Which course should I take?
Read through our course options. Please contact us if you still have questions about the best course for you.
How do I find a course in my area?
Visit our schedule page and use the left-side filter options to sort courses by course type and location. Please contact us if you are unable to find a course in your area.
How do I recertify my wilderness medicine credential?
Visit our recertification page to learn about your options.
Can a certification be extended? Is there a grace period?
No. Certifications are never extended beyond their expiration date. There is no grace period. Certifications are valid for three years, and must be recertified BEFORE they expire.
On a case-by-case basis, WMA may extend a student’s eligibility to recertify in a recertification course that begins after their certification has expired. Students must inquire about an eligibility extension BEFORE their certification expires.
How can a certified graduate replace a lost WMA certification card?
Your options are:
- If you recently attended a WMA course and enrolled in the Moodle course, you can download a PDF copy of your certification at the bottom of your course under Certifications. Go to Moodle
- Purchase a new card online from our bookstore at any time.
Request a digital PDF version of your card. Email with your full name as it appears on your card, along with the following course information: Dates, Sponsor Name, Course Location (city/state) & Instructor Name.
What are the minimum age requirements for your courses?
Please review the table for US course minimum age requirements. Contact the WMA International office you will be training through for their requirements. All students under the age of 18 require the written consent from a guardian.
| Course | Minimum Age | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Wilderness First Aid (WFA) | 16 | |
| Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) | 16 | |
| WAFA to WFR Bridge | 16 | |
| 7- and 8-Day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) | 16 | |
| 5-Day Wilderness First Responder (5D-WFR) | 18 | |
| Open WFR Recertification | 18 | |
| Wilderness EMS Upgrade (WEMS) | 18 | Current EMS license |
| Wilderness Advanced Life Support (WALS) | 18 | Current Hospital Level Medical License (RN, PA, DO, MD etc) |
| Offshore Emergency Medicine (OEM) | 16 with accompanying guardian | Current Adult CPR certification |
| Travel Medicine First Aid (TMFA) | 16 | |
| Travel Medicine First Responder (TMFR) | 16 | |
| Conflict & Remote First Aid | See “Other Requirements” | Participants must be working professional in conflict zones |
| Battlefield Medical Response | See “Other Requirements” | Participants must be a working journalist or media professional. |
| Wilderness First Aid for Field Services | 16 | |
| Wilderness Medical Elective | See “Other Requirements” | Students must be enrolled in a MD or DO program |
| EMT+Wilderness EMS | 18 |
Is CPR included?
CPR is typically included in our courses except in the Offshore Emergency Medicine, WEMS Upgrade, and WALS courses. If it is not included in a WFA, WAFA, or WFR per the decision of the course host, this will be specified in the class description. All WMA CPR courses are based on the current American Heart Association/ILCOR guidelines and any published updates.
- WFR graduates who successfully complete the course will hold a BLS CPR certification from WMA that includes CPR for adults, children, and infants, airway management, oxygen administration, and AED use.
- WFA and WAFA graduates earn the equivalent of adult CPR with AED training.
- Although a WMA certification is good for 3 years, some jurisdictions and employers may require CPR certification on a yearly basis.
How much does a WMA course cost?
Course fees are set by the WMA Licensed Training Company (LTC) offering the course. Call or email the LTC directly to get this information. You can find their contact information at the course schedule link on the web under Host: Contact Info.
Can I use my VA/AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for my course?
All payments for WMA courses are processed through our licensed training companies (LTCs). Please check with the LTC running your course to see if they are able to accept VA/Americorps Education Award vouchers.
What continuing education credits are available?
Visit our Continuing Education page to view our distributions by course.
Are WMA Courses Coast Guard credentialing approved?
Wilderness Medical Associates’ Wilderness First Aid (WILDMA-554), Wilderness First Responder (WILDMA-555), and Offshore Emergency Medicine (WILDMA-681) are U.S. Coast Guard approved to satisfy First Aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1) for merchant marine licenses.
How do I host a course at my organization?
Visit our host page to learn how to host your own WMA course.