Full-time Programs

FAHP - Fitness & Health Promotion

Program Entry

SEPTEMBER

Program Length

Two-year Ontario College Diploma

Highlights

• Train and teach in Loyalist’s newly-renovated on-campus
  fitness centre.
• Gain 320 hours of on-the-job experience while you study.
• Become certified in fitness appraisal and/or personal fitness ­training before you graduate.
• Complete a double diploma in Recreation and Leisure Services in just one additional year.

Career Opportunities

A career in fitness and health promotion appeals to individuals with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and an interest in moti­vating others to achieve their goals. Qualified personal trainers and fitness instructors find varied and interesting oppor­tunities working in health clubs, corporate fitness centres, com­munity recreation centres, military bases, penitentiaries, cruise ships and resort destinations. The program prepares graduates to work with individuals and groups, to participate in commu­nity health promotion strategies, or to pursue self-employment.

Program Description

Students will develop the confidence and expertise to conduct individual and group fitness instruction. Through classroom instruction and training in our expanded and newly-renovated fitness centre, students will learn to design and implement individually-tailored fitness programs to help clients meet their lifestyle goals. They will be able to accurately assess health and fitness levels; evaluate progress; and develop an exercise pre­scription that will meet the needs and interests of each client. Students have the opportunity to study with faculty who have research and relevant practice experience.

Courses including anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, nutrition and chronic disease prevention provide a solid foundation for health promotion. Complementary instruction in program­ming and customer service will ensure that graduates enter the workforce with a well-rounded set of skills. Students gain 320 hours of practical experience in two community placements before graduation. Because work placements are scheduled at the end of classes, many students ­graduate into a job.

A common first year with the Recreation and Leisure Services ­program gives graduates the option to return for one year of study to earn a double diploma.
Together with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), our faculty participated in the development of a new national standard for personal training. Through the program, Loyalist students can receive the following industry-recognized ­certifications:

• CSEP – Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Modules 1 & 2
• Ontario Fitness Council – Level 1 Weight Training Instructor
• Ontario Fitness Council – Group Fitness Instructor
• NCCP Level 1
• High 5

Approximate Cost

Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,096 (two semesters)
Books and Supplies: $1,450
Additional fees may be charged for supply kits, overnight field trips and uniforms.

Admission Requirements

(a) Required academic preparation –

• OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level with Grade 11 or 12 English and biology, chemistry or kinesiology

OR

• mature applicant

Recommended academic preparation –

• Recommended courses include sciences and mathematics. Applicants with a baccalaureate degree focusing on exer­cise sciences may be eligible for direct entry into Year Two.

(b) Health: A formal, confidential personal health history and up-to-date immunization are required by the College as part of the registration process.

(c) Physical Fitness: The program includes a physical fit­ness ­component. Prospective students with special needs, ­limitations or health-related issues that may affect their practicum/field placement or potential employment oppor­tunities are encouraged to discuss their career goals with the program coordinator as part of the application process.

(d) CPR and First Aid: Upon registration, students are required to produce evidence of current certification in Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR (Adult, Child and Infant).

(e) Criminal Record Check: In order to participate in most clinical placements, students will be required to complete a clean criminal record check by their local police service.

Loyalist / University Transfer

Turn your diploma into a degree. Transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2009:

• Algoma University College
• Athabasca University
• Brock University
• Davenport University
• Griffith University
• Laurentian University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Click here for details and minimum requirements. Graduates may contact the university of their choice to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.

Curriculum