Comprehensive Student Policies

3. Attendance and Punctuality

• Mandatory Attendance: 100% attendance helps students get the most out of the program. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. A student with any unexcused absence will be dismissed and failed.
  
• Excused Absences: Requests for excused absences are not guaranteed. Instructors or the office must be notified in advance. Absent students are responsible for arranging make-up content. The maximum allowed excused absences are:
  
  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA): 2 hours
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR): 4 hours
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): 8 hours
  • Wilderness EMT (WEMT): 8 hours
  • Semester in Wilderness Medicine (SWM): 24 hours
    
• Tardiness: Punctuality is required, and tardiness counts toward total absences, calculated in 15-minute increments. Being 15-29 minutes late equals 15 minutes of absence, 30-44 minutes equals 30 minutes, etc. Prior notification is required for tardiness to be excused.
  
• Clinical Time: For EMT/WEMT/SWM programs, clinical time may be required, consisting of 12 hours of ER observation and/or 12 hours of ambulance ride-alongs. All school policies apply during this time, and Aerie’s name badges and scrubs must be returned upon completion (if distributed).

4. Academics and Grading

• Written Exams: A cumulative score of 70% or better is required to pass non-EMT level programs. For EMT-level programs, a cut score grading method of 80% or higher is required to pass.
  
• Make-up Exams: Make-up exams are allowed for scores under 70% or missed exams due to an excused absence. A score of 80% or better is required on all make-up exams. If a student scores less than 80%, instructor-recommended remediation is required to pass.
  
• Grading Scale: All exams are averaged for a final percentage and assigned a letter grade based on the following scale:
  

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	89.5 – 100%
B	79.5 – 89.4%
C	69.5 – 79.4%
D	59.5 – 69.4%
F	< 59.4%

• Practical Skills: Practical skills are evaluated based on current NREMT and Montana Board of Medical Examiners checklists. Skills are assessed throughout the course during practice and scenarios. All practical skills must be passed prior to the end of the program.
  
• Eligibility for Testing: Eligibility for National and State practical exams depends on successful completion of EMT coursework, including passing all written exams and practical skills.
  
• Recording Privacy: Recording (audio, visual, or otherwise) of lectures, scenarios, debriefs, or discussions is not permissible without prior written approval from Aerie Management.

Academic Integrity & Professional Ethics

• As a medical training program, Aerie Backcountry Medicine holds its students to the highest standards of professional ethics and academic integrity. Research demonstrates a clear correlation between academic dishonesty and unethical or unsafe clinical behavior, such as falsifying documentation or failing to report errors. Because these behaviors directly threaten patient safety, academic dishonesty is treated as both an educational and professional conduct concern.

• Prohibited Conduct: Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and accountability in all academic, testing, and clinical activities. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
  • Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification of records, or unauthorized collaboration.
  • Falsification or misrepresentation of clinical documentation, skills performance, or patient care activities.
  • Copying, sharing, distributing, or attempting to bypass technical safeguards for Platinum Educational Group testing content.

• Inappropriate Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Unless explicitly authorized in writing by the instructor for a specific assignment, the use of AI is prohibited. This includes using AI tools during exams, generating or substantially revising graded assignments or clinical documentation, or using AI to analyze protected testing content.

• Disciplinary Process: Upon suspicion or identification of academic dishonesty or unauthorized AI use, Aerie will follow a structured disciplinary review:
  • Review: A required meeting will be held with the student and the course instructor.
  • Documentation: The incident will be recorded in the student’s academic file, with written notification sent to the EMT Program Manager.
  • Sanctions: Based on a leadership review, disciplinary actions may be applied, up to and including formal notation, probation, removal from the class with a failing grade (F), or program dismissal.

• Platinum Testing Platform Bans: Students must comply with Platinum Educational Group’s Copy Theft Policy and Terms of Service. If a student is permanently banned from Platinum platforms due to copy theft or related violations, the student will automatically fail the associated class, barring documented extenuating circumstances reviewed by Aerie leadership.
• Appeals: Students have the right to due process through a structured, three-level appeals process (Instructor -> EMT Program Manager -> Director).

5. Facility Usage and Environment

• Host Rules: Students may be guests of multiple facilities (e.g., Rancho Mastatal, Hanifl Centre, Jack Creek Preserve) and must follow their respective policies. Students must respect flora and fauna and be courteous to facility employees.

• Firearm Policy: Firearms are generally not permitted on Aerie courses or on the property of the residential facilities where our courses are taught. Exceptions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  
• Substances and Impairment: To ensure a safe learning environment and competent patient care, students must remain completely free from the influence of any mind-altering substances during all program hours and clinical shifts. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, federally illegal drugs, legally permitted recreational substances, alcohol, and the unprescribed or off-label use of prescription medications. Furthermore, if an instructor believes that a student’s off-time use of alcohol or other substances (including residual impairment or hangovers) is interfering with their program performance in any way or poses a safety threat, the student will be removed from the program. If a student is taking a legally prescribed medication that has the potential to impair their judgment, physical abilities, or alertness, they must confidentially notify an Aerie instructor prior to the start of class so appropriate safety measures can be evaluated.
  

6. Age Requirements

• Our courses contain topics and discussions that revolve around the most sensitive of topics: how to care for those who are mortally injured or ill and how to address situations in which a person has died. Each person processes these considerations differently, including younger students. Coping mechanisms, maturity levels, and previous exposure to medical topics can widely vary among student groups younger than 18. One of Aerie’s end goals is to facilitate an educational experience that is appropriate for all our students.
  • EMT, Wilderness EMT, and SWM Programs:
    • Students 16 to 17 years old may take this course with signed parental consent via the Minor Student Waiver.
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR):
    • Students 16 to 17 years old may take this course with signed parental consent via the Minor Student Waiver. Students 14 to 15 years old may be considered if a parent or guardian is present throughout the entire duration of the class.
  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA):
    • Students 14 to 17 years old may take this course with signed parental consent via the Minor Student Waiver.
    • Students younger than 14 years old may be considered if a parent or guardian is present throughout the entire duration of the class.
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, Wilderness Medicine Essentials (WME):
    • Students 12 to 17 years old may take this course with signed parental consent via the Minor Student Waiver.
    • Students younger than 12 years old may be considered if a parent or guardian is present throughout the entire duration of the class.
• Any student who is younger than 18 years old, at any point in the course, must have a parent or guardian complete, sign, and return this Minor Student Waiver before the course begins. If this form is not completed by the start of class, Aerie is not able to accommodate the student’s attendance for the entire course.

• Exceptions to the above requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis by an Aerie Manager or Director.

7. Administration, Dismissal, and Liability

• Enrollment: Students can enroll up to one calendar day before a course begins. Waitlists apply when maximum capacity is reached. By registering, students acknowledge and agree to abide by Aerie’s policies.
  
• Discipline & Appeals: This program operates within specific guidelines established by Aerie Backcountry Medicine, the NREMT, and the State of Montana Board of Medical Examiners. Additionally, for any student enrolled for University of Montana credit, the University’s policies—specifically the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, and the University of Montana Student Conduct Code—also strictly apply. Except for immediate safety threats requiring law enforcement, students will receive warnings of possible dismissal to allow for behavior modification. Students taking the program for UM credit have the right to appeal Aerie’s academic or disciplinary decisions in compliance with the UM Code of Student Conduct.
  
• Financial Liability: Dismissal results in failure without refund (except for VA-funded students). Students who are dismissed, drop out voluntarily, or require medical evacuation are entirely responsible for their own food, lodging, travel, and medical expenses. Aerie will not reimburse expenses. Comprehensive medical and trip insurance (e.g., Global Rescue) is strongly recommended.
  
• Records: Progress records, including attendance, test results, and final grades, are maintained for up to seven years.
  
• Readmission: Terminated students may appeal in writing to the school’s director. They must explain how they will prevent future attendance issues or demonstrate written and psychomotor mastery of previously failed academic topics.
  
• Prior Training: Credit for previous training may be evaluated and granted upon proof submission, potentially reducing program cost and length.
  

• School Calendar/Office Closures: The Aerie office observes federal holidays and will be closed on: New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Student Wellbeing & Mental Health Support 

Aerie’s courses are physically demanding and often involve highly realistic, stressful medical scenarios that simulate life-threatening emergencies. We recognize that this type of intense training can be emotionally taxing. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical safety. If you find yourself struggling, we highly encourage you to speak with an Aerie instructor so we can help support you.

Additionally, students can access free, confidential, and immediate support 24/7 by calling or texting the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. For students taking courses for University of Montana credit, the UM Curry Health Center Counseling services may also available as a resource.

8. Veterans Affairs (VA) Student Policies

• Leaves of Absence: The VA does not pay benefits during a leave of absence.
  
• Completions: Aerie’s VA Certifying Official notifies the VA within 30 days of program completion. VA benefits expire when the total approved hours are reached or enrollment terminates.
  
• Delayed Payments: Aerie will not impose penalties (late fees, facility denials, or required borrowing) on covered individuals due to delayed VA funding disbursements under chapter 31 or 33.
  
• Refunds: If a veteran student fails to enter, withdraws, or is discontinued, unused tuition and fees will be canceled or refunded on a prorated basis. This pro-rata charge is based on the exact ratio of completed instructional days to total instructional days. Refunds will be paid promptly within 40 days.
  

Portion of Program Completed	Total Refund Granted
10% completed	90% Refunded
20% completed	80% Refunded
30% completed	70% Refunded
40% completed	60% Refunded
50% completed	50% Refunded
60% completed	40% Refunded
70% completed	30% Refunded
80% completed	20% Refunded
90% completed	10% Refunded