Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification
An introduction into Wilderness Medicine, this weekend course provides an overview of medical skills for the wilderness setting.
Overview
Now offering classes in several locations in the Southeast. See Dates section for details!
This entry-level course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers to the outdoor industry. The 16 hours of instruction cover patient assessment and how to provide basic care for sick or injured patients. Students will participate in hands-on scenarios in addition to classroom lectures and activities. CPR is an available add-on. This course is recommended for hikers, camp staff, mountain bikers, river guides, backpackers, and hunters.
Successful completion of this course provides a two-year certification. This course does not include CPR – American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). CPR and AED training is offered on the first night of WFA courses for an additional fee.
For an additional fee, taking a WFA course can also recertify a soon-to-expire Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
If you would like to recertify your WFR through a WFA, please call 828-366-7517.
What You’ll Learn
- Patient Assessment
- Treatment of Life Threatening Conditions
- Splinting
- Management of Environmental Hazards
What to Expect
Participants can expect to spend time learning as a group in both a classroom setting as well as outside with hands-on action in real world scenarios.
Dates
Bryson City NC Course Dates
| Dates | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7-8, 2024 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Jan 11-12, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Feb 22-23, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Mar 12-13, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Mar 22-23, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Apr 19-20, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Jun 21-22, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Jul 12-13, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Aug 2-3, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Sep 6-7, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Oct 11-12, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Oct 15-16, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Nov 1-2, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Dec 13-14, 2025 | Bryson City, NC |
Atlanta GA Course Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 14-15, 2024 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Jan 25-26, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Feb 15-16, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Mar 8-9, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Apr 12-13, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Jun 14-15, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Jul 26-27, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Aug 9-10, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Sep 20-21, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Oct 4-5, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Nov 8-9, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | |
| Dec 6-7, 2025 | Atlanta, GA |
Before You Visit
- Two-Year SOLO WFA Certification
- Optional Two-Year ASHI CPR & AED Certification
- Textbook
NOC Provides the primary gear needed for each course. Course participants should plan to have seasonally appropriate clothing as we will spend a significant amount of time outside.
Necessary Items (for All Classes)
- Backpack
- Head Lamp
- Rain Gear
- Extra Layers
- Water Bottle and at least 1 Liter Water
- Pen and Notepad
- Close-Toed Shoes (Boots Recommended)
Students must be at least 14 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
NOC’s main campus in Bryson City, NC is home to two onsite restaurants, and hours vary seasonally. View hours for River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser. Snacks are available for purchase at the General Store.
Our Atlanta, Greenville and Chattanooga locations do not have onsite food and beverage options, please bring your own lunch and snacks.
