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MHC launches kinesiology diploma for Fall 2024

Student learns about kinesiology, the student of movement.Medicine Hat College (MHC) is excited to announce a new program for those interested in fitness, health, sport, rehabilitation, and recreation.

Launching in Fall 2024, the two-year kinesiology diploma will provide students with the theory and experience to support a career as an exercise professional, exploring topics including anatomy and physiology, nutrition, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, coaching, and the prevention and management of athletic injuries.

Lori Sumners, coordinator for the program, says work-integrated learning is a vital component to MHC’s kinesiology diploma, providing students with the opportunity to complete a practicum in their final year and gain hands-on industry experience by working under the guidance of community professionals.

“There is certainly no doubt the critical role that physical activity and movement play in maintaining our overall health and wellness. By offering this new diploma, our students will gain strong foundational knowledge and practical skills, allowing them to serve as a valuable resource for individuals in our community,” says Sumners.

MHC has a long history of offering students the opportunity to begin their kinesiology education through the university transfer program. Students can complete the first two years of a kinesiology degree prior to transferring to a partnering university to complete the final two years. The diploma now provides students the added benefit of obtaining a credential and gaining faster employment in the field, with the continued flexibility of continuing their university education, if they choose.

Sumners adds that kinesiology is a broad field of study, allowing students to obtain employment in a wide range of careers or use their knowledge as a stepping-stone into other health-related credentials.

Graduates will be valued in several environments, including physical therapy clinics, athletic teams, fitness clubs, and recreational, senior, and rehabilitation centres. They may also choose to obtain their Certified Personal Trainer certification or transfer to a variety of degree-granting institutions to further their education.

Applications for Fall 2024 are open now until September 1. For more information and to apply, please click here.