Strength and Conditioning Training
This online College Certificate provides students with comprehensive training in strength and conditioning, a rapidly growing and emergent field of health and fitness.
- Courses meet the requirements for canfitpro, CSEP, YMCA, NSCA, ACSM, and ISCA
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Targeted at industry professionals in fitness, corporate fitness, health and wellness, and recreational team coaching, students may expand existing knowledge and abilities, increase their career opportunities, and integrate contemporary trends and best practices in strength and conditioning.
Graduates may find employment in the fitness industry in a variety of settings such as: fitness and health clubs, YMCA/YWCA, sports teams, community institutions for special populations (youth and older adults), municipal recreation departments and public and private fitness programs. In addition, graduates may choose to become fitness and health training consultants or self-employed trainers....(read more)
Overview
This online College Certificate provides students with comprehensive training in strength and conditioning, a rapidly growing and emergent field of health and fitness. The key focus is on developing and designing protocols and guidelines for efficient and productive programs for athletes of varying abilities and ages with an emphasis on broad-based, balanced muscle development and comprehensive, sport-specific strength-training. Students gain in-depth strength and conditioning knowledge and skills built on the six core training phases: anatomical adaptation, hypertrophy, maximum strength, specific strength, maintenance and tapering to integrate with energy system training to develop stronger athletes.
Targeted at industry professionals in fitness, corporate fitness, health and wellness, and recreational team coaching, students may expand existing knowledge and abilities, increase their career opportunities, and integrate contemporary trends and best practices in strength and conditioning.
Graduates may find employment in the fitness industry in a variety of settings such as: fitness and health clubs, YMCA/YWCA, sports teams, community institutions for special populations (youth and older adults), municipal recreation departments and public and private fitness programs. In addition, graduates may choose to become fitness and health training consultants or self-employed trainers.
Current health and fitness professionals can receive continuing education credits through this program as the courses meet the requirements for canfitproTM, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), YMCA, National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and International Sports Conditioning Association (ISCA).
To qualify for this certificate, students must complete the program within three years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are motivated, focused and committed to attaining goals.
- Are passionate about health and fitness.
- Are collaborative and thrive in dynamic environments.
- Are interested in helping others to achieve positive lifestyle changes.
- Possess an interest in anatomy and physiology.
Courses
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Online  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIT4010 | 42.0 | Foundations of Strength Training | |
| FIT4020 | 42.0 | Assessment for Physical Fitness | |
| FIT4030 | 42.0 | Programming for Strength and Conditioning | |
| FIT4040 | 42.0 | Training for Sports | |
| FIT4050 | 42.0 | Youth Health, Fitness and Sport | |
| FIT4060 | 42.0 | Strength Training for Older Adults | |
| FIT4070 | 42.0 | Periodization Training Methodology | |
| FIT4080 | 42.0 | Performance Psychology | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FIT4010 Foundations of Strength Training
The foundation of strength training goes beyond the simple application of bodybuilding or powerlifting programs to build strength in athletes. Students examine sport nutrition and comprehensive strength and conditioning instruction to outline the essentials for safely and effectively training athletes to reach peak physical condition to gain a competitive edge. Through case study analysis, video presentations and learning aids, students classify and prioritize exercises to reinforce essential training fundamentals.
FIT4020 Assessment for Physical Fitness
Assessing individuals provides critical information necessary to develop a comprehensive plan of why and how to assess the five health-related components of physical fitness. Students compare and contrast the major five health-related components of physical fitness: body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness. Through video animations, multimedia presentations, assessment challenges and sequential questioning, students develop a practical approach for effectively performing assessment skills and techniques.
FIT4030 Programming for Strength and Conditioning
Effective design and execution of programming for strength and conditioning is essential to developing an athlete's performance. Students outline and write programs based on the strength training variables through six training phases: anatomical adaptation, hypertrophy, maximum strength, conversion to specific strength, maintenance and tapering. Students identify and employ principles, discussions, tools and techniques to increase athlete efficiency and productivity using an energy system training platform.
FIT4040 Training for Sports
Developing athlete training and conditioning protocols is fundamental to the success of an athlete. Students review and study programs from around the world from an elite group of international strength and conditioning specialists and sport coaches. Through case study analyses, discussion boards and video breakdown of different sport movements, students examine and apply the most current sport science in athletic performance.
FIT4050 Youth Health, Fitness and Sport
Sports and fitness play significant roles in the physical development of youth. Students focus on broad-based, balanced muscle development and comprehensive, sport-specific strength-training programs for youth. Through programming projects, task-oriented objectives and case studies, students create programs that highlight the fundamentals and benefits of strength training for youth at the varying stages of development.
FIT4060 Strength Training for Older Adults
Strength training offers many benefits for active adults, including enhanced athletic performance, reduced risk of disease and decreased symptoms of arthritis, diabetes and osteoporosis. Students write programs based on training principles, protocols and adaptations from leading authorities on strength training. Students also build biomechanically sound programs designed specifically for older adults. Students develop key performance indicators and avoid errors that cause injury through group work, case studies, programming projects and online simulation exercises.
FIT4070 Periodization Training Methodology
Periodization is an underlying foundation for organizing training into units of time that allow athletes to develop specific skills to achieve goals in a variety of sports. Students discuss the principles, objectives and components of a successful long-term training program and how to plan the right program to achieve performance goals. Using proven strategies for optimal peaking and specifics on training for better motor ability, working capacity, skill effectiveness and psychological adaptability, students examine contemporary case studies, perform reflections and develop inclusive programming projects.
FIT4080 Performance Psychology
Psychological factors affecting performance is a growing interdisciplinary science that directly contributes to the level of participation and achievement of an athlete. Students analyze the psychosocial, intrapersonal, interpersonal and cultural variables that come into play when people get together and exercise. Using diverse topics that bridge health psychology and exercise psychology to illustrate the increasingly important role of physical activity in overall wellness and health, students engage in real-world scenario projects and role-playing interviews and apply data analysis tools to improve communication and performance for clients.
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as fitness and health training consultants, optimal health coaches, personal trainers, physical education and wellness specialists, physical fitness attendants, preventative fitness program coordinators, vitality coaches or self-employed entrepreneurs. Graduates are prepared to meet the multi-dimensional demands of a growing market in the strength and conditioning field.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Coach and develop athletes to attain desired outcomes safely through the application of appropriate strength and conditioning protocols.
- Perform movement pattern and mobility assessments to deliver accurate and meaningful data that direct and monitor training efforts.
- Develop and implement strength and conditioning programs to enhance physical performance for a broad range of clients.
- Monitor and assess periodized programs to identify training routines and safety challenges over the course of micro and macro cycles.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Additional program related expenses include:
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $460 over the program duration. For more information visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/students/.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without an OSSD).
Application Information
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Additional Information
Program Resources
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
FIT4010 Foundations of Strength Training is the first course and a pre requisite to all courses in the program of study of the Strength and Conditioning Training program with the exception of FIT4080 Performance Psychology.
The program is best suited for professionals with fitness-related credentials or work experience in the fitness field.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
Contact
Future Students
For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.
Current Students
For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.