Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
The courses in the Fitness & Health Promotion diploma program will be offered for the last time in September 2024. The program will no longer be available after the Fall 2024 term. Students who wish to graduate from this program through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training must complete all of their studies by this time.
Students who would like to continue their studies in related fitness programs may be interested in registering for the part-time Fitness Leadership certificate program or applying to the full-time Fitness & Health Promotion diploma program.
Prepare for a career in fitness, wellness and health. As a graduate of this program, you will become a leader in fitness and health delivery in your community. You will be certified in coaching children and youth, enabling you to work with sport organizations interested in developing athlete's physical abilities. You will also 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 will consult with coaches, teachers, health care workers and others interested in building healthy communities.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Placement via English Assessment, or successful completion of ESL934.
COM101 replaces EAC 150.
Students who have successfully completed EAC 150 are not required to complete COM101.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Placement via English Assessment
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
This course explores the normal structure and function of the human body with an introduction to biochemistry, cell tissues, and body systems. Other units include an emphasis on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and thermoregulation.
This course provides students with the information and practical needs necessary to understand the basis of physical literacy. Physical literacy is based on the concept that individuals who are physically literate, will move with more competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in various settings. The course will cover areas of the long-term athlete development model, and the stages within it to fully understand the principle of physical literacy. Students will also be introduced to various research as it pertains to physical literacy and child development.
This course will provide an overview of the physiological response of exercise in various specific disorders that may occur throughout the lifespan. An understanding of the use of exercise and physical activity in the evaluation and treatment of a variety of specific disorders will be analyzed.
This course covers the development of children and youth as they mature to adults and includes development of the older adult. Cognitive, emotional, psycho-social and physical development characteristics of the human are identified and the implications of this maturation are explored with respect to the introduction and motivation of people to participate in physical activity throughout the lifecycle. Classes will combine lecture, discussion, group and individual learning activities in class and out-of-class.
This course covers the historical development, theoretical basis and current practice of health promotion. The course will focus on theory and practice at the individual, group, community, organization and policy levels.
This course introduces students to the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology: Physical Activity Training for Health (CSEP-PATH) protocol. Students will utilize and practice CSEP-PATH comprehensive and evidence-based assessment in a laboratory setting. This course will explore various components of fitness assessments and methodologies- such as anthropometrics, submaximal cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular strength/ endurance, flexibility, balance, and power. In addition, pre-and post-exercise measurements of blood pressure and heart rate will be investigated and practiced. Special topics in health-related research will be included.
In this course, students examine the various responses and adaptations that occur to the systems of the body as it is exposed to exercise stress of varying intensity, duration and frequency. Special emphasis will be placed on the child and youth as well as the aging population as well as the exploration of Sedentary physiology.
In this course, students acquire practical skills and examine theoretical approaches in exercise prescription to help students effectively and safely design and execute exercise programs. Students practice exercise technique and personal training skills in weekly laboratory sessions. The course includes analysis and application in the following areas: The principles of training, exercise monitoring, correct exercise and spotting technique and program design for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility.
In this course, students examine the job market and investigate opportunities that exist in different parts of the health and fitness industry. This course prepares the learner to make a smooth transition from the academic setting to a work environment. The course will prepare students for their placements by identifying possible placements for the FHP 407 course. Resume writing and the use of social media profiles, among other professional development activities, will be introduced to encourage key skills for a successful work-integrated learning experience.
This course introduces students to the concepts and practices involved in the management of a fitness and wellness facility or sport organization. Topic areas include, but are not limited to, financial management, human resources management, facility logistics, and risk management. Concepts and practices that contribute to facility success and increased facility efficiency, as a whole and in regards to its smaller units, are discussed with students.
In this Introductory practical course, students learn the skills required to plan and instruct a group exercise class. Topics covered include basic anatomy, class formats, use of music, choreography, cueing, monitoring techniques and successful instruction techniques. Students gain experience in the instruction of group strength training, flexibility training, and traditional group exercise. Students improve these skills through practice teaching sessions, and peer and instructor feedback and evaluations.
Note: FHP103 has replaced FDV 101. FDV 101 will be accepted towards the Certificate.
This course serves as an introduction to human nutrition. A review of basic dietary recommendations and needs will be followed by applied topics in nutrition. Topics will also include the impact of age, illness, physical activity and social attitudes on food and eating behaviours. Issues including food supply, safety and counseling will also be discussed.
This course offers a comprehensive and integrated discussion on human movement science. Through the investigation of quantitative and qualitative biomechanics, students will develop the skills needed to observe, analyze, and critically evaluate patterns that commonly exist in sport, workplace, fitness/recreations and clinical settings. Special topics such as NCCP fundamental movement skills, motor learning injury prevention, sport performance and clinical assessments will be included to enhance students' placement experience and career endeavors.
This course expands on FHP102, as well as previous courses (FHP 101, 201, 211) as it relates to formative and summative methodologies of fitness assessments. The course examines fitness assessments applicable for general, high performance athletes, occupational and rehabilitative populations. Through lectures and practicums, students will demonstrate techniques, protocols, identified norms for safe and effective assessments in both individual and group testing environments. Topics include: health screening, medications, anthropometric measurements, aerobic / anaerobic field tests, muscular strength, power, endurance, flexibility, needs analysis, movement screens, data collection and interpretation based on current research evidence. Upon successful completion, students will be able to utilize various methodologies of fitness assessments while demonstrating technical competence in various settings.
This course continues the development of physical literacy delivery skills by presenting physical literacy within a sport framework. Reflecting the Sport for Life model of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) adopted by all nationally funded Sport Governing Bodies in Canada, students learn about activities that use sport to develop physical literacy in a progressive manner across a variety of environments: outdoor/field, pool/water, indoor gymnasium and ice/snow. During the course, students will acquire an understanding of the importance of using sport as a vehicle for development of physical literacy. Students will consider training and coaching activities that can encourage and enhance physical literacy in young athletes within each of the four environments.
This course expands on FHP202, as well as previous courses (FHP 101 and 307) as it relates to various methodologies of exercise prescription. The course examines program design principles and application for general, high performance athletes, occupational, rehabilitative, and special populations. Students will demonstrate techniques, protocols, identified norms for safe and effective exercise prescription. Upon successful completion, students will be able to utilize numerous methodologies of program design, as well as progressions- while demonstrating technical competence and critical thinking in various settings/ populations.
In this course students examine counseling skills and the importance of communication and the communication process. Students also identify various factors which influence exercise adherence. Throughout the course students will be able to assist and empower an individual or a group for a healthy behavior change.
The Fitness and Health Promotion placement internship course is composed of a work-integrated learning experience (placement/internship), where a minimum of 80 hours of practical experience is expected to be completed in a professional setting in the fitness/wellness industry, combined with a weekly classroom component. Information about the students' placement experiences are shared, discussed, and analyzed in the classroom, and verbal discussions and reflection journals are used during the in-class sessions. The course encourages students to integrate academic learning with the realities of the fitness and health promotion workplace. The internship/placement encourages application of the skills and knowledge from across the program while applying professional standards in the corporate, municipal or commercial fitness health and promotion career settings.
In order to meet Seneca's breadth requirements for diploma or advanced diploma programs, students must successfully complete at least 3 General Education courses toward their program, satisfying the following criteria:
The courses in the Fitness & Health Promotion diploma program will be offered for the last time in September 2024. The program will no longer be available after the Fall 2024 term. Students who wish to graduate from this program through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training must complete all of their studies by this time.
Students who would like to continue their studies in related fitness programs may be interested in registering for the part-time Fitness Leadership certificate program or applying to the full-time Fitness & Health Promotion diploma program.
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
This program is eligible for OSAP funding.
Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.
If you are taking one to two courses at the same time, you may be considered for part-time student grants and loans.
If you are taking three or more courses at the same time, you may be considered for full-time student grants and loans.
To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.
For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.
This program has a field placement internship component: FHP407. Each placement is 80 hours and must be completed within the province of Ontario. Placement hours are completed in person or remotely within appropriate host agencies (such as school athletics, sports teams, health food stores, rehabilitation centres, gyms, yoga studios and other health related industries) with host supervisors who are qualified employees, supervisors or managers.
Placement hours are arranged between the student and the supervisor at the agency and must be completed throughout the 14-week term. E.g., one day per week for a minimum of 10 weeks etc.
Students currently working in the field cannot complete the hours in their current role. All field placement hours must be unpaid.
How do the placements work?
The time spent in placement is an opportunity for hands-on learning and to incorporate and reflect upon what students are learning online. Placement hours in each fieldwork course will also include online readings and assignments. Your fieldwork instructor/supervisor will support and evaluate your progress in placement.
Where will I do my placement?
That's up to you. Students are encouraged to research and find placement opportunities that are local to them. It is advisable to search for placements and arrange for a placement opportunity several months in advance of registration in a fieldwork course. Read more about helpful tips when approaching placement agencies here.
Your FHP407 placement opportunity must be approved prior to registering in the course. Complete this form and email it to the field placement coordinator for approval: jacinda.martin@senecapolytechnic.ca
Field Placement Documentation
Please ensure that all the course form documents are completed before embarking on placement hours. You will need to have these documents reviewed by the fieldwork course instructor at the start of term. Your host agency may also require you to submit them for review.
Build on your Seneca Polytechnic credential
Seneca is recognized as a leader in pathways and offers a range of options to help you reach your educational and career goals.
As a graduate of this program, you may be eligible to pathway into a bachelor's degree program at Seneca or at one of our partner institutions.
To explore your pathway options and learn more, visit our Degree Transfer Guide.
If you have additional questions regarding pathways to, within and beyond Seneca, connect with our Academic Pathways team at 416.764.0399 or email academic.pathways@senecapolytechnic.ca.
After reviewing the Degree Transfer Guide, you can also book a virtual appointment to discuss your options in more detail with a dedicated Pathways Adviser.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Annie Kirkham
Program Assistant
Annie.Kirkham@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0985
Yasmeen Syed
Academic Program Manager
Yasmeen.Syed@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0965
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.