Outdoor Programs offers industry-standard certification courses in wilderness medicine, avalanche education, and swift water rescue. These courses are open to the general public unless specified otherwise. Priority registration may be given to USU students, faculty and staff with certain course offerings. Only USU students currently enrolled at the time of registration are eligible for the student rate. Course participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. OP Course Cancellation Policy
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
The Desert Mountain Medicine (DMM) Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is designed for the outdoor enthusiast, trip leader, raft guide, or land agency field staff who want more than what an urban first aid course provides. The WFA is a great introduction to wilderness medicine and basic life support skills. This training focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment of environmental illnesses, recognizing and stabilizing life threats caused by trauma, and calling for a rescue in the event of a wilderness emergency. CPR is included in the course curriculum.
This course is taught in partnership with Desert Mountain Medicine and is offered for USU academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
March 21st - 22nd (PE 1543 Banner Registration Only)
April 4th - 5th
April 11th - 12th
Price
- $200 (USU Students)
- $275 (non-students)
For spring WFA course dates, priority early registration is given to USU students, faculty and staff needing the course for field work and paying with a departmental card/OCC#.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Online Hybrid
The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is the standard level of medical training for professional outdoor recreation industry field staff that work multi-day, overnight trips in remote environments, military, technical rescue personnel, and those working in disaster relief. The Desert Mountain Medicine (DMM) comprehensive, contextual and practical curriculum has gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, endurance athletes, and adventure travelers who push their boundaries in remote areas with limited resources, unreliable communication, and the potential for delayed or self rescue.
Course participants will develop strong patient assessment skills, adopt treatment tools to stabilize life-threatening conditions, and learn how to provide extended patient care in austere environments. Most importantly, this training will prepare individuals to prevent many environmental illnesses and proactively manage pre-existing conditions in the field. Individuals will also develop the confidence to professionally call in a rescue in the event of a backcountry emergency and manage the evacuation of a medical or trauma patient.
The DMM 80-hour course curriculum is robust and comprehensive encompassing all Core topics and several Elective topics set forth by the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative‘s (WMEC) Scope of Practice (SOP) document for the Wilderness First Responder. The Hybrid WFR format meets the WMEC’s minimum requirement of 45 hours delivered in person and is devoted to hands-on, practical skills and simulations.
DMM’s hybrid wilderness first responder (WFR) course format consists of a 30 hour self-paced, online instructional component, followed by a 50-hour in-person, practical component which takes place over five consecutive days.
The online section is hosted on CANVAS®, a cloud-based classroom and powerful learning management system that allows individual students to work at their own pace. An instructor team assigned to each course supports participants with navigation of the online material and facilitates interactive elements and skill-based learning. The online material consists of reading assignments, case studies, videos, photos, animations, quizzes, and discussions. The online section is available to course participants approximately 1 month before the practical section is to begin.
The hybrid format works best for self-motivated individuals with good time management skills that have access to a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop and high-speed internet. This instructional format provides the opportunity for course participants to learn at their own speed, in their own space, at their own schedule.
Participants then apply knowledge and skills learned from their online WFR training to the 50 hour in-person section. This practical section consists of drills, skill stations, scenarios, and discussions with the same instructor team that supports the online section.
This course is taught in partnership with Desert Mountain Medicine and is offered for USU academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
Moab course is held at the USU Moab Campus.
Moab Course: February 9 - March 8
Logan Course: April 13 - May 12
Logan Course: November 18 - December 17
In-Person Session
Moab Course: March 9 - 13
Logan Course: May 13 - 17
Logan Course: December 18 - 22
Price
Logan: $725 (USU Students), $825 (non-students)
Moab: $775 (USU Students), $875 (non-students)
If your desired course is full, please call (435) 797-3264 to be added to a waitlist.
Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WRC)
Online Hybrid
The 24-hour DMM recertification course refreshes a current WFR with new research in wilderness medicine based on the Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines and updated industry-standard guidelines set forth by the Wilderness Education Medicine Collaborative (WMEC). Course participants will review foundational knowledge and apply newly learned skills and guidelines via hands-on scenarios and simulations.
The DMM Hybrid WRC format meets the WMEC’s minimum requirement of 16 hours delivered in person and is devoted to hands-on, practical skills and simulations.
The Hybrid WRC format offers 8 hours of self-paced, online instruction followed by two consecutive days in the classroom. The online component is hosted on CANVAS®, a cloud-based classroom and powerful learning management system that allows individual students to work at a personalized pace. The online material consists of reading assignments, case studies, videos, photos, animations, quizzes, and a midterm exam and is available approximately 1 month before the in-person classroom section.
The hybrid format works best for self-motivated individuals with good time management skills that have access to a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, and high-speed internet. This instructional format provides opportunities for course participants to learn at their own speed, during their most convenient times, in their own space.
During the classroom section, course participants integrate their knowledge via drills, skill stations, scenarios, simulations, and discussions with the same instructor team that support them during the online component.
Moab: February, 21 - 22
Price
- Logan: $300 (USU Students), $350 (non-students)
- Moab: $345 (USU students), $395 (non-students)
Prerequisites
- Current WFR certification (course must have been at least 72-hours in length).
- All participants must have completed the online modules prior to the start of the in-person classroom session.
This course is taught in partnership with Desert Mountain Medicine. Moab courses are held at the USU Moab Campus.
Avalanche 1
The AIARE 1 is a three-day, 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management.
Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person.
2027 Dates Coming Soon!
Motorized
No current offerings
Price
$395 (USU Students)
$595 (non-students)
If your desired course is full, please call (435) 797-3264 to be added to a waitlist.
Who Should Take this Course
The AIARE 1 is for anyone who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course.
Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course.
Prerequisites
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. Non-motorized backcountry travel equipment (AT skis, Telemark, Splitboard w/ skins) is required. Snow shoes and cross country skis are not allowed.
Students must be comfortable riding black diamond resort terrain in variable snow conditions and be prepared for strenuous uphill backcountry travel. THIS COURSE IS NOT FOR NOVICE SKIERS/SNOWBOARDERS!
This course will consist of online modules, a classroom session and field days in surrounding area mountains. Students will need to bring an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
Backcountry equipment required for this course can be rented from the USU Outdoor Programs rental shop. Please reserve this equipment in advance as quantities are limited.
This course is taught in partnership with American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education and is offered for USU academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
Avalanche 2
In the past the AIARE 2 was designed to be an entry level professional course.
The redesigned AIARE 2 is designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced recreational students who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue class.
Price
- $475 (USU Students)
- $675 (non-students)
The AIARE 2 is a three-day/24-hour course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where online resources are scarce.
The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.
Who Should Take this Course
The AIARE 2 is a three-day course for those who have taken an AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue and have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills.
Prerequisites
- Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain.
- An AIARE 1 Course or equivalent Level 1 training.
- A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course before taking the AIARE 2 course. AIARE or AAA approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course.
Non-motorized backcountry travel equipment (AT skis, Telemark, Splitboard w/ skins) is required. Snow shoes and cross country skis are not allowed.
Students must be comfortable riding black diamond resort terrain in variable snow conditions and be prepared for strenuous uphill backcountry travel. THIS COURSE IS NOT FOR NOVICE SKIERS/SNOWBOARDERS!
Backcountry equipment can be rented from the USU Outdoor Programs rental shop. Please reserve this equipment in advance as quantities are limited.
This course is taught in partnership with American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education and is offered for USU academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
Avalanche Rescue
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while return participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course.
Each participant will have the opportunity to receive professional coaching on their rescue skills and will receive a rescue card acknowledging completion date at course end.
Price
$125 (USU Students)
$175 (non-students)
If your desired course is full, please call (435) 797-3264 to be added to a waitlist.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking an Avalanche Rescue Course and receiving a rescue card at least every other year.
All students will have the opportunity to get feedback from an instructor on their rescue skills and timed practice with a realistic scenario.
Students who have previously taken an AIARE 1 or an Avalanche Rescue Course will find value in having a professional help them set up a realistic scenario, practice skills in a realistic setting, receive feedback from an instructor, keep up with current best practices, and have an opportunity to practice advanced rescue skills.
Who Should Take this Course
The Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day course aimed both at new and experienced recreationists, and aspiring snow professionals.
Prerequisites
Students must be able to travel in the snow, and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class.
Backcountry equipment required for this course can be rented from the USU Outdoor Programs rental shop. Please reserve this equipment in advance as quantities are limited.
This course is taught in partnership with American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education and is offered for USU academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
Swiftwater Rescue (Rec-1 & Pro-1)
Rec-1 Course
This course is primarily designed for those wishing to gain experience around moving water. This course is framed around participant desires for training and taking beginner and novice students through the process of risk management and decision making in a swift water setting.Although this course does meet the SSI standards for certification, because of the format students will only be able to achieve a 2 year certification and all recreation based students will receive a Verification of Training for the Recreational Boater with no expiration.
Guides and other water professionals need to push themselves towards the PRO-I and achieve up to a 3 year certification, but can option into this course in order to receive training if nothing else is available. This may also be used as a recert module for those that cannot get into a PRO-I or a PRO-II (Cert/Recert length does not exceed 2 yrs in this class).
This class is tempered for recreational enthusiast with varied experience levels. We can discuss several different topics of importance to private boaters, and all knowledge gained in this class is positive. If you are a recreational boater with substantial experience, and perhaps a couple of training courses under your belt over the years, we would push you to get into the PRO-I course.
Rec-1 Course:
April 13-14, 2026
Location:
Green River, UT
$250 (USU Students)
$365 (non-students)
Pro-1 Course
April 16-17, 2026
Location:
Green River, UT
Price:
$250 (USU Students)
$365 (non-students)
Online Component
After you register, you will receive your online invitation email so you can start your online training. You have from the time yout register to the start of the course to complete the 3-4 hr training which consist of 19 training modules. Each module will be followed by a module exam, and you will be able to retake each exam as many times as necessary. You must pass each exam with a minimum score of 80% in order to go to the next module. You can start and stop at any time and your progress will be saved. This will help you be successful once you get to class.
Field Training
For the 2 day REC-I, expect to meet at a pre-determined course site in the morning on day 1 (TBD by your instructor). A little time in the morning will be spent on land reviewing some of the concepts that you were exposed to during the online training. Additionally, you will also be presented with the student field manual, and your instructor will go over all necessary course paperwork. All of this in preparation for day 2 that will be a continuation of day 1 with focus on training in the river and rapidly building your skill-set. We will introduce and have discussions on risk management, group dynamics, expedition leadership and self care in a stressful environment.
Prerequisites
- 18 Years of age
- Proficient swimmer
- Physically capable
- Desire to learn
- All of the necessary PPE
- Meet all Essential Eligibility Criteria
Pro-1 Course
This is a professional level swiftwater rescue course designed for those requiring certification as a term of employment in a professional capacity; this course teaches rescue techniques with regard to limited resources in a variety of river settings. This 2 day, 18 hr course (with online training) meets the needs of professional river guides as well as USFS, NPS, Search and Rescue teams, Field Biologists, and BLM employees. Additionally, this course is open to recreational river users wishing to train on the PRO track and they can train on the PRO-II course that cannot be entered through the REC track.
Course focus is on personal safety, decision making, risk management, and complex problem solving with other team members having limited rescue resources and communication with outside parties. This course is designed to meet varying student skill levels, and everyone from professional guides to seasonal contractors will benefit from the rescue techniques and concepts covered in this course. Self rescue and hazard avoidance and recognition are key components in this swiftwater course.
Pro-1 Course Delivery
The PRO-I will be delivered in a 2 day, 18 hour format. We achieve this by eliminating the formal classroom and allow you to do the online training modules from the comfort of your home. You are required to complete your online training prior to the field training with SSI. Days 1 and 2 will be spent in the water working on rescue concept evolutions. The PRO-I requires the student to understand key components in the online training and show up in the field on day one (1) capable of constructing a 3:1 mechanical advantage system on their own (direction provided in online modules).
Online Component
After you register, you will receive your online invitation email so you can start your online training. You have from the time yout register to the start of the course to complete the 3-4 hr training which consist of 19 training modules. Each module will be followed by a module exam, and you will be able to retake each exam as many times as necessary. You must pass each exam with a minimum score of 80% in order to move to the next module. You can start and stop at any time and your progress will be saved. This will help you be successful once you get to class.
Field Training
For a 2 day PRO-I, expect to meet at a pre-determined course site on morning one (1) and be presented with the student field manual and all necessary course paperwork. You will be required to construct a simple 3:1 mechanical advantage system as a means to test into this program. All of this in preparation for two (2) days that will involve a heavy hands-on approach with focus on training in the river and rapidly building your skill-set.
Prerequisites
- 18 years of age
- Proficient swimmer
- Physically capable
- Desire to learn
- All of the necessary PPE
- Meet all Essential Eligibility Criteria
Testing
After you have successfully completed the online training and passed with an average score of no less than 80%, you will be allowed to attend the field training portion. You must also pass the practical evaluation on day one (1): building a simple 3:1 mechanical advantage system on your own. There will be no further written examination in this PRO-I training, however you will have to satisfy practical evaluations throughout your time in the field. These are required components for the certification of a PRO-I course.
Certification
Internationally recognized 3 year Swiftwater Rescue Training (PRO-I ) Certification of Course Completion – with satisfactory practical and written skills evaluations. On occasion, it may be deemed by your instructor that a one or two year certification is more appropriate based on practical skills evaluations. This will be outlined in the SSI Core Competencies evaluation and clearly explained to the student.
These courses are taught in partnership with the Swiftwater Safety Institute (SSI) and is offered for USU academic credit through Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
Swiftwater equipment required for this course can be rented from the USU Outdoor Programs rental shop. Please reserve this equipment in advance as quantities are limited.