Wilderness First Responder Certification Course

Saturday, May 9, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Allendale Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

Dates: May 9-13, 2026; 8am-6pm

Wilderness First Responder (WFR), offered by Wilderness Medical Associates, is the definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators, guides, Search and Rescue (SAR) team members, and others who work or play in remote areas. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including all of the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments. The 5-day hybrid format is for individuals and sponsors with less time available for on-site training and requires 25 hours of pre-course preparation and 45 hours of in-class instruction.

Certification

All eligible students who successfully complete the course will receive Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and Healthcare Provider level CPR certifications. The CPR course is based on the 2015 ILCOR/AHA guidelines. All WMA certifications remain valid for three years. The course is registered for 70 hours of continuing education credit through the CAPCE.

Prerequisites

Students must be at least 18 years old to participate in the 5-Day hybrid WFR course. No previous medical training is required.

Full-Course Fees

GVSU Students: $600
GVSU Faculty, Staff & Alumni: $685
General Public: $715

* If you wish to register with a 50% deposit and pay the remainder on the start date, use code DEPOSIT on the payment page.

Recertification (limited availability)

Participants are welcome to use this course to recertify so long as the WFR is valid at the start of our course. Current certification does NOT need to be WMA. WMI, SOLO, etc. are also acceptable. WFR Recertification requires participants to attend only the first 2-days of the course (Sat. - Sun.) in addition to completing online content prior to the in-person. Participants wishing to recertify their WFR may register using the regular RSVP form.

Recertification fees

GVSU Students: $350
GVSU Faculty, Staff & Alumni: $375
General Public: $400

Lodging

Lodging is available on-campus in one of our residence halls. A single room with 2 beds is available for $18 per person, per night. $36 per person per night if you prefer a room to yourself. Participants must provide their own linens.

Registration Deadline: Sunday, April 12
(to allow the instructor time to purchase necessary course materials and to ensure adequate time for completion of the online content.)

Watch a highlight reel from one of our past courses: https://youtu.be/hBt3LTV9IWM

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Location Information

GVSU Climbing Center
Fieldhouse 170

Download parking map for the Allendale Campus

Contact Information

Joe Bitely
Assistant Director, Recreation & Wellness
[email protected]

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This event was added to the calendar by Joseph Bitely (bitelyj@gvsu.edu) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 and was last updated on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

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