This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to become leaders in the fitness and health promotion industry. Success in the Fitness and Health promotion industry is supported by a fundamental understanding of scientific and business theory, which can be translated into practical application. Students in this program are exposed to the theory that they require to excel in this field, and are given multiple opportunities to apply theory in both classroom and industry settings.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2023	Barrie
Winter 2024	Barrie
Summer 2024	Barrie

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
Review additional program-specific fees for this program.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

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What are the admission requirements for the Fitness and Health Promotion program?

Fitness and Health Promotion admission requirements

OSSD or equivalent with

Grade 12 English (C or U)
any Grade 11¹ or 12 Mathematics (C, M, or U)
Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U) OR Grade 12 Exercise Science (U)

¹: Minimum of 60% in Grade 11 College or University level Mathematics (MBF3C or MCF3M)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional information

It is required that students have Level C CPR and Standard First Aid prior to starting the practical experience courses. It is the student’s responsibility to renew their Level C CPR certification annually while in the program. Students are asked to submit a copy of their current Level C CPR and Standard First Aid certificate to the instructor of the practical experience course. Certifications received through on-line Level C CPR and Standard First Aid courses are not accepted.

Why study Fitness and Health Promotion at Georgian?

One-of-a-kind nutrition-culinary labs

With our on-campus nutrition-culinary labs, you’ll not only learn the theory behind nutrition, but also how to put theory into practice

Georgian’s Fitness and Health Promotion diploma program is the only program in the province to offer this immersive learning experience!

Robust industry contacts

Georgian’s industry partners take on Fitness and Health Promotion students for placements, and also hire program grads for full-time employment

Expert faculty

Learn from passionate, knowledgeable faculty
Courses are taught by professors with broad industry expertise

Unique field trips

In your first semester, take part in a team-building and leadership field trip to a local outdoors centre
The program also includes a second-year conference-style field trip, featuring industry leader presentations on contemporary topics and workshops, along with an industry networking event

Established articulations to university degree programs

Our diploma program provides you with the practical experience you need to succeed in industry, and the academic foundation to succeed and specialize in a degree program
Many of our graduates choose to continue their studies with kinesiology degree programs in Ontario and internationally

JJ Johnson, Fitness and Health Promotion graduate (class of 2015) smiling with black-framed glasses while wearing a black zip-up athletic jacket branded with CCM and the Powassan Voodies Junior "A" Hockey logos

Looking back at my time at Georgian, I fondly remember training opportunities in the fitness testing labs and the knowledgeable, friendly faculty members who were always willing to offer their advice and guidance.—JJ Johnson, Head Athletic Trainer for the Powassan Voodoos Junior A Hockey Club (class of 2015)

What career paths can I take in the health and fitness industry?

Your Fitness and Health Promotion diploma gives you many career opportunities

Career opportunities may include personal trainer, group exercise instructor, health and fitness appraiser/counselor, wellness consultant, and program director at commercial/private fitness and health clubs, resorts/hotels, corporate/employee fitness centres and organizations, or municipal /community fitness facilities or health units.

Potential employers and career paths:

Commercial/private fitness centres
Corporate/employee fitness centres
Municipal fitness centres
Sports and recreational clubs

Camps
Military fitness
Fitness centre personal training managers
Fitness centre general managers

A young man in a grey t-shirt lifting weights inside the Athletics and Fitness Centre at the Georgian College Orillia Campus

Pathways

Ontario Fitness Council

By taking the Fitness and Health Promotion diploma program at Georgian, you can fast-track your certification with the Ontario Fitness Council (OFC).

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology

Upon graduation, you’ll also be eligible to obtain the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification.

What courses are included in the Fitness and Health Promotion diploma program?

Course overview

19 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Fitness and Health Promotion program outline.