Exercise Science Diploma
Program Office: 403.394.7338 • exercisescience@lethbridgecollege.ca
Give Your Future a Running Start
Turn your passion for a healthy, active lifestyle into a career you love in the Exercise Science program. Designed to help you earn fitness certifications before you even graduate, the Exercise Science program will get you on your way to a fast-paced career helping people of all ages and abilities maintain their physical well-being.
The rigorous two-year Exercise Science diploma program helps you muscle in on the science of physical activity. Using contemporary equipment (and lots of it), you'll break a sweat during indoor and outdoor classroom assignments that meld the theoretical and physical aspects of exercise. And you'll have plenty of practical opportunities to work with actual clients as you work towards certification.
Your Investment
Program fees will vary. To view fee information, click here and select your program.
Some specific courses and pursuing certification may require additional fees. Please contact the program for details.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Exercise Science diploma.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to test for certification as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) as recognized by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP).
New applicants are accepted into the Exercise Science program for the Fall (September) term.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 12 Biology
Medical Requirements
Although no physical requirements are placed on applicants for entry to the program, applicants should ensure, through a medical examination, that their cardiovascular system is suitable for undertaking strenuous exercise. Interviews may be requested.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| BIO-1169 | Structural Human Anatomy | 3 |
| ENG-1159 | Writing for the Workplace | 3 |
| EXS-1159 | Exercise and Healthful Living | 3 |
| EXS-1178 | Resistance Training | 3 |
| PSY-1168 | Sport and Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| BIO-1155 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
| BIO-1180 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| EXS-1188 | Movement Education | 3 |
| EXS-2252 | Research Methods in Kinesiology | 3 |
| EXS-2260 | Biomechanics and Applied Kinesiology | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| EXS-2256 | Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| EXS-2261 | Adapted Physical Activity | 3 |
| EXS-2262 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| EXS-2267 | Fitness Assessment | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| EXS-2258 | Practicum | 3 |
| EXS-2259 | Exercise Program Design | 3 |
| EXS-2271 | Advanced Conditioning | 3 |
| EXS-2274 | Exercise and Chronic Conditions | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 63 | |
Electives
Students may select from the following electives, with choices dependent on scheduling. Some courses may require a prerequisite that is not included in the Exercise Science curriculum or electives list.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-1150 | Cellular Basis of Life | 3 |
| BIO-1152 | Physiology of Aging | 3 |
| BIO-1156 | Wellness and Health Issues | 3 |
| BUS-1124 | Service-Based Small Business Management | 3 |
| CPU-1151 | Introduction to Computers | 1.5 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| HUM-1150 | Logic | 3 |
| HUM-1155 | Ethics | 3 |
| PED-1180 | Introduction to Coaching | 3 |
| PED-2257 | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 |
| PED-2272 | Leadership in Physical Education | 3 |
| PED-2280 | Advanced Coaching | 3 |
| PSY-1170 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PSY-1177 | Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| PSY-2255 | Psychology of Sports | 3 |
| SOC-1160 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC-1167 | Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| SOC-2250 | Sociology of Sports | 3 |
| SOC-2273 | Multicultural Issues | 3 |
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
University of Lethbridge
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Exercise Science diploma, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, are eligible for admission into the post-diploma Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) at the University of Lethbridge. Once admitted, students will be third-year degree level students at the University of Lethbridge in its Faculty of Health Sciences in all respects. For more information, please see an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website.
With a diploma in Exercise Science, you'll be ready to work in a variety of capacities in the health and wellness industry, for completing two industry certifications, or to continue your studies in a degree program:
- Business Entrepreneur
- Community Facilities
- Fitness Clubs
- Health/Resort Spas
- Medical Clinics
- Personal Fitness Care
- Physiotherapy Clinics
- Recreation Groups
- Rehabilitation Agencies
- Schools/Outreach Programs
- Senior Centres
- Sport Organizations