Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a consultant, officer or researcher related to sport, recreation or fitness in BC, you may choose to register as a member with the British Columbian Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Contact the association to initiate the membership process. 

Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers

Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport

This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.

Parks, recreation, and leisure studies

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to develop and manage park facilities and other indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure facilities. These programs include courses in supervising support personnel, health and safety standards, public relations, and basic business and marketing principles.

Parks, recreation, and leisure facilities management, general

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply business, coaching and physical education principles to the organization, administration and management of athletic programs and teams, fitness/rehabilitation facilities and health clubs, sport recreation services, and related services. These programs include courses in program planning and development; business and financial management principles; sales, marketing and recruitment; event promotion, scheduling and management; facilities management; public relations; legal aspects of sports; and applicable health and safety standards.

Sport and fitness administration/management

This instructional program class comprises any scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. These programs include courses in biomechanics, motor behaviour, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.

Exercise science and kinesiology

This instructional program class comprises any program not listed above that relates to Sports, kinesiology, and physical education/physical fitness.

Sports, kinesiology, and physical education/physical fitness, other

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to plan, organize, and direct recreational activities designed to promote health and well-being for patients who are physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled. These programs include courses in the foundations of therapeutic recreation, leisure education and counselling, program planning, therapeutic recreational modalities, basic anatomy and physiology, psychology, medical terminology, human growth and development, patient observation and evaluation, special needs populations, and professional standards and ethics.

Therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy

Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a recreational therapist in BC, you may choose to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing an accredited bachelor degree or higher with a concentration in recreational therapy, completion of a minimum 14 week internship, and passing the NCTRC exam. 

Recreational therapists

To work as a recreation, sports, or fitness program and service director, you may choose to become a member of the BC Recreation and Parks Association. Membership can be accessed through an employer or individually.

Employment in this career may require several years of related work experience.

Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors

Recreation Bachelor's Degrees

Leisure And Recreation Diplomas

Policy researchers, consultants and program officers in recreation, sports and fitness oversee and administer recreation, sports and fitness programs and activities, provide consulting services, conduct research and develop programs and policies related to recreation, sports and physical fitness. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, recreation, sports, fitness and health care facilities, retirement homes, community centres, sports and fitness consulting firms and organizations, or they may be self-employed.

Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport assist patrons, collect tickets and fees and supervise the use of recreational and sports equipment. They are employed by amusement parks, fairs, exhibitions, carnivals, arenas, billiard parlours, bowling alleys, golf courses, ski centres, tennis clubs, campgrounds and other recreational and sports facilities.

The Kinesiology Diploma prepares you to work as qualified exercise professionals. Students in this two-year diploma program study fitness principles, physical fitness training practices, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, nutrition, health promotion, lifestyle management, stress management, growth and development and behavioural change through the standard program or the internship designation. The program prepares you to design and implement personalized exercise and physical activity programs and lifestyle education programs as personal trainers or other fitness professionals. Areas of study include the physiological, psychological and biomechanical foundations for physical fitness and movement education that also lead to healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Kinesiology Diploma

The Sport Management Diploma prepares you with a solid foundation in sport management along with necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in entry level sport management careers including facility, resource and event management opportunities.

Sport Management Diploma

The Kinesiology Diploma gives you training in a field that will enable you to create practical, workable solutions that help people live their healthiest lives. Diploma applicants should apply to the Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree program where they have the option to exit the Degree program at the end of year two with a Diploma credential.

The Outdoor Recreation Management Diploma focuses on growing your expertise with training in several vital areas, including tourism, wilderness travel, guiding, business management, marketing and leadership. Through classroom study, relevant field trips, and work experience, you'll develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to contribute to the exciting and challenging outdoor recreation industry. You'll take courses in financial planning, experiential education, entrepreneurship, outdoor guiding, risk management and more. This training will prepare you for future careers in adventure tourism, community and outdoor recreation, parks and conservation, or experiential and outdoor education. You'll also participate in a co-op work experience placement before completing your diploma.

Outdoor Recreation Management Diploma

The Kinesiology Diploma is the study of all aspects of human movement. The Kinesiology Diploma program offers a wide variety of first and second year courses that transfer into a Kinesiology degree-granting institution. Courses include anatomy and physiology, physical fitness and health, growth and development, biomechanics and injury management, and coaching and sport administration. This program is for anyone who is interested in the fitness industry, rehabilitation, and teaching physical education.

The Kinesiology Diploma is for anyone who enjoy learning about the science of the body and human movement or are pursuing a career as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, an athletic trainer or coach, a physical therapist, a practicing kinesiologist, sports psychology consultant or a teacher (further post-secondary education may be required). If you complete two full years of study, you may transfer into third year studies at select post-secondary institutions in BC and Alberta. In addition, you have opportunities to receive additional industry required credentials within the various courses in the Kinesiology program.

The Recreation Management Diploma helps prepare students to become leaders in the recreation and leisure services industry. The program offers experiential and interdisciplinary learning opportunities that may include real-world event management experience, recreation programming simulation, inclusive recreation programming, job shadow assignments, guest speakers, volunteer assignments, site visits to recreation facilities and applied research.

Recreation Management Diploma

The Sport Science Diploma gives you an understanding of exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, motor learning, sport psychology and more. This interdisciplinary program provides flexibility in career direction, with options to specialize in kinesiology or health and recreation. You'll also have the option to participate in a Co-op program. The program will help prepare you for a career in coaching, teaching, health and fitness, leisure and sport administration, or exercise science.  

Sport Science Diploma

The Therapeutic Recreation Diploma prepares you to plan, implement and evaluate a wide range of programs for people with barriers to participation in leisure activities. Such programs could include individual or group fitness, cognitive activities, creative arts, gardening, cooking, adapted sports, nature and outdoor activities.  You will have the opportunity to apply classroom theory in real-life situations through two semesters of practicum work in healthcare or social service settings. As a diploma graduate, you can find work as a recreation assistant, recreation therapy assistant, program planner, recreation leader and activity worker in a variety of settings including hospitals, mental health centres, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centres, correctional facilities, youth centres, day programs and community recreation centres.

Therapeutic Recreation Diploma

The Kinesiology Diploma is a university-transfer program that allows you to continue toward the completion of a university degree in disciplines such as kinesiology, physical education, human kinetics, or other interdisciplinary studies. You'll take courses in human anatomy, health and exercise management, systems physiology, sport and exercise psychology, and more. Completing a Bachelor of Kinesiology can lead to careers in active health, recreation, kinesiology, education, and research, or to further education in fields like rehabilitation sciences. 

The Leisure Studies Diploma is primarily for those seeking to complete two years of university-transfer course-work towards a degree in Recreation, Leisure or Sport Studies. You'll take courses in recreation, leadership, arts and heritage, and more. 

Leisure Studies Diploma

The Recreation Leadership Diploma focuses on how to lead, instruct, facilitate, motivate, and supervise within the recreation field. You will also learn how to design, implement, and market quality programs, services and special events for diverse participants. There is also the opportunity to partake in an internship placement. The skill sets you develop will be able to be applied in a recreation, health promotion, community service, tourism, and/or volunteer setting.

Recreation Leadership Diploma

The Human Kinetics Diploma Pathway to BBA Degree allows you to study Human Kinetics before pursing a Bachelor of Business Administration. You'll take courses in accounting, marketing, management, business law, economics, and more.

Human Kinetics Diploma Pathway to BBA Degree

The Kinesiology Diploma focuses on the skills that you can apply to a variety of career options in fitness, recreation, sport, education and health. You can choose to specialize in fitness, recreation, education, or general studies. Course credits transfer towards Bachelor degree programs in British Columbia and elsewhere. Upon graduation, you can become a recreation coordinator or certified personal trainer, or pursue further education. 

The Sport Event Management Diploma is about business skills and event management expertise required to organize and market sports events, recruit and motivate volunteers and find sponsors at the corporate, professional or amateur level, in the context of the importance of sporting events in Canadian culture. Learn key business skills and develop the expertise to successfully plan, market and execute both small- and large-scale events in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. You will also gain a deep understanding of the economic, social and cultural impacts of sport events and sport tourism, as well as the complexities of the sports marketplace. Theory is blended with real-world experiences—including hands-on projects with organizations such as the local WHL hockey club (Kamloops Blazers), Spartan Canada, Sun Peaks Resort, Pacific Sport and the Kamloops Sports Council.

Sport Event Management Diploma

The Recreation and Sport Management Diploma focuses on the provision of recreation and sport services and products in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within communities. The program assesses the impact of recreation and sport and the environment in order to plan and develop healthy communities. Features of the program include a co-operative education opportunity.

Educational Path

Leisure And Recreation Diplomas

Programs

Careers