what do you need to do a nols course?

NOLS courses inherently have a lot of those things and demand a tolerance for them from those who work them. Communication skills and an ability to be nice to one another and work hard. Here we call it E.B. or expedition behavior.

Full Answer

Do you need experience for NOLS?

A NOLS course is an immersive expedition where you will spend time exploring remote, wild places with a tight-knit community of students and instructors. No experience is required, but by the end you'll have the skills and experiences to be a leader.

How do you train for NOLS?

For most of NOLS courses, you'll be working hard for several hours each day. Aim to make your workouts last at least 60 minutes (again, start shorter and increase gradually), and try to incorporate some longer, sustained workouts into your routine, like going for an all-day walk.Jan 29, 2016

How old do you have to be to do NOLS?

NOLS teaches real skills in wild places so you can adventure for a lifetime. NOLS Adult Expeditions are immersive 1- to 2-week wilderness experiences designed exclusively for adults 23 and over.

How do you get a NOLS scholarship?

NOLS accepts and reviews scholarship applications on a rolling basis. We recommend applying for financial aid early, as our scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We currently have funds to support courses beginning Fall 2022 and beyond.

Is NOLS worth?

NOLS offers shorter courses, but I recommend doing a 30 day or longer trek. Why? The longer you're out in the field, the more you learn about yourself, others, and the outdoors. Sure, you may hike and camp a lot with family or friends, and that's great.

How long is NOLS?

Combine wilderness and urban medicine in this intensive, month-long program. After four weeks of classroom education, practical skills, clinical rotations, scenarios and full-scale mock rescues, you'll be ready to handle medical emergencies in the backcountry or in town.

Does NOLS require vaccinations?

NOLS requires that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine boosters are not required to comply with this requirement, but we strongly encourage people who are vaccinated to get a booster when they are eligible.

What is NOLS finance?

Net Operating Losses (NOLs) are the tax benefits provided to a company operating at a loss under U.S. GAAP — i.e., if the company's taxable income is negative.

What is federal NOL?

Under U.S. Federal income tax law, a net operating loss (NOL) occurs when certain tax-deductible expenses exceed taxable revenues for a taxable year. If a taxpayer is taxed during profitable periods without receiving any tax relief (e.g., a refund) during periods of NOLs, an unbalanced tax burden results.

Is backpacking good for you?

Yes, backpacking is a cool way to see amazing views and get in shape. But the main reason I’m so passionate about it is because, unlike anything else I’ve ever seen, it strips away the BS. What does that mean? Throw a bunch of strangers together at, say, a nice restaurant in an urban center and tell them to get to know each other. People will small talk about their jobs, where they’re from, and maybe a little bit about their love lives. You’ll leave the restaurant and likely forget about everyone you met after a few hours. Throw a bunch of strangers together and make them trek through the wilderness? You will get to know those people—their innermost fears, desires, and dreams—better than you might know your close friends back home. You’ll know their vulnerabilities and their strengths. It’s incredible how quickly people's guards are forced to come down when you’re out in the field.

Do NOLS courses have college credit?

Most NOLS courses offer college credit for students. All NOLS students get thoughtful evaluations and grades at the conclusion of the course. And if you’re past student age, put it on your resume. It’s an interesting outlet to talk about your passion for the outdoors, leadership skills, and work ethic.

With the Leader in Wilderness Education

All NOLS courses, from immersive wilderness expeditions to classroom-based wilderness medicine courses, are designed around learning by experience, mentorship from expert educators, and wilderness. Students finish their courses inspired and empowered to act as leaders in their community.

Committed to Community and Wilderness

NOLS’ mission is to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence.

Why I Trusted a NOLS Course during COVID

When I say 2020, what comes to mind? Pandemic, quarantine, fear, loneliness, job loss, online overload. It was February 2020 when I began my journey with NOLS, and I’m so glad that I did.

Stepping Into Action: First Aid On The Appalachian Trail

NOLS grad Kimberly Blazzard unexpectedly put her wilderness medicine skills into practice on a solo trip on the Appalachian Trail.

Training for Your Team

Your team needs confidence, resilience, and leadership to accomplish their goals. Build your team’s capacity and potential through proven experiential learning. Learn more about NOLS custom expeditions.

Risk Management

Risk management planning is valuable for anyone who ventures off the beaten path. Whether you take your family hiking or run an established program, choosing to invest in risk management planning is choosing responsible leadership.

Gain Confidence in the Backcountry

Things can and do go wrong in the backcountry. This course will give you new understanding and hands-on practice dealing with these emergencies, allowing you to manage risk while visiting more remote areas. You will have confidence to climb higher, paddle farther, ski longer, and take better care of your group.

Bonus: Frontcountry Preparation

Emergencies can also happen at any time in the frontcountry. You could witness a car crash, a person choking in a restaurant, or a simple bike accident. Being an EMT means you are trained to give emergency care for the majority of medical or trauma situations that can happen in everyday life.

Use Your Training Professionally

Being a WEMT will make you an asset in many professional contexts. Whether it's getting hired for ski patrol, volunteering for search and rescue, or working in the outdoor industry, WEMT training will make you a valuable member of any team.

Prepare for Uncertain Conditions

Learning to use EMT skills in a wilderness context will help you develop resourcefulness. You will improvise with limited resources: for example, building a litter to carry a patient several miles on trail, using gear like blankets, skis, a backpack or rope.

David Laney

David graduated from a NOLS WEMT course in 2017. He owns a small running business called Trails and Tarmac. While not working or running he enjoys driving back roads in search of new trails and swimming holes.

What are the courses that NOLS instructors take?

There are seminars for all skill sets at the school: winter instructor seminar, horse-packing seminar, hiking seminar, and packrafting seminar, just to name a few.

How long has Jared Spaulding been teaching?

38-year-old Jared Spaulding has spent 350 weeks in the field as a National Outdoor Leadership School instructor. He’s taught 90-odd courses for NOLS, but that’s not counting the work he’s done for other outdoor education and outdoor therapy organizations including Aspen Achievement Academy and Trails Wilderness School. He’s worked courses in Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, New Zealand, India, and Patagonia. He’s paid rent for just 20 months of his adult life, preferring to spend his time off on climbing trips throughout the American West and Patagonia.