Are you looking for a way to enhance your degree and experience? A job in the health and fitness industry compliments our curriculum. Whether you are working with active, clinical or other populations, the direct interactions will allow for application of principles and bring context and depth to your classroom learning.
The certifications are listed as a progression of eligibility from first year to post-graduation.
CPR, First Aid, AED
Being trained and certified in CPR, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is often a requirement for health and fitness-related positions, both in healthy and clinical populations. It is often a good idea to be certified when applying for jobs. There are many providers from which to choose either in the Okanagan or wherever you call home.
SportMedBC
SportMedBC is a professional not-for-profit society comprised of close to 600 sport medical and paramedical practitioners in British Columbia. It promotes leadership, public awareness and education in the areas of sport medicine, sport science and sport training.
Check the events calendar for current course offerings and events.
YMCA Okanagan
The YMCA of Okanagan is proud to lead the way in providing fitness training and certifications. As a non-profit charitable organization committed to the health of our members and program participants, many of our fitness programs rely on volunteer instructors.
A fitness instructor with the YMCA is a great entry into the fitness industry!
Canadian Fitness Education Services (CFES)
CFES certification has been created as an alternative choice for aquatic and group fitness instructors, person trainers, fitness educators and allied professionals to join together in the development of comprehensive, academically credible and practical fitness leadership certification standards and career credentialing.
View the course calendar for ongoing course offerings.
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
A CSEP-CPT administers the CSEP-PATH to healthy populations, develops and implements a tailored physical activity, fitness and lifestyle plan. The minimum requirement to become a CSEP-CPT is a 2 year College diploma or 2 year University degree credits in the 6 core areas.
Check for certification workshops and exams being offered across Canada on the CSEP website.
Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
A CSEP-CEP performs assessments, prescribes conditioning exercise, as well as exercise supervision, counselling and healthy lifestyle education in apparently healthy individuals and/or populations with medical conditions, functional limitations or disabilities associated with musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, metabolic, neuromuscular, and ageing conditions. The minimum requirement to become a CSEP-CEP is a 4-year University degree in exercise science or a related area.
Check for certification workshops and exams being offered across Canada on the CSEP website.
British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK)
The BCAK promotes kinesiology in BC as a valuable health care service. It supports the advancement of the profession and provides resources to its members to assist them in their practice.
The association provides information about the profession of kinesiology to the public, governments and other stakeholders and is affiliated with the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance, which promotes the profession on a national basis.
Become a member for insurance, networking, job opportunities and exclusive membership resources.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. With more than 50,000 members and certified professionals worldwide, ACSM is dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
There are many certification options available related health & fitness, clinical and other specialty designations.
Personal Skill Development
Writing and Research Centre
UBC Okanagan’s Writing and Research Centre offers writing support for all undergraduate students working on any kind of writing assignment for a class. Our consultants can assist writers with various stages of the writing process: developing a draft, clarifying an argument, organizing written materials, understanding editing techniques and effective sentence structures, and building beneficial writing habits. They will listen carefully, answer questions about how to approach different types of writing assignments, and provide feedback regarding how a reader experiences the writing.
Check for workshops.
Learning Commons
A Learning Commons is a collaborative space that supports the academic endeavours of the campus community. We offer the research assistance, technologies, study spaces, and programs you need to succeed. The Learning Commons is here for the students and provides numerous opportunities to help enhance their learning experience.
Student workshops are available.
Gain Experience
Explore some ways to start gaining valuable experience you can use on your resume. Whether on or off campus, paid or volunteer, check out some opportunities and find what’s right for you!
Employment Opportunities
Every year UBC’s Okanagan campus hires over 1,000 undergraduate students to participate in engaging, enriching, and exciting opportunities on campus.
Employment opportunities on campus and in the surrounding area are available through Career Connect.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many volunteer opportunities await you!
Community Service Learning Program
The Community Service Learning (CSL) Program is an initiative that aims to develop responsible, engaged citizens and to impact critical social issues through collaborative efforts between UBC and the surrounding community.