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Fitness and Health Promotion

A student in the fitness and health promotion program is smiling towards the camera holding a medicine ball in one hand.

More and more, people are looking to make the most of their exercise experiences with workouts that get results and are engaging and fun. Qualified fitness and health professionals help people lead better, longer lives through healthy, active lifestyles.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Fitness and Health Promotion
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
31.0501
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Find your career

Qualified fitness and health professionals find rewarding positions: 

  • Health clubs, community recreation and fitness centres, military bases, corporations, community health promotion programs, cruise ships, resort destinations and through self-employment. 
  • Grads are well prepared to obtain nationally recognized certification with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology as Certified Personal Trainers. 
  • Graduates may obtain industry recognized High Five certification in leadership and coaching required to work with day camps and children’s programs.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Fitness and Sports Instructor, Canadian Forces Base 
  • Fitness Programmer, Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre 
  • Fitness Consultant, Granite Club 
  • Personal Fitness Trainer, YMCA 
  • General Manager, GoodLife Fitness 
  • Fitness Facility Coordinator, Madawaska Valley Fitness Centre 
  • Owner, Private Fitness Studio

Is it for you?

Do you have what it takes to turn an active lifestyle into a career?  This is a great program for people who: 

  • Are committed to a healthy lifestyle. 
  • Enjoy motivating others to achieve their goals. 
  • Possess keen observational skills. 
  • Are energetic and like working with people. 
  • May be interested in science and human physiology.

There are benefits to choosing a small school. One of which is the school is able to focus on each student irrespective of their background, providing the help I need physically, mentally, socially and above all, academically. If you are still considering which college to pick, I have a suggestion for you… choose Loyalist College and then find out why I suggested it. It’s a home away from home experience.

Temitope, Fitness and Health Promotion

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

In this hands-on program you will develop confidence and expertise in designing and implementing fitness programs for both individuals and groups: 

  • Learn to accurately assess health and fitness levels, evaluate progress and develop exercise prescriptions tailored to meet the interests and lifestyle goals of every client. 
  • Train and teach in Loyalist’s newly renovated on-campus Fitness Centre and program-dedicated fitness lab. 
  • Gain applied knowledge of anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise prescription, nutrition, chronic disease prevention and entrepreneurship and marketing. 
  • Network with guest speakers who are industry professionals in fitness and wellness. 
  • Assist and develop programs for personal training clients at the college. 
  • Earn 320 hours of industry experience in two field placements. 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Learn with registered kinesiologists, exercise physiologists and personal trainer examiners who have experience working with elite athletes, cardiac rehab patients, children with special needs, and people of all ages and abilities in between. 
  • A wide network of current industry contacts connects students with placements and jobs. 

Courses

PROF1035 Suceeding in Fitness & Health

Course description not available

COMM1048 Communications

Learners strengthen the writing and research skills needed for success in college-level studies. Learners will develop and refine techniques to communicate ideas clearly, organize research effectively and produce strong academic work.

ANAT1017 Human Anatomy and Physiology

Course description not available

PSYC1013 Human Development & Sport

The principles and determinants of development are discussed. Topics include the application of developmental theories related to physical, psychological, social, cognitive, moral and spiritual changes throughout the lifespan.

FITN1008 Personal Health and Wellness

Students engage in individual and group exercise activities in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Emphasis is placed on personal development through all aspects of the wellness continuum. Students are introduced to lifestyle enhancement methods including aerobic conditioning, strength training, flexibility, stress management and nutrition.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

FITN1015 Exercise Physiology

Prerequisite: ANAT 1017 or ANAT 1000

FITN1016 Fitness Assessment

Prerequisite: ANAT 1000 or ANAT 1017

FITN1017 Mechanics of Exercise

Prerequisite: ANAT 1000 or ANAT 1017

MGMT1001 Program Development & Marketing

Students develop basic skills in all aspects of fitness and recreational program planning. This course will provide the foundation for program planning that is utilized throughout the program and the industry. Students develop a program plan that incorporates a needs assessment, program administration, marketing, budgeting, risk management and program evaluation. Prerequisite: COMM 1048

MGMT2001 Sport Psychology & Leadership

Students will relate theories of group development, conflict resolution, leadership styles and communication to working in group situations. Students apply aspects of sport psychology and leadership training to team and group environments. This practical application allows the student to reflect on and analyze their own participation in the group experience and their own personal application of group dynamic concepts and skills.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PHSI2008 Athletic Injury Management

Prerequisite: FITN 1015 or FITN 1003

PROF2052 Career & Professional Development

Prerequisite: COMM 1048, PROF 1035 or PROF 1019

FITN2005 Exercise Prescription & Training

Students interpret and utilize data collected from a variety of fitness assessments to design client centred exercise prescriptions. Students apply knowledge and skills in aerobic conditioning, resistance training, and lifestyle modification to assist clients in reaching their fitness and health related goals. Prerequisite: FITN 2002, FITN 2003 or FITN 1017, FITN 1016, FITN 1003 or FITN 1015

WKPL2097 Field Placement 1

Prerequisite: FITN 2005, FITN 2008, PHSI 2008 or PHSI 2001, NUTR 2002 or NUTR 2001, PROF 2052 or PROF 2029

FITN2008 Group & Team Conditioning

This course will build on students' skills and knowledge of group exercise programming and will introduce concepts of sport-specific and team conditioning. Through the participation in and planning of a variety of group training sessions, students will obtain the skills necessary to effectively develop and monitor group exercise programming for a variety of clients. Prerequisite: FITN 2003 or FITN 1017, FITN 1015 or FITN 1003

NUTR2002 Nutrition

Course description not available

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PHSI2009 Health Promotion and Wellness

Prerequisite: NUTR 2002 or NUTR 2001

ENTR2009 Entrepreneurship

Through a combination of theoretical exploration and experiential learning, students learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and are encouraged to develop their own entrepreneurial mindset. Students learn to identify opportunities, validate ideas, develop business models, and share their story to obtain support from stakeholders. Students finish the course with the knowledge and skills needed to solve problems, innovate, and create value.

WKPL2096 Field Placement 2

Prerequisite: MGMT 2004, PHSI 2002, PHSI 2007 or PHSI 2009, FITN 2016, ENTR 2012 or ENTR 2009

PHSI2002 Inclusive Programming

This course prepares students to provide inclusive fitness and recreation activities to individuals with a variety of physical, social or cognitive exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on the design and implementation of safe and inclusive programming, allowing for maximum participation and engagement. Prerequisite: OTPT 2012 or PHSI 2001 or PHSI 2008

MGMT2004 Sport Administration

This course examines best practices relating to the management of programs, facilities and human resources specific to the field of fitness and health promotion and recreation and sport services. Leadership and management challenges, sound decision-making skills, discussions about risk management, budgeting and relevant government legislation will be discussed.

FITN2016 Strength & Conditioning

Prerequisite: FITN 2005, FITN 2008, PHSI 2008 or PHSI 2001

*Courses subject to change.

A Loyalist student is coaching another student in a gym who is kneeling on a workout bench to perform a tricep kickback. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

Additional requirements 

  • Standard First Aid (Level C) and AED (adult, child, infant) is required prior to placement in year 2 (Semester 3).  Students are provided information on obtaining their certification during the program. 
  • Immunization record and/or personal health history.  
  • The program includes a physical fitness component. Prospective students with special needs, limitations or health-related issues that may affect their field placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their career goals with the program coordinator. 

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

Recommended academic preparation 

  • Sciences and mathematics. 
  • Applicants with a baccalaureate degree focusing on exercise sciences may be eligible for direct entry into second year. 

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

 

This program may be PGWP-eligible. Learn more and explore Loyalist’s PGWP-aligned programs.

Costs

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)* 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
  • Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

 

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)*

  • International Tuition: $15,900
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,254.26

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

 

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

A man in a blue shirt is kneeling down on a gym floor to help another man perform a seated chest press. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

What’s next?

  • Become a certified personal trainer through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. 

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Study abroad

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

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