Teacher discussing NOLS Medicine Practices

Wilderness Medicine

Academic Credit

William Woodward

Students practicing hands on skills during a Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification course.

Make the Most of Your Course

Though NOLS is different than a traditional academic program, we are recognized as the leader in wilderness medicine education. You can also earn Continuing Education with NOLS.

Earning Academic Credit

Talk to Your Academic Advisor
Schedule a time to talk to an academic advisor at your college about academic credit. Ask about transferring Western Colorado University or University of Utah credit. Your school may have a preference. Please note that if you’re participating through AmeriCorps you must apply for academic credit through Western.

Review Next Steps for How to Get Your Credit
Once you know what type of credit that you'll be applying for, read the steps below for your chosen path. If you are planning on transferring credits to your school, be sure to ask how the credits will transfer, and what kind of credits your school will count them as.

A student works to treat a patient with an arm injury during a NOLS Wilderness Medicine scenario.

University of Utah Credit

Credits and Pricing

WEMT 9 credits HEDU 5980 Sec 30 $550
WFR 3 credits HEDU 3980 Sec 30 $300
WFA 1 credit HEDU 1960 Sec 30 $95
WUMP 4 credits HEDU 3970 Sec 30 $350

During Your Course
To apply for credit through University of Utah, register and pay for the credits through their website. You will receive a confirmation email from the school. For questions regarding the credits, please contact the Center for Emergency Programs of the Department of Health Promotion and Education at the University of Utah at 801-581-4512 or uucep@utah.edu .

After Your Course
To receive academic credit, you need to have University of Utah submit a transcript to your school. To order transcripts, visit the Transcripts and Verification page of the University website. Sign in using the information emailed to you by the University when you signed up for credits. If you have problems ordering a transcript you can call the transcript office at (801) 581-8965. For problems signing in to your U account, contact the computer help desk at (801) 581-4000.

Transcripts are not available until after the close of the term in which your course occurs. Please refer to the following chart.

NOLS Course Start Time	Transcript Availability
July 20 – December 1	Available December 27
December 1 – April 7	Available May 14
April 7 – July 20	Available August 13

Resources:

A course participant helps a patient with a leg injury walk during a NOLS Wilderness Medicine scenario.

Western Colorado University Credit

Credits and Pricing

For all courses starting on August 5, 2022 until the next academic year - end date to be determined yet.

WEMT 6 credits ROE 397 $1,020.00
WUMP 1 credit ROE 397 $170.00
WFR 3 credits ROE 397 $510.00
WAFA 1 credit ROE 397 $170.00
WFA 0.5 credit ROE 397 $123.75
WFR-R 1 credit ROE 397 $170.00
Hybrid WFR-R 1 Credit ROE 297 $170.00
WMPP 0.5 credit ROE 397 $123.75
WME 1.0 credit ROE 397 $170.00

Before Your Course
Registration with Western must be completed no less than 30 calendar days before the course payment is due to allow for processing time and course space availability.

Select your NOLS Wilderness Medicine course.
Complete the Western Colorado University (Western) NOLS Wilderness Medicine Registration Packet.

For more detail on Western’s registration process through AmeriCorps or 529 Plan go to Western's Outdoor and Experiential Education Program Partnerships page.

After Your Course
After your course, follow the instructions in the Western Wilderness Medicine Registration packet to get your academic credit. You must request a transcript and submit it to your school to receive credit.

Contact:
Outdoor Programs Staff at Western

Mailing Address:
Western Colorado University
Extended Studies, Taylor 303
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

Phone: 970-943-2885
Fax: 970-943-7068
Email: outdoorprograms@western.edu

Resources

Direct Credit from Your School

Before Your Course
Ask your institution if you need to do anything prior to or during your course to qualify for credit.

After Your Course
If your school directly accepts credit from NOLS, speak with your advisor on what the school needs to see from you or NOLS to qualify for academic credit.

Resources

Schools that accept NOLS credit

FAQ

Will my school accept NOLS credit?

Every school is different, so we recommend connecting with your academic advisor and university’s registrar to determine how academic credit will be applied.
What if I’m not enrolled in college right now?

You can still get credit through University of Utah. Please note that you must request academic credit before the start of your course.
What age do I have to be to qualify for college credit?

To earn University of Utah credit, you must be either a high school graduate or a rising high school senior with a 3.2 GPA or higher.

To earn Western State Colorado University credit, you must be age 15 or older.
I want to participate on my course through AmeriCorps or my 529 College Savings Plan, what is the best way to do that?

AmeriCorps and 529 Plan participants must apply for academic credit through Western State Colorado University.
Can I earn EMT Continuing Education credits?

Yes! Find out how on our Continuing Education page.
As a Physician, Physician Assistant or Nurse, can I earn CMEs for my Wilderness Medicine course?

Yes! Find out how on our Continuing Education page.
Can I earn credits towards the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM)?

Yes! Find out how on our Continuing Education page.