The Landmark Outdoor Educator Semester is a combined course experience taught May-June each year for rising professionals in the outdoor education and recreation fields. The combination of nationally recognized certification trainings offers students an opportunity to make themselves marketable in the outdoor community, building a resume founded in national standards. Training does not substitute for experience, however training helps folks gain the work that furthers their outdoor professional career. The LOES is available for up to 12 hours of college credit through Western Carolina University.
Course Outline
- NOLS Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (EMT plus WUMP): 238 contact hours
- American Safety & Health Institute Basic Life Support: 8 contact hours
- Leave No Trace Master Educator: 40 contact hours
- American Canoe Association L4: Swiftwater Rescue: 16 contact hours
- Starfish Aquatics Institute Wilderness Lifeguard: 16 contact hours
- American Canoe Association L2: River Canoe Assessment: 24 contact hours
- Semester Expedition – Capstone Project: 24+ hours
- Orientation, Educator Workshop, and Graduation Seminars: 16 hours
Total hours: 380+
Packing List
General Information
6 weeks / 380+ hours
- Proof of age 18 years or older
- Education: HS Diploma or equivalent
- Vaccination record: Polio ,MMR, DT/DPT, Hep B (only 1st shot required) ,TB/PPD w/in 6 months of course start
- No felony convictions and a clean driving record
- Background check
- 10-Panel Drug Screen
- Minimum of 3 weeks backcountry living experience
- Able to swim 100 meters
- Able to hike and carry personal equipment 4-6 miles a day
- Previous tandem canoe experience
- Previous teaching experience preferred
- Letter of recommendation from current Academic Advisor or Department Head
Rising professionals in the outdoor recreation industry, college students in their gap year, individuals at a career-choice crossroad, military personnel transitioning to civilian working life and desiring a recreation career pursuit.
Certifications, certificates of completion, and testing eligibility shall be awarded for each Semester segment, see each course overview page for specific details.
Transcripts can be sent to your school for consideration of acceptance by your Registrar.
The Landmark Outdoor Educator Semester is eligible for your choice of up to 12 hours of college credit from Western Carolina University, right here in Cullowhee, NC. A SACS-accredited university, WCU will be able to offer transfer of your credits to your current or future school.
- Students should expect to apply at WCU, pay a $65 one-time application fee, and enroll for the credits at least four (4) days prior to the course start date. The course is offered $55 per credit hour.
- Go to: WCU Educational Outreach to apply and pay online.
- Landmark Learning will provide final grades to WCU within 5 days of the Semester completion, and transfer will be available to students after that according to WCU’s calendar schedule.
- To initiate your enrollment, alert the LL office when you register regarding your intention to gain college credit for the experience.
Course Expectations
- All academic expenses for: 6 weeks/380+ hours
- Eligibility for college credit up to 12 hours with Western Carolina University – or refer to your department head or registrar
- 7 Nationally recognized certifications, of which 3 are Instructor level certifications
- Semester Expedition group gear and group meals
- Exit Interviews
General
Lodging
Meals
Additional Details
- Directions to Landmark
- LL Release form (one for entire semester)*
- 2 ACA Releases (1xSWR, 1xCanoe Skills Assessment)*
- SWR Expectations and Gear List
- Canoe Instructor Expectations and Gear List
- EMT Expectations and Gear List
- NOLS WUMP Expectations and Gear List
- NOLS Release*
- SAI WLG Expectations and Gear List
- LNT ME Expectations and Gear List
- LNT Release*
- Childhood vaccination record (see EMT expectations)*
- HS Diploma/GED/equivalent (see EMT expectations)*
- Proof of age*
- Background Check
- 10-panel Drug Screen
- Clinical Orientation
- EMT – any fees related to accessing HS diploma, transcripts showing HS graduation date, GED documents, etc.
- EMT – clinical opportunities are required, and students must submit a background check via the directions given within their Active account.
- EMT – clinical opportunities are required, and students much provide a 10-panel drug screen. Request-a-Test is recommended.
- Clinical Kit – Optional. $35 Includes stethoscope, BP cuff, and penlight.