Vocational Training for the Outdoor Professional Overview The American Alpine Institute has several programs that are vocational in nature and that are designed to fill in education and certificate gaps that outdoor professionals might have as climbers, mountaineers, ski patrollers, mountain rescue technicians, outdoor educators, office administrators, instructors, guides, etc. Each course may be taken as a stand-alone program. Many outdoor professions require certifications and continuing education to remain current while employed.
These vocational programs may be taken as needed to advance one’s career in the mountains and to build a professional resume. As these are stand-alone programs, there is no course flow or sequence in which they need to be completed. For example, if you attend our 12-day Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part I course, there is no deadline or limiting date to complete the 12-day Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part II course. Likewise, if you need the Avalanche Pro Level I training and you meet the prerequisites, you can take that course alone.
As long as the prerequisites are met, students may take these programs as needed to meet job requirements and to update their skillset in order to match the current industry best practices.
Every student is required to meet the prerequisites of the course(s) in which they wish to enroll and will need to provide an outdoor resume outling previous training, experience, and certifications to the vocational coordinator.
Prior education and training will be reviewed for all students and VA education benefits recipients entering any vocational program.
Please note that VA education benefits cannot be used to achieve refresher training in skills that have already been learned.
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Vocational courses:
Core Curriculum:
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Vocational Training for the Outdoor Professional VA Education Benefits Applying for Education Benefits with the American Alpine Institute
In order to use your education benefits with the American Alpine Institute, you will need your most current Certificate of Eligibility from the VA as well as a copy of your DD-214 if you are a veteran. If you do not have a Certificate of Eligibility, Veterans must apply online here .
You can read more about VA education and training benefits here . This is a valuable resource for you to understand your benefits.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to use your education benefits with AAI, you must register more than 30 days before the course start date.
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Benefits AAI Accepts
Post 9/11 GI Bill®- Chapter 33
If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program.
Veteran Readiness and Employment® (VR&E) - Chapter 31
If you have a service-connected disability, the VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program can help pay for your training with us. If approved for this benefit, you will work with and report to a vocational rehabilitation counselor while you take courses.
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty® (MGIB-AD) - Chapter 30
If you’ve served at least 2 years on active duty, you may qualify for the MGIB-AD program.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve® (MGIB-SR) - Chapter 1606
If you’re a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard, you may be eligible for this benefit.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance® (DEA)- Chapter 35
If you are the son, daughter or spouse of a Veteran who has died or is permanent and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for this benefit.
You can read more about using your benefits with the American Alpine Institute, a non-college degree school, here .
If you have any questions about using your VA educational benefits with AAI, please do not hesitate to reach out to our School Certifying Official and Vocational School Manager, erin-leigh @alpineinstitute.com .
A note about registration fees: A "registration fee" is any fee charged by a school to process student applications and establish a student records system. All students are responsible for the registration fee.
