College Diploma - Personal Fitness Trainer at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

Program Overview

Are you passionate about fitness and dream of helping others achieve their wellness goals? NAIT's Personal Fitness Trainer Program is designed to turn your passion into a rewarding career that makes a real, lasting impact. For over 25 years, this program has been at the forefront of fitness education, creating one of the most in-demand fitness programs in Alberta. It goes beyond basic certifications, providing a comprehensive curriculum that covers both the hands-on practice of physical training and safe exercise, as well as knowledge in exercise science, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling.

With a strong emphasis on formal education, the program boasts instructors with PhDs and Master’s degrees in specialized areas, ensuring top-notch instruction. Graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a remarkable 96% employment rate upon completion. The program also offers flexible learning options, allowing students to obtain Canada’s top personal training certification (CSEP-CPT) by graduation.

Program Structure

The Personal Fitness Trainer program is structured to be completed in 2 years (Full-time). The program offers various delivery modes, including:

In-person classes on campus
Online classes available in January, May, and September
Hybrid options that combine both in-person and online learning

Students can choose class times that fit their schedules, with options for weekdays, evenings, and weekends. The program includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component, allowing students to gain practical experience through practicums. Additionally, graduates have the opportunity to transfer into the third year of degree programs at partner universities across Canada, enhancing their educational journey.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training with a variety of fitness and testing equipment, including treadmills, free weights, and metabolic carts.
Access to advanced tools for assessing and monitoring fitness levels, such as stethoscopes and heart rate monitors.
Techniques for online personal training, enabling graduates to train clients remotely.
Two practicums that provide real-world experience and prepare students for the workforce.
Collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date.

Career Options

Graduates of the Personal Fitness Trainer program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Personal Trainer: Work one-on-one with clients to develop personalized fitness programs and help them achieve their health goals.
Fitness Coach: Provide guidance and support to individuals or groups, focusing on motivation and accountability in fitness routines.
Wellness Consultant: Advise clients on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes to improve overall health and well-being.
Group Fitness Instructor: Lead fitness classes in various settings, including gyms, community centers, and corporate wellness programs.
Exercise Physiologist: Analyze clients' fitness levels and develop exercise programs tailored to their specific health needs.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) official website

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

English Language Proficiency (ELP) test	Minimum accepted test score
IELTS Academic - In-person or IELTS Online	6.0 in each section
NAIT’s ELP Exam	73% or “B” in each section
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLB)	8.0 in each section
CAEL	60 overall score
TOEFL iBT	20 in each section
Duolingo	115 overall score, with a minimum score of 100 in each integrated subscore.
PTE Academic	58 overall score

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the College Diploma - Personal Fitness Trainer program are designed to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the challenges of the course. Here are the key requirements:

Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
Grade 11 Mathematics (Math 20-2)
Grade 12 Science (Science 30) or Grade 12 Biology (Biology 30)

For students who may not meet the minimum entrance requirements, there are alternative pathways available:

Successful completion of ANAT 1120, PFTR 1121, and PFTR 1122 with an overall minimum GPA of 2.0

It is also recommended that students take the following course to better prepare for the program:

Grade 12 Biology (Biology 30) is strongly recommended due to the emphasis on anatomy and physiology throughout the program.

Additionally, there are some post-Academic Requirements that students must meet to progress in their studies:

First Aid – PRIOR TO CLINICAL: Students must provide evidence of current BLS certification before commencing clinical training. It is recommended that certification is obtained just prior to clinical training commencement.
Computer Literacy - Strong: Applicants are required to possess strong computer skills, including fluency in Microsoft Office and proficiency in typing and keyboard entry.
Computer Requirement - General: Students are required to have laptop computers for the duration of their studies at NAIT.

International students should be aware that enrolling in too many online courses can impact their ability to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It is advisable to take as many classes face-to-face as possible.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at NAIT. If you have previous education outside of Canada in a country that is not on the exempt country list – or you completed your studies in a language other than English – you will need to demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) as part of the admissions process.

There are several accepted English Language Proficiency tests and their minimum required scores:

IELTS Academic - 6.0 in each section
NAIT’s ELP Exam - 73% or “B” in each section
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLB) - 8.0 in each section
CAEL - 60 overall score
Cambridge English Language Assessment - B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169 in each section
TOEFL iBT - 20 in each section (Effective Fall 2025: 70 overall score, with a minimum score of 17 in each section)
Duolingo - 115 overall score, with a minimum score of 100 in each integrated subscore
Michigan English Test (MET) - 59 overall score
PTE Academic - 58 overall score
LanguageCert B2 Communicator Test - 38 in each section

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!