About the Program
In this two-year diploma program you will gain the skills and knowledge required for improving the health of clients and communities through physical fitness. As a student of this program, you will learn about the science and professional practices of implementing fitness and health programs for clients of all ages. You will receive advanced training and practical experience in coaching and fitness promotion related to the design and delivery of programs of physical activity and wellness. After this program, you will be well-prepared for the rapidly expanding professional opportunities in fitness, wellness and health promotion.
Graduates of this program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible for a block transfer of thirteen courses into Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation. This provides the opportunity for students to complete Seneca’s degree within 3 years.
This program also provides you with the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology & Health Sciences) or Bachelor of Arts (Any Major) at York University.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Starts
January, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Consultation skills for clients
- Contemporary fitness techniques
- Coaching and training techniques aligned with the standards and certifications of professional organizations, including the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
- Holistic intervention approaches to physical coaching, including addressing exercise counseling and mental health first aid
- Marketing and professional practice skills
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- Instructor in health and fitness organizations
- Instructor in senior centres
- Coach in sports organizations
- Work in municipal organizations involving recreation, fitness and leisure
- Fitness and wellness consultant
You will be certified in coaching children and youth, enabling you to work with sport organizations interested in developing athletes’ physical abilities. Graduates can apply contemporary fitness techniques and work with adults and seniors who wish to meet their own personal health and fitness goals. In addition, with your highly marketable skills, you can consult with coaches, teachers, health care workers and others interested in building healthy communities.
Program of Study
Course List Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) |
FHP101 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
FHP102 | Fitness Assessment I | 3 |
FHP104 | Nutrition | 3 |
FHP108 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
FHP114 | Physical Literacy: Concepts and Practices | 3 |
FHP201 | Exercise Physiology and Life Diseases | 3 |
FHP202 | Exercise Prescription | 4 |
FHP203 | Health Promotion | 3 |
FHP205 | Special Populations | 3 |
FHP208 | Entrepreneurship and Business Management | 3 |
| 3 |
FHP304 | Group Exercise Leadership | 3 |
FHP307 | Fitness Assessment II | 4 |
FHP311 | Motor Learning | 3 |
FHP318 | Biomechanical Analysis of Fundamental Movement | 3 |
FHP319 | Placement Preparation | 4 |
PSY100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
FHP414 | Applied Physical Literacy | 3 |
FHP401 | Exercise Prescription II | 3 |
FHP402 | Exercise Counselling | 3 |
FHP407 | Placement Internship | 8 |
| 3 |
Note: The following courses will also not fulfil a General Education requirement: NAT112 Physiology of Fitness, NAT160 Natural Science: Nutrition.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Conduct an assessment of the physical fitness, activity level and lifestyle of the client using standardized protocols, to build an individualized exercise program.
- Develop, implement and evaluate safe training programs grounded in fundamentals of anatomy, bio-mechanics, cardiorespiratory physiology, and nutrition* to support the fitness and wellness* goals* of clients
- Instruct individual clients and groups in the correct techniques for executing fitness and training programs to achieve results that meet their goals for fitness, active living, and wellness.
- Select and apply interview tools and coaching* strategies that will enable clients and groups improve their fitness, and wellness in sustainable ways.
- Develop business plans for a fitness and/or training business organization to ensure sustainability and viability while mitigating risks.
- Support community health promotion strategies for active healthy living in the general population.
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff, allied health professionals and volunteers in the delivery of programs, activities, and the use of facilities.
- Provide positive reinforcement to empower clients and help them sustain their efforts.
- Develop plans and implement strategies for ongoing professional growth and development.
- Communicate information persuasively and accurately in oral, written, and other media formats.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- Biology: Grade 11 C or U, or Exercise Science Grade 12 U, or Kinesiology Grade 12 U, or equivalent course
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
Grade 12 Exercise Science (PSE4U) is highly recommended for your success in the program.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.