Occupational Ergonomics Certificate
The Certificate requires 24 units, 12 of which are required with the remaining 12 selected from a list of electives.
The following courses are the required courses:
- BPK 180W Introduction to Ergonomics
- BPK 381 Psychology of Work
- BPK 481 Activity Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
- BPK 482 Occupational Ergonomics and Rehabilitation - Practicums
Recommended Elective courses:
- BPK 303 Kinanthropometry
- BPK 310 Exercise/Work Physiology
- BPK 343 Active Health: Assessment and Programming
- BPK 415 Neural Control of Movement
- BPK 443 Advanced Exercise Prescription
- BPK 448 Rehabilitation and Movement Control
Check the Calendar and BPK advisor for other relevant courses or as well as here
Who Should Apply?
The BPK Certificate in Occupational Ergonomics targets a labour market growth area: the science and design of healthy, productive workplaces. It is designed for Kinesiology majors in the Active Health and Rehabilitation concentration who either wish to pursue a career in ergonomics or apply ergonomic principles within another profession (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, disability management, health and safety, and more). The certificate is also appropriate for qualified* professionals in the areas of occupational rehabilitation, corporate wellness, and occupational health & safety who wish to augment their ergonomic knowledge and skills.
Students will learn the essential foundations of occupational ergonomics and will gain skills in risk assessment, evaluation and control, return to work processes, knowledge translation, and effective communication. The certificate is also appropriate for qualified* professionals in the areas of occupational rehabilitation, corporate well-ness, and occupational health & safety who wish to augment their ergonomic knowledge and skills.
Why Occupational Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is in demand and predicted to grow in the future**:
Companies want to prevent increasingly costly work place injuries
- The aging workforce demands products, technology and work environments that are designed to meet their needs and capabilities
- Effective return to work after injury requires a multidisciplinary team where ergonomists can play a significant role
- Psychosocial issues in the workplace are increasingly seen as important factors in injury prevention and rehabilitation, and health and wellness in the workplace
- International standards and National and Provincial legislation in ergonomics is driving the need for ergonomic programs and policy
Career Opportunities
Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary science and can lead to the following careers:
- Occupational Ergonomists designing healthy workplaces
- Return to Work Specialist facilitating the return to work process
- Training specialist providing ergonomics training to organizations
- Standards and Regulation Developer
- Corporate or Research Ergonomists
- Workplace Wellness Professionals
Click here for more information about Ergonomics and Human Factors Careers
* Professionals need to apply to SFU, meet the general admission requirements, and then apply for approval into this Certificate program. Approval forms are on the BPK website.
** The U.S Department of Labor identified Ergonomists and Human Factors Engineers as one of the Eight Emerging Careers for 2013, and The Globe and Mail and The Seattle Times point to Occupational Ergonomics as a growing area of future employment.
Useful Resources
- Use this planner to check off the required and elective courses for the certificate
- Check out the infographic to see the skills and experience you will gain and can add to your resume or profiles
- This pdf provides a full overview of the certificate requirements