Campus
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma

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.

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.

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.

Success Stories

Elizabeth Allamani

Elizabeth Allamani

Graduate, Fitness and Health Promotion Program
Personal Trainer

“Seneca has been a life changing experience for me. It was the chance I took at life. An opportunity that has taken me to avenues I never thought I’d reach. The professors and support staff are there for you to ensure your success. Their invaluable education and feedback helped me to graduate with honours while balancing a home and work life and even opening up my new business. And I can proudly state that I now live with purpose in this field that I love.”

 


Jesica Jabbar

Jesica Jabbar

Graduate, Fitness and Health Promotion Program

“Taking the Fitness and Health Promotion program at Seneca helped my career because I was able to learn personal training, athletic therapy and fitness assessments techniques. I used my diploma to transfer into a kinesiology program, and knowing these additional skills as a first-year student opened many doors for me at Brock University. I joined the Brock University rowing team as a volunteer athletic therapist and secured an internship to work with a spinal cord injury rehabilitation team within the Brock community. My professors at Seneca were always there to help and it was through their support that I was able to smoothly transition into a degree program."


Joshua Kelly

Joshua Kelly

Graduate, Fitness and Health Promotion Program
S&C Coach at move365, Ambassador for Cam's Kids

"I was very fortunate to be put in such a great learning environment at Seneca.  Fitness and Health Promotion provided the proper training needed to understand the biomechanics of the body, and was a great foundation to this field. Most importantly I was prepared to help others of all ages/abilities. I was able to intern at Twist Performance & Wellness (now move365) and felt confident with my readiness for the field. Post-Graduation, I am very lucky to still have a great relationship with several professors who continue to help me grow. I am currently still at the same location, and in a career where we can help make someone’s day, everyday! "


Tanisha Van Rossum Chance

Tanisha Van Rossum Chance

Read Tanisha’s success story

Graduate, Fitness and Health Promotion Program

“Enrolling in the Fitness and Health Promotion program at Seneca has changed my life for the better. I've gotten hands on experience in areas such as Personal Training, Fitness Assessment, Coaching, Athletic Therapy, and many more. Seneca gave me the tools to be a successful student, which gave me the courage to further my academic career and enrol at York University to pursue a Specialized Honours B.A. in Kinesiology. My professors in this program were always open, friendly and readily available to help me succeed. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything!”

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