Ontario College Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion Curriculum
Accepting Applications for September 2021
Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Conduct assessments of fitness, well-being, and lifestyle for clients and effectively communicate assessment results.
- Prescribe appropriate physical activity, fitness, active living, and lifestyle programs to enhance health, fitness, and well-being of clients.
- Utilize appropriate interviewing and counselling skills to promote or enhance health, fitness, active living, and well-being of clients.
- Collaborate with individuals in the selection and adoption of strategies that will enable them to take control of and improve their health, fitness, and well-being.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate activities, programs, and events which respond to identified needs and interests of clients and maximize the benefits of health, fitness, and well-being.
- Train individuals and instruct groups in exercise and physical activities.
- Contribute to community health promotion strategies.
- Assist in the development of business plans for health and fitness programs, activities, and facilities.
- Implement strategies and plans for ongoing personal and professional growth and development.
- Develop and implement risk management strategies for health and fitness programs, activities, and facilities.
- Interact effectively with clients, staff, and volunteers in health and fitness programs, activities, and facilities.
Courses and Descriptions
Semester 1
Application of Leisure, Physical Activity and Group Exercise
This course will teach the student about the community recreation, leisure, and wellness opportunities available to diverse target populations and how to support increased participation in such activities. Physical activity will be investigated where strategies to encourage clients to lead an active lifestyle will be developed and practiced. Additionally, the elementary components of a training session will be introduced and the skills to demonstrate and teach safe stretching techniques will be practiced.
Communications I
Communications I is an introductory course that provides a foundation in college-level communications by teaching students to read critically, write appropriately for a variety of audiences, conduct and cite research, and revise for clarity and correctness. In seminars and labs, students will engage in both independent and collaborative activities, including the development of a digital portfolio designed to help them become more effective communicators in academic and professional environments.
Foundations of Fitness, Recreation and Leisure
This course will trace the evolution of leisure philosophy and thinking from ancient to modern time. It will explore community development and trace the historical evolution of leisure and recreation service delivery in a Canadian context. It will examine key sectors of the fitness leisure and recreation field including non-profit, private sector and governmental service delivery It will explore current, emerging trends, and career options in the field of fitness, leisure and Recreation.
Introduction to Health Promotion
This introductory course will expose the students to principles in health promotion including individual and community health and wellness.
Introduction to Human Biology for the Health and Wellness Professional
This introductory course will expose the student to basic biology of the human body.
Recreation and Leisure Computer Applications
With the convergence of computers, telecommunications, and other technologies, it is important that students have exposure to a variety of technologies in the context of both professional and personal applications. In its broadest sense, this course's emphasis on technology will focus on the use of appropriate technologies to enhance productivity, solve problems more effectively, and manage information better. Implicit in this is the need to continue learning and coping with new technologies and uses as they emerge, such as the "CLASS" Recreation and Leisure registration program.
Introduction to Indigenous Studies
This course is an introduction to the study of Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) peoples in Canada. Students will explore the complex historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The course will also guide students to begin to understand the diversity and depth of Indigenous societies, worldviews, and knowledge through a multi-disciplinary lens.
Semester 2
Coaching and Leadership Development
This introductory course will expose the student to coaching and leadership principles that foster personal/group change and improvement. Principles such as ethics, developmental stage, boundaries, planning, nutrition and team leadership will be explored.
Pre-Requisites
Communications II
Communications II, building on the foundation of Communications I, is a blended course that teaches students to write and communicate for a variety of professional situations. In seminars, labs and online modules, students will develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates their abilities to meet the challenges of a changing workplace.
Pre-Requisites
Group Fitness Instructing
This course will introduce the student to group fitness instruction. Concepts such as: components of a fitness class, musicality, safety and client centered focus will be emphasized.
Pre-Requisites
Health Promotion in the Community
This course will expose the student to health promotion principles as they apply to community practice. Elements such as professional practice, interdisciplinary teamwork, accountability, client- centered care, sustainability and scope of practice will be explored.
Pre-Requisites
Human Biology of Movement
This introductory course will expose the student to basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. Application to physical activity and exercise will be explored.
Pre-Requisites
Program Planning for Recreation and Fitness
Students will be introduced to the process of creating, planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation, fitness and leisure programs and events (tournaments). Students will be able to assess need, develop goals and objectives, apply principles of lifespan development, provide leadership, develop a budget, and understand sound risk management practices.
Small Business Strategies for Health and Wellness Professionals
This course will discuss the variety of employment options and capacities available to a recreation and fitness professional, (other than being an employee), with an emphasis on an approach to self-employment and managing a small firm in the Canadian business environment. It is designed to develop an understanding of planning the start-up of a business, its ongoing management and strategies for customer service and growth. Students develop an understanding of the legal forms of business ownership, the importance of financial analysis as a success indicator for the business, appropriate marketing tactics for promoting small business, and administrative supports unique to the chosen professional field.
Semester 3
Advanced Coaching Techniques
This course will introduce the students to advanced coaching principles that will foster personal/group change and improvement. Coaching issues such as mental preparation, mind body coaching, teaching and learning, periodization and planning will be explored.
Pre-Requisites
Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion
This course will introduce students to concepts in health promotion, health education, community health and governmental health strategies. Emphasis will be placed on multi-tiered systems approach to facilitate population health.
Pre-Requisites
Biomechanics and Risk Management
This introductory course will expose students to concepts and principles of biomechanics. Emphasis will be placed on the application of principles of human movement as well risk management.
Exercise Prescription One
This introductory course will reinforce expose the students to exercise prescription basics including elements of a program designed workout.
Pre-Requisites
Exercise Prescription Two
This course will expose the students to additional elements of exercising programming and program design principles.
Co-Requisites
Field Placement Preparation
This introductory course will expose the student to employment aspects of the Fitness and Health Promotion Industry and to the student placement process. Topics to be explored include: portfolio development, interviewing skills, field placement process, field placement requirements and job exploration.
Fitness Assessment
This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles and techniques used in physical fitness assessment. Emphasis will be given to the practical aspect of pre-screening, body composition, aerobic endurance, and musculoskeletal fitness assessment protocols.
Pre-Requisites
Nutrition
This introductory nutrition course is designed to bridge the science of nutrition with the practice of healthy eating. Students will learn principles of nutrition that relate to healthy client lifestyles following Canadian guidelines.
Semester 4
Field Placement for FHP
Field Placement provides the student the opportunity to experience the operations and activities of Fitness and Health Promotion establishments. Under the supervision of a professional, the student will have the opportunity to explore their chosen field and assess their personal performance. With supervision, students may have the opportunity to assist with personal training, class instruction, coaching, and health promotion. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of all Sem 3 FHP courses.
Pre-Requisites
- Biomechanics and Risk Management (HLTH 305)
- Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion (HLTH 306)
- Advanced Coaching Techniques (HLTH 182)
- Nutrition (HLTH 184)
- Fitness Assessment (HLTH 176)
- Exercise Prescription One (RECR 148)
- Exercise Prescription Two (RECR 149)
- Field Placement Preparation (FLPL 112)
Co-Requisites
Integrated Seminar (Online)
Students engaged in Field Practice must be enrolled in Integrated Seminar. This course is an opportunity for students to receive an additional 2 hours per week of supervision that is supplementary to Field Practice and Evaluation expectations. The student will debrief and analyze their competencies with Faculty/Peers as they relate to their placement learning experiences.
Pre-Requisites
- Fitness Assessment (HLTH 176)
- Advanced Coaching Techniques (HLTH 182)
- Field Placement Preparation (FLPL 112)
- Nutrition (HLTH 184)
- Biomechanics and Risk Management (HLTH 305)
- Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion (HLTH 306)
- Exercise Prescription One (RECR 148)
- Exercise Prescription Two (RECR 149)
Co-Requisites
General Education Elective
All graduates of diploma programs require general education credits. These courses allow you to explore issues of societal concern by looking at the history, theory and contemporary applications of those issues.
Your program has designated some required general education courses. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose from a list of electives each semester.
Many of these courses and some other general education courses are also available through evening classes, by distance education, or on-line. See our Part-Time Studies Calendar for these opportunities.
You may already possess general education equivalencies from other colleges or universities. Please see the General Education Co-ordinators at the Peterborough and Lindsay locations for possible exemptions.
General Education Elective choice must be web-based.