Non-Credit
Get ready for the unexpected with this fun, hands‑on introduction to wilderness medicine. If you love weekend adventures, short hikes, family trips or any kind of outdoor recreation, this course is designed for you.
In this 16-hour, two-day class, you’ll learn how to assess patients, treat common outdoor injuries and illnesses, manage environmental emergencies and make smart evacuation decisions. Half of your time will be spent practicing real skills and jumping into realistic scenarios — because the best way to learn it is by doing it.
Program Highlights
The NOLS Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is widely recognized and approved by the American Camp Association, the U.S. Coast Guard and many state and federal agencies, giving you training that’s trusted across the outdoor industry.
Why This Curriculum Stands Out
- Developed and refined over decades by medical professionals and experts in outdoor education.
- Taught by highly trained instructors with years of real‑world medical and wilderness leadership experience.
- Includes a detailed Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course Outline with an overview and schedule of topics you’ll cover.
- Access to additional curriculum details and resources on the NOLS website for a deeper look at what you'll learn.
What to Expect
Class Time
- Please plan to arrive by 7:45 a.m. each day.
- Class runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, with a one‑hour lunch break at noon.
How You’ll Learn
- A mix of lectures, hands‑on skills practice, case studies and realistic scenarios.
- Attendance is required for all class sessions to receive credit for participation.
Be Ready for Indoor + Outdoor Scenarios
- Skills practice happens both inside and outdoors.
- You’ll need outdoor‑appropriate clothing for lying on the ground — potentially wet, snowy or cold — as you rotate between playing rescuer and patient.
- Scenarios may use moulage (stage blood and makeup) to increase realism.
- The classroom tends to be relaxed, so feel free to bring comfortable indoor shoes.
Prerequisites & Requirements
- This NOLS course is offered through RCC each spring.
- You must be 16-years of age to take this class.
Course Guidelines
Registration
The Wilderness First Aid course does not require admission to Rogue Community College. Register for the course on the RCC Campus Marketplace.
Career & Salary Outlook
With wilderness first aid training, you prepare yourself for careers that require strong decision making in remote settings where medical help is limited.
You can work as an outdoor guide, a camp leader or a field instructor because you understand how to manage injuries in challenging environments. You can also support conservation crews or trail teams where you respond to emergencies and keep groups safe.
As you gain experience, you can move into search and rescue roles or pursue higher medical certifications that open doors to advanced outdoor medical positions.
See Students in Action
