Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (HWFR)
If you work or recreate in the outdoors or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable, our Wilderness First Responder course is for you. It is the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, outdoor recreationists, and international travelers.
The Hybrid WFR combines 3 modules of online learning with 5 days of in-person training. You’ll begin by completing work in an online platform that includes readings, videos and quizzes. Each module requires 10 to 15 hours to complete, and you’ll need to finish them before the in-person portion begins. The 5-day in-person course will focus on skills and scenarios.
Upon completion, you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial 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.
Also see our Wilderness First Responder course.
Resources & Downloads
Additional Details
Continuing Education (Learn More)
This course is pre-approved for 62 hours of EMT Continuing Education Hours by the Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
If you’re an active member of the Wilderness Medical Society, you may earn up to 55 hours of credit towards a Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) with this course. Check with the Wilderness Medical Society for your personal credit details.
Academic Credit (Learn more)
This course is approved for 3 college credits through the University of Utah and 3 college credits 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.
Duration
80 hours
Age
16+ yrs
Tuition
$600 to $1,130
3 College Credits
- 3 Credits for WFR from University of Utah or Western Colorado University
Certifications
- Wilderness First Responder
- CPR
- Epinephrine Auto-injector
Start/End
Varies
Fly In/Out
Varies
Course Session Dates
Jan 5, 2026 - Jan 9, 2026
Charlottesville, VA
TBA View Session
Jan 5, 2026 - Jan 9, 2026
Cullowhee, NC
$925 View Session
Jan 5, 2026 - Jan 9, 2026
Flagstaff, AZ
TBA View Session
Jan 7, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026
Austin, TX
TBA View Session
Jan 7, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026
Flagstaff, AZ
TBA View Session
Jan 8, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026
Bozeman, MT
TBA View Session
Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026
Fort Collins, CO
$845 - $945 View Session
Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026
Fort Snelling, MN
$895 View Session
Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 19, 2026
Phoenix, AZ
TBA View Session
Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026
Tucson, AZ
$925 View Session
Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026
Tucson, AZ
TBA View Session
Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026
Stateline, NV
TBA View Session
Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026
Blairstown, NJ
$895 View Session
Feb 18, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026
Borrego Springs, CA
TBA View Session
Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
Midpines, CA
TBA View Session
Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
Sausalito, CA
TBA View Session
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 4, 2026
Talkeetna, AK
TBA View Session
Mar 9, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
Fort Snelling, MN
$895 View Session
Mar 9, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
Flagstaff, AZ
TBA View Session
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
Salt Lake City, UT
$960 View Session
Mar 11, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026
Chicago, IL
TBA View Session
Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
Fort Collins, CO
$845 - $945 View Session
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026
Boulder, CO
TBA View Session
Mar 17, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
Gunnison, CO
$895 View Session
Topics Covered
Patient Assessment System
Documentation
Medical Legal
CPR
Spinal Cord Injuries
Long-term Patient Care
Chest Injuries
Shock
Head Injuries
Wilderness Wound Management
Athletic Injuries
Fracture Management and Traction Splinting
Dislocations
Cold Injuries
Heat Illness
Altitude Illness
Cardiac, Respiratory and Neurological Emergencies
Abdominal Emergencies
Mental Health Emergencies
Bites, Stings and Poisoning
Allergies and Anaphylaxis
Diabetes
Search and Rescue
Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication
Communicable Disease
Lightning
Submersion
Urinary and Reproductive System Issues
Medical Decision Making
Common Wilderness Medical Problems
Wilderness Drug and First Aid Kits
Keep Your Hybrid WFR Certification Current
How long does a WFR certification last?
A NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is valid for 2 years.
Make sure to recertify with a WFR Recertification course or a Hybrid WFR Recertification course before your expiration date. Or, look into our WAFA and WFA courses for other recertification options.
Financial aid & Scholarships
NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:
- AmeriCorps
- 529 College Savings Plans
- Veteran's Benefits (In Wyoming only)
If you are fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English, you may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to your wilderness medicine course.