College Diploma - Fitness and Health Promotion (1218)

The Fitness and Health Promotion program is designed to open a variety of career pathways, such as personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and healthy lifestyle coach. Furthermore, the program provides academic pathways for students who are interested in health care and rehabilitation, kinesiology, athletic/sports training, and teaching. This Ontario College Diploma program allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of exercise science, personal training/coaching, and behaviour change theory, as well as nutrition concepts, group fitness, and health promotion. Graduates develop valuable marketing and leadership skills, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit with aspects of business threaded throughout the program. Courses offer a variety of hands-on learning opportunities that develop teamwork, as well as individual knowledge and skills. This program has two (2) state-of-the-art active learning labs where students practice training and coaching scenarios to prepare them for entering the field. Current fitness equipment and the latest gamification software used in the industry is also available to them. An industry placement offered in the final semester will allow students to put their skills to practice in a real world setting while also providing opportunities to network for future employment. Included in the curriculum, they can obtain internationally recognized fitness certifications such as group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and older adult fitness trainer. Exclusive to Conestoga College’s Fitness and Health Promotion Program, students participate in simulation activities that mimic everyday events. This allows for exploration of critical decision-making skills and better equips them for the field. Also unique to Conestoga College’s Fitness and Health Promotion Program, students can apply for a study abroad option that provides credit toward their diploma. Graduates of this program are well prepared for positions such as personal trainers/group fitness instructors working within commercial fitness facilities or boutique fitness studios. Graduates interested in population and community-based health may find employment in workplace health promotion or the non-profit sector (Heart and Stroke, community-based agencies, YMCAs etc.). Please note that students will participate in fitness classes that will involve physical activity, which may at times be vigorous.