PE 1626: Wilderness First Responder
This 8-day, 80-hour course from Wilderness Medical Associates provides the prerequisite training and certification necessary for employment as a professional outdoor instructor at nationally recognized programs such as NOLS and Outward Bound. The curriculum goes beyond the basics needed for first aid certification to emphasize the skills and knowledge needed in backcountry rescue situations when extended care may be needed.
| Course Fee | Students: $855 Community: $940 CU Faculty/Staff:$940 NOTE: Cornell students enrolled in this course who are living on-campus will need to find off-campus accommodations until the residential halls open. Alternatively, campus housing is available during the spring semester WFR classes. |
|---|---|
| Fee Notes | For Cornell students: enrollment goes through the School of Continuing Education: SCE Courses, and COE runs the course. Thus, SCE tuition for the winter term applies. |
| Attendance | There is a mandatory, virtual orientation meeting for all enrollees (student and non-student) in November via zoom. All classes in January are in-person, on campus. Participation in all class sessions is required in order to receive PE credit. |
| Prerequisites | No previous experience. |
| Drop Deadline | September 3rd, 2025 |
| Enrollment | For Cornell students: enroll through SCE. For all others: enroll by contacting COE's front office: COED@cornell.edu |
| Links | Equipment List For more information about Wilderness Medical Associates please visit their website. |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 11/14/25 | 5:00pm to 7:00pm |
| Monday | 1/12/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 1/13/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 1/14/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
| Thursday | 1/15/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
| Friday | 1/16/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
| Saturday | 1/17/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
| Sunday | 1/18/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
| Monday | 1/19/26 | 8:00am to 6:00pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
- We cannot offer refunds for last minute cancellations or no-shows.
- For information about parking on campus, please see Cornell’s guide: Parking | Visit | Cornell University
- We do not provide meals – you are responsible for bringing your own food. There is no microwave or refrigerator on site. There are various cafes or dining halls on campus: Eateries - Cornell Dining Now
- Teagle Hall is located at: 512 N Campus Ste 1, Ithaca, NY 14853. The multi purpose room is most easily accessed through the EAST door (facing Lynah Rink) in Teagle Hall. Come into the single door, turn left and walk to the end of the hall. The MULTIPURPOSE ROOM IS STRAIGHT AHEAD. There is a open window to an office on that hallway where you can ask the staff where the Multi-Purpose Room is, if you are lost.
- Cornell cannot offer accommodation/housing on campus.
- Please arrive before the class starts. Because this is a professional certification and every single minute counts, if you are not on time, you may be failed from the class. The door in Teagle Hall closest to Lynah Rink will always stay open.