Overview
Empower people to embrace their health and well-being as a personal trainer, fitness entrepreneur, or wellness program facilitator.
Do you like to motivate others to live a healthier lifestyle? Do you care about supporting people in their health and wellness journey? A career in health and well-being is rewarding when you see the impact you can have on people’s lives.
In this program, you’ll learn about the physical and mental aspects of healthy living and develop strategies to support people’s well-being. You’ll be taught the basics of sport and fitness psychology and how to apply basic scientific exercise principles (anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics) to develop your own fitness training programs.
You’ll learn to create safe and effective fitness assessments and training programs customized to each unique client's needs, goals and developmental paths. To round out your knowledge, you’ll also explore fitness activities local to Alberta’s distinct geography and climate and learn about nutrition theory to best support your clients on their lifelong paths to health and wellness.
To ensure your success in the industry, you’ll develop the business acumen and essential skills to manage and grow programs and membership. You’ll learn how to meet the demands of your target audience by learning about marketing, sales, and digital facilitation skills. Finally, you’ll also develop the human skills needed to understand, motivate and support your clients on their wellness journeys.
Is this the right fit for me?
You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:
- effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- ability to work independently
- ability to work well with others
- ability to use technology
- can maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
- can work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends, and shift work
- are comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Personal Trainers and Group Exercise Leaders, as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure you understand the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
Credentials
Graduates will be awarded a SAIT Fitness and Wellness Management diploma upon successful completion of the program.
Get important updates about our health and medical programs
Admission requirements
Program requirements
A minimum grade of 65% in each of the following courses:
- Biology 30 or Science 30
- Math 20-1 or 20-2
- English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
All applicants, including students educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency before admission.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After applying, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside of the city.
Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful applicants will also need to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Basic Life SupportLevel (C) CPR
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
International students must also complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) and obtain a co-op work permit to attend practicum. You can apply for your co-op work permit together with your initial study permit using your Letter of Acceptance. Or you can also apply for your co-op work permit once you arrive in Canada at least four months before your co-op term starts. For more information, please get in touch with the International Centre at international@sait.ca.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | June 28, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
First year
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-209 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3.0 |
| COMP-261 | Applied Digital Technologies | 1.5 |
| FTNS-205 | Foundations in Strength and Conditioning | 3.0 |
| HLTH-200 | Introduction to Wellness | 3.0 |
| NUTR-201 |
Human Nutrition Fundamentals
|
3.0 |
| PROF-240 | Healthcare Professionalism | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| FTNS-203 | Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics | 3.0 |
| FTNS-204 | Exercise Psychology | 3.0 |
| FTNS-206 | Strength and Resistance Exercise Training | 3.0 |
| NUTR-207 | Sports Nutrition | 3.0 |
| ACCT-215 | Introductory Financial Accounting I | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HLTH-202 | Outdoor Leadership | 1.5 |
| PRCT-206 | Practicum 1 | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 4.5 | |
| First year total | 34.5 | |
Second year
Semester 4
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| FTNS-300 | Mobility and Functional Movement | 3.0 |
| HLTH-300 | Athletic Injury Prevention and Care | 3.0 |
| HLTH-301 | Health Promotion and Coaching | 3.0 |
| HLTH-302 | Physical Fitness Assessment and Program Design | 3.0 |
| MKTG-265 | Digital Marketing Foundations | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 5
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENTR-350 |
Entrepreneurship
|
3.0 |
| FTNS-302 | Practical Application of Fitness Assessment | 3.0 |
| HLTH-303 | Practical Application of Mindfulness | 3.0 |
| HLTH-304 | Wellness Adaptations for Diverse Populations | 3.0 |
| MKTG-366 | Business Development and Customer Relationship Management | 3.0 |
| Semester 5 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 6
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-303 |
Practicum 2
|
3.0 |
| Semester 6 total | 3.0 | |
| Second year total | 33.0 | |
| Program total | 67.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5** | $6,900 | $1,105 | $768 | $8,773 |
| 2 | 2.5** | $6,600 | $1,105 | $768 | $8,473 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5** | $18,630 | $1,105 | $768 | $20,503 |
| 2 | 2.5** | $17,820 | $1,105 | $768 | $19,693 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
**.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Get started on practicum requirements
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on August 30. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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