North Island College is taking education to the slopes this September with a new Exercise and Wellness certificate.
The program is dedicated to understanding and improving your own health and the health of others through active living.
Learn to sail, kayak, stand-up paddle board, and go Nordic skiing over eight months as you explore your fitness and prepare for a career as a personal trainer, group fitness leader, wellness consultant, or fitness coach.
Complete one year at NIC, earn a certificate, and guarantee your spot at Camosun College’s two-year Exercise and Wellness diploma, or, transfer into education, recreation, and health-related programs at Vancouver Island University or other institutions.
Once graduated, students can also challenge the BC Recreation and Parks Association theory exam, part of the credentials needed to become a fitness leader.
The program makes the most of the Comox Valley’s ocean and mountain playgrounds, the nearby Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, and NIC classrooms. It combines first-year university transfer classes in English, biology, and physiology with lifetime sports activities allowing you to gain fitness knowledge while you earn transfer credit toward health-related degrees.
Instructor and program coordinator Kelly Mackenzie-Rife is an avid cross country, stand-up paddle boarder, runner, hiker, and cyclist who once raced competitively on road and track cycling circuits.
With a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, Mackenzie-Rife has nine years teaching experience in the University of Alberta’s Physical Education and Recreation department. She currently works as an exercise physiologist with Courtenay’s Joint Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre and has a wide range of fitness experience ranging from clinical work on children’s obesity with the Stollery Children’s Hospital, seven years as a Global Television fitness consultant in Edmonton, and rehabilitation work with the Department of National Defence at 19 Wing Comox.
“I’m excited to return to the classroom where my clinical experiences will augment my teaching, and give students a real-world understanding of how they can apply their skills,” said Mackenzie-Rife.
The program is modelled on Camosun’s two-year diploma program of the same name. NIC students take the same courses and get the same educational experiences in their first year of study as Camosun students, without having to pay Victoria-area rent and living expenses.
The program starts September 2012. Seating is limited; apply early to confirm your spot. For more information or to register contact NIC student services at 1-800-715-0914.
—North Island College