Strength and Conditioning Mini-Stream

Queen’s Athletics and Recreation and the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies have collaborated to provide KIN students with an enriched learning experience in the field of Strength and Conditioning. As Strength and Conditioning Coaches, students become an integral part of the Gaels Strength and Conditioning Program, which is an integral component in the success of the Queen’s teams.

Qualified students compete for a limited number of positions and need to be enthusiastic, and dedicated to training and improving Queen’s varsity athletes. The mini-stream requires a strong commitment from students, as they are valued members of the High Performance Sports Programs.

In addition to a required theory course in second year, students will work with varsity athletes and teams acquiring valuable skills, applied knowledge and invaluable experience over a three-year period for a total of 12.0 course units (see details below). Students receive a certificate from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (it will not appear on the student transcript).

Application Requirements

Students apply at the end of first year to Level One of the mini-stream. To apply, students should:

1. Review the slides from the 2024 Mini-Stream Information Session (Tuesday, February 6th, 1:00 – 2:00 PM in KINE 101).  

2. Apply for a position by email to the SKHS Student Experience Coordinator (at skhs.internships@queensu.ca) by Monday, March 4th, 2024 @ 11:59 pm.  Late applications are not accepted.

  • Applications must include a current resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and a brief explanation of interest in the strength and conditioning field. Please submit your cover letter and resume as one file (preferably as a PDF) and ensure the document file name includes your full name and the mini-stream you are applying to. 
  • If selected, students will be expected to have current Standard First Aid & CPR and a valid CPIC (Police check) with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
  • For more tips, watch this workshop on resumes & cover letters or attend the Cover Letter & Resume Workshop on Tuesday, February 27th at 10:00AM – 11:00 AM on Zoom (register here).

Mini-Stream Requirements

Level One (taken in second or third year).

  • Students complete 48 practicum hours in the Strength and Conditioning program at the Athletics and Recreation Centre.
  • Students complete “The Science and Methodology of Sport Training Conditioning Programs” in the Winter Term (KNPE 345/3.0). This course focuses on how to plan a training program and includes such topics as: designing warmups; proper lifting techniques; spotting techniques; speed and agility training; power and speed training; and, other training modalities.

Level Two (taken in third or fourth year).

  • Students register into “Strength and Conditioning Field Placement” (KNPE 346/4.5) and complete at least 120 practicum hours, as well as attend weekly group learning sessions
  • The goal of the field placement is to introduce students to all aspects of the Gaels Strength and Conditioning Program. Students can expect to be involved in: coaching team sessions; running warmups; performing assessments; coaching return-to-play programming; and developing professional relationships in the A&R community. 

Level Three (taken in fourth or a fifth year).

  • Students register into “Strength and Conditioning Internship” (KNPE 446/4.5) and complete at least 120 practicum hours, as well as attend weekly group learning sessions.
  • During the internship, students will assist in assessing, designing, and coaching a team-training program for one or two varsity teams. Students will apply the knowledge gained in the previous two levels while also mentoring the younger students.. Students will also be engaged in the team’s daily training environment, providing support and services in practices and games, as needed.

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