Be ready to coach others to success.

In this rigorous two-year diploma, you’ll learn how to turn your passion for healthy living and an active lifestyle into a career helping people of all ages and abilities maintain their physical well-being. Through courses in movement education, exercise program design and fitness assessment, you’ll learn how to share your knowledge with others

Student Athlete
Class lecture

Why should you study Exercise Science at Lethbridge Polytechnic?

Our fast-paced Exercise Science program is designed to help you earn fitness certifications before graduation. You’ll break a sweat during classroom assignments that involve indoor and outdoor activities and meld the theoretical and physical aspects of exercise and gain experience working with actual clients preparing you for your career. After graduation, you’ll be ready to start working in the health and wellness industry or continue your education. Our courses are transferable to post-secondary institution across Canada and the world.

1

year in the program, you'll be ready to write the exam for your Fitness Leader certification with the Alberta Fitness Leader Certification Association

2

years in the program, you'll be ready to write 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 program

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, complete two industry certifications or continue your studies in a degree program. Qualified exercise professionals are found working in a variety of positions including:

  • Fitness centre manager
  • Health and fitness coordinators
  • Health and wellness coach
  • Personal training
  • Physiotherapist assistant
  • Strength and conditioning coach

Visit ALIS website for more career information.

Weights

At-a-Glance

Starts-in

September

Credential / Accreditation

Diploma

Duration

2 years

International Eligibility

This program is available for International Students.

Application Deadlines

Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.

Program Availability
Domestic Status
International Status
PGWP Eligible
Notes
Fall 2027
Open
Open
Eligible 31.0505

Admissions

Apply Now
Admission Requirements
General Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.

Academic Requirements

Applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):

  • Biology 30 or equivalent

Note:  Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:

  • English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
  • Biology 30 or equivalent
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency
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 for undertaking strenuous exercise. Interviews may be requested.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Exercise Science diploma.

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to become certified as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) as recognized by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP).

Transfers
Partner InstitutionPartner ProgramIncoming/OutgoingEffective Dates and Details
University of Lethbridge Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public Health Outgoing
May 2022 - May 2027

Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public Health

Graduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Exercise Science Diploma, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, are eligible for admission into the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public Health. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information.

Practicums
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Requirements

This program includes a required Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. Lethbridge Polytechnic establishes the legal terms and conditions governing WIL participation.

Students must meet and maintain specific requirements set by the program, host organizations, and/or government regulations. These may include:

  • Health requirements (e.g., immunizations, screening tests)
  • Privacy and security requirements (e.g., Police Information Check, IT access)
  • Occupational Health and Safety requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, mask fit-testing)

An organization may suspend a student’s placement if the organization considers such action reasonably necessary in the best interests of the organization or its clients.

Security Clearance

Participation in WIL placements may require a Police Information Check or other security clearance, to the satisfaction of both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the host organization.

WIL Agreements

Organizations that host students for WIL placements must have a WIL agreement with Lethbridge Polytechnic. This agreement helps ensure expectations are clear and protects the interests of the student, the host organization, and the Polytechnic.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Students registered in and attending an academic course or program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and during WIL placements are considered workers of the Government of Alberta and are typically covered by Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on the Government of Alberta account. (https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/workers/WFS_Student_coverage.pdf)

In some circumstances, WCB coverage may not apply—for example, for non-Alberta residents or non-Canadian citizens completing distance learning with a placement outside Alberta. Students in these situations should contact the program before applying for placement.  Alternative insurance coverage is available from Lethbridge Polytechnic for those situations.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Students who require accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than one week prior to the start of the academic term. Students who fail to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely manner may affect placement opportunities and success in the WIL setting.

Accessibility Services may collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise client safety, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes.

Placement Locations and Scheduling

Placements may occur in Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, or other approved locations, depending on site availability. Placements may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules.

Students are responsible for travel to their assigned placement sites and any associated costs.

Employment and Professional Regulation

Completion of a WIL placement does not guarantee employment with the host organization.

Some professions are regulated by provincial or other governing bodies. These processes are outside the control of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Completion of a WIL placement and graduation from the program do not guarantee licensure or admission to a regulatory body. Students with concerns about licensing requirements should consult the relevant regulatory body.

Fitness to Practice

Students are responsible for ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared to participate safely in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities. By attending a WIL placement or activity, students are declaring their Fitness to Practice, as outlined in the Student Guide for Fitness to Practice, and their ability to engage in learning without compromising their own safety or the safety of others.

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
PED-1180Introduction to Coaching3
PED-2257Therapeutic Exercise3
PED-2272Leadership in Physical Education3
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

Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$4,941.00
$2,115.00
$1,500.00
Year 2
$4,280.00
$2,002.00
$1,400.00

View detailed program cost estimates

International Students

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$18,141.00
$2,115.00
$1,500.00
Year 2
$17,008.00
$2,002.00
$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.

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

Budget Wizard

Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!

Budget Wizard

Scholarships

With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.

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 Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.

Need more information?

EXS.DIP