilderness First Responder Recert: 18 CEU hours
Wilderness Advanced First Aid: 32 CEU hours
Please note: NO CEUs are available for the Wilderness First Aid.
How do I recertify my National Registry EMT?
National Registry: Recertification
NREMT-B is a two year certification. Your certification is expired on the date of expiration. National Registry recertification requires a combination of continuing education units (CEUs) and a 24-hour Refresher Training Program every two year certification cycle.
Recertification requirements include ALL of the following:
a) 48 hours of documented CEUs. Hours accumulated during your initial training course may not be applied to this 48 hour total. (See your Nat. Reg. Recert info for a list of acceptable CEU sources.) WMI courses are preapproved for CEUs and accepted by the National Registry.
b) A 24-hour EMT Refresher course.
c) Demonstrate urban practical skills competence. A practical exam is not required as long as competence is demonstrated during the refresher course.
d) Hold a current professional level CPR card.
Note: The "supervisor" signature on your National Registry reregistration application must be signed by an individual who oversees or requires you to maintain urban EMT certification for employment, training or activity record. As a training organization WMI does not serve in this role for our students.
National Registry: Reentry
Your NREMT-B certification expires on the date indicated on your card. You have the opportunity to reenter within the two years following expiration. In order to reenter you must complete ALL of the following requirements:
a) A 24-hour EMT Refresher course.
b) State approved Practical Exam.
c) Current professional level CPR card
d) National Registry written exam (Upon completion of a, b, and c.)
Further questions should be directed to the following resources:
National Registry of EMTs 614-888-4484 http://www.nremt.org
WMI of NOLS 866-831-9001 http://wmi.nols.edu
How do I recertify my Colorado EMT?
Colorado: Recertification (three options)
Colorado EMT-B is a three year certification. There is a 6 month grace period. Recertification may be accomplished through ONE of the following.
1) Complete a refresher course from a Colorado approved training program. You will still need to submit an application packet to the State to renew your certificate.
2) Complete 36 hours of continuing education (12 medical, 12 trauma, 12 elective) from an approved Colorado training program, take a practical exam from a Colorado training program, submit an application packet to the State. WMI's Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course is approved for 48 hours of Colorado CEUs (10 hours medical, 10 hours elective and 28 hours trauma).
3) Apply for reciprocity from your current National Registry EMT certificate. An application packet must be completed and submitted to the State and a Colorado certificate will be issued to you.
Colorado requires all recertification candidates to complete a recertification application, have a current CPR card and updated criminal and drivers records.
Recertification can be accomplished by participating in the January or February pairing of the WMI Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professions and the Refreshing Training Program.
Colorado: Reentry
If your card has been expired greater than 6 months but less than 36 months then you must complete ALL of the following Reentry requirements:
a) Complete a refresher course from a Colorado approved training program, complete the appropriate number of clinical hours required by the training program, complete a six station practical, submit your application and all appropriate paperwork to the State office.
State of Colorado Division of EMS 303-692-2980 http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/em/emhom.html
How do I recertify my California EMT?
California: Recertification (two options)
California EMT-1 (or Basic) is a 2-year certification. Certification is maintained by accomplishing ONE of the following every two years:
1)Every Two years a state approved 24-hour Urban Refresher course must be completed.
2) Every Two years 24 hours of state approved Continuing Education units must be completed.
In addition to the above requirements all recertifying CA-EMT-1s need to complete an application form, submit a criminal history check, submit a photograph, obtain skills competency verification and pay associated fees.
California: Reentry
If your certification is less than 6 months expired, standard recertification procedures apply.
If your certification is between 6-12 months expired, standard recertification procedures plus an additional 12 hours apply.
If your certification is between 12-24 months expired, standard recertification procedures plus an additional 24 hours and written and practical testing apply.
If your card has expired longer than 4 years then you must retake the entire EMT course.
Please contact your local county of certification for further details.
California EMT Local County of Certification
Fresno/Kings/Madera County Tony Misner - 559-683-8801
http://www.emsa.ca.gov/
How do I contact my State EMS agency?
State EMS Agencies
How do I Upgrade to my urban EMT or FR to WEMT or WFR?
Successful completion of the Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals or Wilderness First Responder course will upgrade any current State or National Registry EMT or First Responder to Wilderness EMT or Wilderness FR respectively. Please bring a photocopy of your current EMT or FR card to the course.
What level of CPR training do I need to take a WEMT course?
WMI requires that WEMT students have a professional level CPR certification that reflects successful written and practical testing on the following skills: Adult, Infant & Child Foreign Body Airway Obstructions; Adult, Infant & Child CPR with one and two rescuers; Bag-Valve Mask use; and use of an AED.
Replacement Card Questions
How do I replace my Wilderness Card or CPR card?
There is a $5 fee for replacement wilderness cards or CPR cards. Please contact WMI at 866-831-9001 or wmi@nols.edu.
Continuing Education Questions
Can I Earn College Credit for my WMI Course?
College credit is offered through the University of Utah for the Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals (WUMP) and Wilderness EMT (WEMT) courses. Students will need to pay for the University of Utah credit fees in addition to the course tuition. Registration and payments for University of Utah college credits will take place at the course. Registration forms submitted after the course will not be accepted. Prior to registration please contact your school to verify they will accept the transfer credits from the Health Education Department at the University of Utah. The University of Utah provides undergraduate semester credits for these courses. Transcripts are available beginning only in the third week of April, August and December of each year.
Credits and costs:
WFR 3 credits HEDU 3980 Sec 30 $200
WUMP 4 credits HEDU 3970 Sec 30 $200
WEMT 9 credits HEDU 5980 Sec 30 $400
For questions regarding the credits please contact Mike Ditolla at the University of Utah, Division of Continuing Education at 801-581-4512 or mike.ditolla@utah.edu.
Can I earn EMT Continuing Education at WMI?
WMI is proud to be a Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) accredited organization. Current EMTs are eligible to receive Basic EMT CEU hours for their WMI courses as follows:
Wilderness First Responder: 70 hours
Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals: 48 hours
Wilderness Advanced First Aid: 32 hours
Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner: 16 hours
Wilderness Medicine Expedition: 16 hours
Wilderness First Responder Recertification: 18 hours
Wilderness First Aid: none
This service is free of charge to our students. You must bring a photocopy of your current EMT card(s) to the course.
Please ensure that CECBEMS CEUs will be accepted by your State EMS organization.
CECBEMS is an organization established to develop and implement policies to standardize the review and approval of EMS continuing education activities. The cosponsoring organizations of CECBEMS are the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians, the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Directors, the National Council of State Emergency Medical Services Training Coordinators, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, the National Association of EMS Educators and the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians.
Can I obtain Continuing Education as a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Yes! WMI is approved as a continuing education provider by the NATA Board of Certification (NATABOC). Certified athletic trainers may earn 1 CEU for every course contact hour. Please contact WMI at 866-831-9001 or wmi@nols.edu to request CEUs after your course.
Can I earn Physician CMEs for my WMI course?
Yes! Through joint sponsorship with the Wilderness Medical Society physicians may earn 36 hours of category 1 CME's for participation in the Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course or 16 hours of category 1 CME's for participation in the Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner course. There is an additional fee of $100 and $50 respectively for physicians requesting CME's. Physicians will earn 16 hours of category 1 CMEs for participating in a Wilderness Medicine Expedition.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the Wilderness Medical Society and the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Wilderness Medical Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 36 hours for the WUMP and 16 hours for the WMPP of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Can I earn credits towards the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM)?
Yes. Through joint sponsorship with the Wilderness Medical Society active members of WMS may earn up to 35.75 hours toward the 100 required credits necessary for FAWM recognition for participation in the Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course, up to 59.5 hours for participation in the Wilderness First Responder course, up to 28 hours for participation in a Wilderness Medicine Expedition and up to 16 hours for participation in the Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner course. There is an additional fee $15 for students requesting these credits.
“The Wilderness Medical Society has established the Academy of Wilderness Medicine™. An organized curriculum of core wilderness medicine topics has been created to help train and prepare individuals who desire to enhance their knowledge and skills. The Academy offers a means to identify those who have achieved a demanding set of requirements validating their training in wilderness medicine for the assurances of patients, clients, and the public at large. Any current member of the Wilderness Medical Society who successfully completes the requirements will have the distinction of being a registered member of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.” – WMS website
For more information regarding FAWM, please visit the FAWM information section of the WMS website:
http://www.wms.org/fawm/default.asp.
