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 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.

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Career Opportunities

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

Visit ALIS website for more career information.

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1

After one year you’ll be ready to write the exam for your Fitness Leader certification with the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association

2

After two years you’ll be ready to write for the gold standard in exercise science and personal training: the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology – Certified Personal Trainer

45

the minimum number of hours of practicum experience you’ll complete during your diploma

At-a-Glance

Starts-in

September

Credential / Accreditation

Diploma

Duration

2 years

Dates and Deadlines

Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.

Program Availability
Domestic Status
International Status
International Status with Study Permit
Fall 2024
Open
Open
Open

Admissions

This program is available for International Students.

New students 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 to undertake strenuous exercise. Interviews may be requested.

Graduation Requirements

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).

Transfers
University of Lethbridge 

Graduates of Lethbridge College's Exercise Science diploma program with a minimum 3.00 GPA are eligible to be admitted into the University of Lethbridge’s Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences program for completion of their Bachelor of Health Sciences degree. 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 and visit www.uleth.ca

Practicums

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.

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Delivery Formats

The Exercise Science program is available through on-campus delivery.

On Campus

This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.

Courses

View all courses
CourseTitleCredits
Year 1
Term I
BIO-1169Structural Human Anatomy3
ENG-1159Writing for the Workplace3
EXS-1159Exercise and Healthful Living3
EXS-1178Resistance Training3
PSY-1168Sport and Exercise Psychology3
 Credits15
Term II
BIO-1155Human Nutrition3
BIO-1180Human Physiology3
EXS-1188Movement Education3
EXS-2252Research Methods in Kinesiology3
EXS-2260Biomechanics and Applied Kinesiology3
Elective3
 Credits18
Year 2
Term I
COM-1162Interpersonal Relationships and Communications3
EXS-2256Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries3
EXS-2261Adapted Physical Activity3
EXS-2262Exercise Physiology3
EXS-2267Fitness Assessment3
 Credits15
Term II
EXS-2258Practicum3
EXS-2259Exercise Program Design3
EXS-2271Advanced Conditioning3
EXS-2274Exercise and Chronic Conditions3
Elective3
 Credits15
 Total Credits63

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.

CourseTitleCredits
BIO-1150Cellular Basis of Life3
BIO-1152Physiology of Aging3
BIO-1156Wellness and Health Issues3
BUS-1124Service-Based Small Business Management3
CPU-1151Introduction to Computers1.5
ENG-1150Composition3
HUM-1150Logic3
HUM-1155Ethics3
ORG-2254Public Relations3
PED-1180Introduction to Coaching3
PED-2257Therapeutic Exercise3
PED-2272Leadership in Physical Education3
PED-2276Weight Training and Exercise II1.5
PED-2280Advanced Coaching3
PSY-1170Human Development Across the Lifespan3
PSY-1177Psychology of Aging3
PSY-2255Psychology of Sports3
SOC-1160Introduction to Sociology3
SOC-1167Sociology of Aging3
SOC-2250Sociology of Sports3
SOC-2273Multicultural Issues3
View course timetables

Tuition and Fees

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$4,452.00
$1,249.00
$1,400.00
Year 2
$3,770.00
$1,163.00
$1,400.00
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$15,012.00
$1,249.00
$1,400.00
Year 2
$13,747.00
$1,163.00
$1,400.00
Notes

Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.

Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.

Students will purchase a Lethbridge College Exercise Science shirt ($30). The shirts are worn during practicum experiences. 

Some specific courses and pursuing certification may require additional fees. Please contact the program for details.

Budget Wizard

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Scholarships

With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge College awards and scholarships for which you qualify, including these featured scholarships:

EXS.DIP