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Are you interested in being a personal trainer, physiotherapist, chiropractor, professional team coach, recreation program coordinator, or teacher?

Maybe you are considering being a strength and conditioning specialist, a sport psychologist, or a massage therapist? Everything starts here! Kinesiology students study a wide variety of courses including anatomy and physiology, strength and conditioning, exercise programming, athletic therapy, nutrition, sport psychology, and the sociology of sport. An education in Kinesiology opens the door to a variety of career opportunities!

If you are considering a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, or Recreation, this program gives you two years (20 courses or 60 credits) of appropriate course work you can transfer to the University of Prince Edward Island, Acadia University, the University of New Brunswick, and other institutions through degree pathways.

  • September 2026

    Prince of Wales Campus

    Program Length

    2 Years

    Credential

    Diploma, Kinesiology

    Canadian Tuition

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    International Tuition

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    Canadian Applicants

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    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

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    Other International Applicants

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  • Admissions Requirements

    • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above general level
    • Grade 12 academic English
    • Grade 11 or 12 academic Math
    • Grade 11 or 12 academic Biology
    • Résumé of work and volunteer experience.

     

    Notes:

    • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your high school equivalency credential through Adult Education. It’s free!
    • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements.
  • Degree Pathways

    This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

    Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
    Acadia University Bachelor of Kinesiology Graduates receive up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree.
    St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics Graduates who meet StFX admission requirements are eligible to transfer up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics degree.
    St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics Graduates who meet StFX admission requirements are eligible to transfer up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics degree.
    University of New Brunswick - Fredericton Bachelor of Kinesiology Graduates receive up to 65 credits hours toward a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.
    University of Prince Edward Island Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) degree. Grade 12 Chemistry is an admission requirement. 
  • Program courses

    Course Code

    Course Name & Description

    Credit Values


    Course Code:SAFE-1005

    PEI Occupational Health and Safety

    An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:ANAT-1247

    Anatomy & Physiology

    The intent of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the study of the cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and respiratory systems.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMP-1000

    Computer Essentials

    Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ENGL-1000

    English

    Learn, review and practice English grammar, punctuation, proofreading, editing, and spelling skills to demonstrate language usage competency. Develop the ability to convey thoughts clearly and concisely building both written and oral communication skills.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-1110

    Introduction to Kinesiology

    Students will learn information related to physical activity, adapted recreation, fitness and health, and the psycho-social domains of kinesiology. This course includes practical elements that incorporate the disciplines of athletic training, exercise science, and physical education. Additionaly, students will learn about academic progams and careers in the kinesiology field.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-1118

    Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

    Developing a greater understanding of human behavior within the sport and exercise setting is an important asset for professionals working in related fields such as fitness instructing, athletic training, sport administration, coaching and recreation planning. The study of psychology examines influences on human behavior in relation to personality and social environments. In particular to sport and exercise, this course covers theories of motivation, the impact of stress on performance, the psychological benefits of exercise, strategies for promoting exercise adherence, and the role of mental skills for performance and well-being.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-1146

    The Physiology of Human Movement

    This course provides students with both a basic understanding of the structure and function of the human body and an understanding of the expected responses and adaptations the body makes during acute exercise. Topic areas include; homeostasis, bioenergetics, neuroendocrinology, the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, the circulatory system, and acid-base balance. Students examine acute body systems responses to various forms of exercise and chronic adaptations resulting from participation in regular exercise training.

    Credit Value:4


    Course Code:KINE-1148

    Strength Training and Conditioning

    The purpose of this course is to prepare students as capable resistance training leaders. This course is designed to allow learners to become proficient in demonstrating proper exercise techniques, planning a basic fitness program, and teaching others the basics of an exercise program. As a result of participating in this course, students are prepared to challenge a nationally accredited certification in resistance training instruction.

    Credit Value:4


    Course Code:KINE-2235

    Introduction to Management in Kinesiology

    Students are introduced to the business and management aspects of kinesiology, fitness, and health-related organizations. Through applied projects, students will learn how to design, manage, and evaluate business ventures within the kinesiology and health industries.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-2245

    Athletic Therapy

    Students develop knowledge and technical skills in the theoretical and applied practices of athletic therapy related to physical activity and sport. These skills include prevention of athletic injury, assessment of injury to athletes, acute-injury management, rehabilitation of athletic injuries, and a safe return to competitive sport.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-2249

    Exercise Programming for Special Populations

    Investigate methods and strategies for the design and development of exercise programs for a variety of health conditions and special populations.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-2256

    Modes and Methods of Physical Conditioning I

    This course introduces students to foundational modes and methods of physical conditioning commonly used with healthy adult populations. Students will explore a variety of exercises and training methods designed to enhance movement preparation, joint mobility, musculoskeletal fitness, and cardiovascular endurance. Emphasis is placed on the ability to perform, teach, and adapt these methods to meet the needs of individual clients. Students will focus on safely and effectively applying modes of training across a range of fitness environments.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-2260

    Modes and Methods of Physical Conditioning Ii

    This course investigates modes and methods of physical conditioning used when designing exercise programs both for improving health and human performance in clients who have training experience. Emphasis is placed on modes and methods to improve work capacity, muscular endurance, hypertrophy, strength, power, and speed. At the end of the course it is expected that students are able to demonstrate, teach, and adapt exercises and activities to suit individual client needs.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-2263

    Exercise Programming I

    Learn the theory and develop the skills required to prepare exercise programs for the healthy adult population. Students will learn how to pre-screen clients for physical activity, identify current activity levels, and gain experience in administering health-related and performance-related assessments of: flexibility/range of motion, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and power. Students will learn how to interpret assessment data and use this data to develop client-centered exercise programs. This course assists in preparing students to challenge select professional certification examinations.

    Credit Value:4


    Course Code:KINE-2265

    Exercise Programming II

    Learn the theory and develop the skills required to prepare exercise programs for clients with specific training goals, sports, or demanding occupations. Topics include sport and occupational physiology, performance assessment, periodization/prescription theory, program design principles for anaerobic and aerobic training goals, musculoskeletal goals, concurrent training goals, sound dietary strategies to support training, and a review of professional and ethical practice.

    Credit Value:4


    Course Code:MATH-1289

    Introduction to Calculus

    This course is designed to provide students entering natural sciences, business and economics with an introduction to calculus. Students acquire competency in the concepts of continuity, limits, and the derivative as an instantaneous rate of change. Methods of determining derivatives are introduced using both algebraic and transcendental functions. Students experience practical applications that emphasize maximum/minimum problems and topics in integration include both definite and indefinite integrals.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:MATH-1290

    Introductory Statistics

    This course provides students with an introduction to the basic concepts of descriptive and basic probability, sampling techniques and inferential statistics. Topics include; proper sampling techniques, measures of center and variation, basic probability concepts, normal distribution, confidence intervals for means and proportions, hypothesis testing, paired samples as two independent samples, contingency tables, introduction to analysis of variance, linear regression and correlation. Students are introduced to a statistical computer package.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:NCPR-1001

    Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C

    A comprehensive two-day course offering standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills from a certified trainer. As required by regulation, this course covers CPR and the management of other breathing, airway and circulation emergencies, as well as, the control of bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing fractures and dislocations, head and spine injuries, and more. Also, includes automated external defibrilators (AED). This certification expires in 3 years.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:NCPR-1015

    Professional Internship Preparation

    Internship is the cooperative educational component of the program in which students are required to complete a work term in the industry. Prior to beginning an internship placement, there are a number of activites and requirements that should be addressed in order to prepare both students and host sites. This course is intended to explore those activities, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for all parties involved in this mutually beneficial activity.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:NCPR-2020

    Professional Internship

    Internship is the cooperative educational component of the program in which students are required to complete a work term in the industry. This internship placement provides students with the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned, to acquire new skills, and to gain first hand experiences in the industry. Internship is a cooperative relationship between the industry placement, the student, and the program where all parties derive benefits.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:NUTR-1254

    Nutrition

    This course is designed to provide recreation and fitness professionals with basic nutritional knowledge. In many cases, fitness professionals are in a position to offer suggestions for healthy eating. Upon completion of this course, students have a foundational understanding of the key components of a healthy diet, the basic principles of general healthy eating and the ability to distinguish between nutrition information and the endless misinformation that circulates on social media and beyond. Students will be able to use that knowledge to guide clients in making healthier lifestyle choices and in planning meals and snacks to meet their individual sport and fitness goals. Students will have a clear understanding of scope of practice and will recognize when to refer clients to a registered dietitian or other appropriate health professional.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-1121

    Introduction to Sport and Recreation Programming

    Explore how individuals experience leisure and examine the necessary steps to plan and create quality leisure experiences. Review leadership styles, strategies for managing participant behaviour, and explore different types of recreation activities. Learn the key elements of risk management to create safe sport and recreation activities. Examine activity development differences for various stages in the life cylce and plan activities based on various needs.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-1149

    Leadership

    With focus placed on recreation, sport, and community, this course is designed to help students reflect on leadership theories and skills both personally and when working with others. Personal management skills and perspectives for enhancing communication, proactive thinking, and conflict resolution are explored, with particular attention given to leadership as it relates to group dynamics.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:SOCY-2000

    Sociology of Sport

    Explore sport, physical activity and recreation from a sociological perspective. Develop critical thinking skills while considering the social, cultural, political and economic structures of sport in contemporary society. Explore topics such as sociological theories of sport, social inequalitites, sport deviance, sport in the media, human behaviour, sport for development and future perspectives on sport in society.

    Credit Value:3


Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, including the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems.
  • Discuss the principles and theories of human movement and physical activity.
  • Apply principles of exercise science to design and implement fitness programs for individuals and groups, including those with special needs.
  • Support the promotion of health and wellness principles and their relationship to physical activity, including nutrition, stress management, and injury prevention.
  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze problems and develop evidence-based solutions.
  • Demonstrate communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
  • Support the development of staff and volunteers involved with programs, events, and services.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills to practical applications.
  • Demonstrate professionalism by adhering to principles of ethics, equity, diversity, inclusion, and professional standards.
  • Demonstrate readiness for further studies in kinesiology, exercise science, or related fields.
  • Personal trainer/Fitness instructor
  • Strength and Conditioning coach
  • Athletic trainer
  • Health and Wellness consultant
  • Fitness Manager

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