Wilderness Medicine

Wilderness Medicine Associates (WMA) courses offer a nationally recognized medical curriculum and certification. Wilderness medical training is taught worldwide, and many of the protocols and practices developed through WMA courses have been adopted by mainstream emergency medical services. This certification prepares students to provide pre-hospital medical care in remote settings and challenging environments.

Because this is an internationally recognized medical certification, it does require a certain level of physical ability. Students may be called upon to assist in wilderness rescues that involve navigating uneven terrain, working in confined spaces, and operating in extreme environmental conditions. These situations may also include lifting, carrying, and stabilizing a patient weighing up to 300 pounds while providing high-quality medical care.

Please carefully review our Essential Eligibility Criteria (EECs) to fully understand the requirements for earning a WMA certification.

If you feel you may not be able to meet all of the Essential Eligibility Criteria, we encourage you to reach out to discuss possible accommodations. It is still possible to take a COE Wilderness Medicine course if you do not meet all EECs. Students who successfully complete the course and pass all written and practical exams but do not meet the required qualifications, competencies, or physical tasks may receive a Letter of Successful Completion in place of certification.