Wilderness First Responder Certification Course
Saturday, May 8, 2027
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Allendale Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students
Dates: May 9-13, 2026; 8am-6pm
The 5-Day Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (WFR), 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 provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership, and critical thinking for professionals, leaders, and outdoor adventurers in low-resource and remote environments. The hybrid format includes 30+ hours of required e-learning followed by 45+ hours of in-person learning over the course of 5 days.
Certification
All eligible students who successfully complete the course will receive Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and Healthcare Provider level CPR certifications. 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
This year, our lodging option is only available on our downtown Grand Rapids Campus (course is taught on the Allendale campus ~20 minutes west). A single room with 2 beds is available for $23 per person, per night. Single rooms are available at $32 per person, per night if you prefer a room to yourself. There is an additional fee for Optional linens ($16.50). Parking is complimentary.
Registration: Opening Monday, November 16, at 8am
Deadline: Thursday, April 8th at 8am
(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
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 Joe Bitely (bitelyj@gvsu.edu) on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 and was last updated on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 8:43 a.m.
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