School of Arts, Science & Education

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is an academic discipline that focuses on the study of human movement. Its goal is to use evidence-based research to improve human health, wellness, and athletic performance. The Kinesiology diploma is a two-year program that prepares graduates to work as qualified exercise professionals in a variety of fitness, health, sports, rehabilitation, and recreation environments.

In this program, students acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills around topics such as anatomy and physiology, fitness principles, nutrition, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, growth and development, exercise physiology, coaching, and the prevention and management of athletic injuries. This knowledge will become the basis for practical, work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences in a variety of sport, clinical, recreation, and wellness settings. Upon successful completion of the diploma, students can also obtain the Certified Personal Trainer certification through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology. Most of the courses in the diploma program also transfer to a variety of degree-granting institutions so that you can continue your university studies in Kinesiology or a related field.

High School Route

Overall average of at least 60% and a minimum mark of 50% in:

ELA 30-1
Biology 30
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
One 30-level academic subject
One 30-level, 5-credit subject (excluding special projects)

Mature Student Route

ELA 30-1
Biology 30
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2

English Language Proficiency

Students also need to meet English Language Proficiency at a higher level than the general college. For the International English Language Proficiency System (ELTS) students must have an overall band score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0.

First Year

Fall Semester

ENGL 1XX or 2XX - Any 100 or 200 level
KNES 204 - Sociocultural Aspects of Leisure & Sport
KNES 250 - Introduction to the Administration of Sport and Physical Education Programs
KNES 261 - Human Anatomy
PHSL 370 - Introduction to Human Physiology I

Winter Semester

KNES 220 - Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
KNES 247 - Introduction to Wellness, Fitness & Nutrition
NUTR 200 - Introduction to Nutrition
PHSL 371 - Introduction to Human Physiology II

One of:

KNES 210 - Motor Skill Acquisition and Performance
KNES 265 - Functional Anatomy
KNES 2XX - Any 200 level
STAT 251 - Introduction to Applied Statistics
STAT 333 - Statistics for the Life Sciences

Second Year

Fall Semester

KNES 240 - Adapted Physical Education
KNES 260 - Introduction to Coaching
KNES 290 - Growth and Development
KNES 373 - Exercise Physiology
PSYC 200 or 201 - Introduction to Psychology I or II

Winter Semester

KNES 206 - Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
KNES 255 - Biomechanics
KNES 270 - Exercise Assessment and Prescription
KNES 295 - Practicum/Work Experience

One of:

KNES 212 - Research Methods in Kinesiology
KNES 281 - Introduction to Movement Activities in Children and Youth
KNES 2XX - Any 200 level

SEE COURSE DETAILS HERE

Graduates of the program are employable in entry-level positions in kinesiology-related environments such as:

Physical therapy clinics
Athletic teams
Fitness clubs
Senior centres
Health and wellness centres
Recreational centres
Sports organizations
Rehabilitation centres

As part of the Kinesiology diploma, every student will be required to complete a practicum. The practicum is a non-paid work-integrated learning experience designed to give students supervised practical application of the theories and concepts learned through the program. All courses and requirements from the first three semesters of the program must be completed appropriately and satisfactorily prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to do so will result in the student not being permitted into the practicum course.

Students may be required to provide a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search to the practicum placement supervisor prior to starting the placement. A current First Aid and CPR-level C certificate will be required in practicum placements. Please note that students are responsible for any fees involved in meeting these practicum requirements.

Additional Information

Industry Certifications

Students within this program will have the opportunity to achieve the following industry certifications:

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Fitness Alberta (formerly the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association)
National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Modules
Sports Medicine Council of Alberta (SMCA)- Sport Trainer
CPR-C and Emergency First Aid

*Students are eligible to complete the CSEP-CPT national certification upon successful completion of all coursework. This is not required for successful completion of the program but rather an opportunity to gain a valuable industry certification. Students are responsible for any fees associated with obtaining this certification.

Requirements

Continuation Requirements

attain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 at the end of each semester
attain a minimum final grade of ‘C’ in all KNES, PHSL, and NUTR courses and a ‘C-‘ in all other courses

Graduation Requirements
To successfully complete the Kinesiology diploma, you must:

attain a minimum final grade of ‘C’ in all KNES, PHSL, and NUTR courses and a ‘C-‘ in all other courses
attain a grade of CR in KNES 295
attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0

Transfer Opportunities

The Kinesiology diploma program serves as a foundation for further education within the field by offering many of the same courses as the University Transfer: Kinesiology program; however, additional course work may be required as not all courses within this diploma program will provide transfer credit towards a Bachelor of Kinesiology and/or additional courses may be required for successful transfer. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a diploma from Medicine Hat College, but they can also use many of their courses for credit transfer should they wish to further their university studies in Kinesiology.

Transfer to other programs and universities is possible but students are strongly encouraged to consult academic calendars of their intended transfer institution regarding admission requirements and course selection. A Medicine Hat College Academic Advisor or a University Academic Advisor can help students interpret and apply these requirements. Students are responsible for making informed course choices as part of their program planning. Students may access the Transfer Alberta Search Database online to determine Medicine Hat College course equivalent.