As more people become aware of the benefits of fitness and a healthy lifestyle, participation in fitness and recreation programs is growing. Many businesses, both small and large, now provide fitness and lifestyle programs for their employees. As a result, there is an increasing demand for fitness specialists who understand the beneficial aspects of a healthy lifestyle and the process for achieving one.

In this College Certificate program, students gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide future clients with sound physical fitness and lifestyle choices. In addition, students learn how to design and conduct appropriate fitness programs and provide guidance in related areas including nutrition and active living.

Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Capital Region YMCA/YWCA Personal Trainer, canfitproTM certificate. In addition, graduates may seek employment in private clubs, municipal or provincial government agencies, service clubs, YM-YWCAs, corporate programs and as self-employed fitness consultants.

To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within three years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy learning about the human body and how it works.
• Prefer a physically active lifestyle and enjoy encouraging others to be more physically active.
• Are interested in their own personal health and how they can make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and others.
• Enjoy hands-on work to educate and assist individuals in making positive lifestyle changes.
• Are friendly, outgoing and like to interact with people.
• Have developed time-management and personal-management skills.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as personal trainers, fitness instructors, program coordinators, activity coordinators, exercise therapists, exercise specialists, rehabilitation assistants, health promoters. In addition, graduates may choose to become consultants or business entrepreneurs.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Conduct fitness, well-being, and lifestyle assessments for clients and effectively communicate assessment results.
2. Prepare physical activity programs to enhance health, fitness and well-being of clients.
3. Collaborate with clients in the selection and adoption of personalized strategies including activities, programs, and events that promote health and wellness.
4. Coach individuals and groups in exercise and physical activities.
5. Contribute to community health promotion strategies.
6. Develop business plans including risk management strategies for fitness and lifestyle management programs, activities and facilities.
7. Identify strategies and plans for ongoing personal and professional growth and development.
8. Interact professionally with clients, staff, and volunteers in fitness and lifestyle management environments.

Application Information

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

Program Resources

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

Proof of Standard First Aid and current CPR certification is required in order to qualify for the program certificate.

Placement requirement for FIT5230 - Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS), CPR and Standard First Aid.

As a field placement student, you are responsible for completing 95 experience hours on-site at your assigned field placement agency. Field placement hours can be completed all at once or in varying time periods throughout the term, your schedule must be agreed upon with your placement agency prior to the start of your placement. All placement hours must be completed by the final day of the term.

PLACEMENT ELIGIBILITY:
In order to be eligible for field placements, students must meet the following requirements prior to the placement deadline:

1. Academic Clearance: Students must complete all required prerequisite courses prior to the placement start date.
2. Placement Request Form: Students are required to submit a placement request form prior to the placement deadline.
3. ParaMed Clearance: Students are required to meet the following medical and non-medical requirements. Upon completion, these requirements must be confirmed through ParaMed, our partner organization: a. Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS); b. Standard First Aid/CPR Level C.
4. Secure an appropriate placement agency: it is the student's responsibility to confirm their placement agency, dates, hours, etc. Supports will be provided by the course facilitator and further placement information for online students can be found on the Field Placement Centre website: https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/field-placement.

PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.