What Does A Kinesiologist Do?

Interested in the human body and what makes it function? Perhaps you're specifically interested in learning more about improving people's quality of life through physical activity. Kinesiology could be an ideal career path for you.

A kinesiologist is a scientist or healthcare professional who understands the intricacies of human movement. They apply this knowledge to areas such as injury rehabilitation, exercise science, sports medicine, and various other disciplines.

Keep reading for more information.

What Is a Kinesiologist?

Kinesiology is the study of human movement. It is a broad, interdisciplinary field involving:

• exercise physiology
• exercise science
• biomechanics
• neuroscience
• physical education
• occupational therapy

A kinesiologist is a professional within this field. Kinesiologists have many goals, including injury prevention and treatment and improving overall health.

Skills Required of a Kinesiologist

Kinesiologists combine a variety of hard and soft skills to succeed in their profession. They must have a strong understanding of:

• anatomy and physiology
• human biology
• biomechanics

They must also have strong interpersonal skills, as the job usually involves working with people to help them:

• cope with disabilities
• recover from injuries
• improve their physical well-being

Common skills necessary for kinesiologists include:

• analytical thinking
• empathy
• communication
• understanding of psychology
• organization and time management
• patience

Benefits of Being a Kinesiologist

If you are fascinated by the human body and what affects its movement, there are a wide variety of kinesiology careers available. You have opportunities to explore disciplines such as:

• sports management
• athletic training
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy

Regardless of the specific path you choose, a career in kinesiology can be highly rewarding. It allows you to work with patients from all walks of life, helping them develop adaptive techniques, improve their athletic performance, and reach their fitness goals.

Finally, the job outlook for kinesiologists appears to be good. While there is no specific data for kinesiologists provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is thought that the need for kinesiologists and other exercise professionals will increase as more and more people work office jobs and spend a lot of their time at work sitting.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Kinesiologist?

A kinesiologist may perform a wide range of job duties depending on their specialization. Some common responsibilities for kinesiologists include:

Performing Assessments on Patients

Kinesiologists assess patients to determine what injuries or disabilities they are dealing with or how their health could improve through the use of kinesiology. These assessments are necessary to develop individualized treatment plans.

Manual Therapy

Kinesiologists typically recommend some form of manual therapy to their patients. This may involve fitness training, physical therapy, yoga, water activities, or other therapies that can help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic diseases, and improve their range of motion.

Giving Exercise Instruction

Kinesiologists don't just recommend and implement therapy programs; they may also provide instruction in various types of exercise. This is especially true of kinesiologists who specialize in exercise science. They design or implement exercise programs to help patients and clients improve their health through movement.

Educating Patients

Kinesiologists may also provide various educational services, helping patients learn more about their particular injury or illness and how specific therapies or exercises can help them improve their health.

Providing Emotional Support

Finally, kinesiologists are specialized healthcare providers. Because they work closely with those struggling with injuries or diseases, they may find it necessary to provide emotional support when a patient is feeling discouraged or struggling to master a particular technique.

Educational Requirements of Kinesiologists

So, are you interested in becoming a kinesiologist? Let's take a closer look at the educational requirements and steps you'll need to take to reach your goals.

Acquire a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology

Almost all kinesiologists hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree in their field. Kinesiology degrees may offer specializations or may be offered as a specialization of a degree in a related field.

Depending on your specific career goals, you may want to pursue one of the following related degrees or specializations:

• exercise science
• biomechanics
• sports medicine
• physical therapy
• health and human performance
• athletic training

Consider Getting an Advanced Degree

If you hope to become a professor or researcher in the field of kinesiology, you will need to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. Additionally, having these advanced degrees can deepen your knowledge and make you a more desirable candidate when it comes to finding a job.

Attend an Accredited Kinesiotherapy Program

If you're planning to go into a therapy-related discipline of kinesiology, you may want to attend a school accredited by the American Kinesiotherapy Association. While this isn't required to become a kinesiologist, it may make it easier for you to land your first job and is a specialized credential that will look good on a resume.

Pass the Registered Kinesiotherapy Credentialing Exam

Those who have completed any kinesiotherapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) can become a registered kinesiotherapist by passing a credentialing exam. Again, this is an optional step, but it can improve your job prospects.

In addition to being a graduate of an accredited program, you must have at least 1,000 documented clinical hours to be eligible for the exam.

Gain Experience Working with Patients

Many kinesiology programs provide internships or other opportunities for clinical experiences, allowing students to put into practice what they learn in the classroom. After graduation, you may want to seek out additional internships or entry-level jobs in the profession to hone your skills and gain additional experience.

Pursue Optional Certification

There are no certifications required to become a kinesiologist, but specific certifications may be necessary to work in certain fields. Additionally, obtaining optional certifications can increase patient confidence in your abilities and give you a wider range of job opportunities.

Certification options include:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Certified Personal Trainer
• American Council on Exercise certification
• American College of Sports Medicine certification
• National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

FAQs About Kinesiologists

Still have questions about becoming a kinesiologist? Read on for more answers.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Kinesiologist?

It typically takes at least four to five years to become a kinesiologist. If you pursue an advanced degree or study on a part-time basis, it may take several additional years.

What Is the Difference Between a Kinesiologist and a Physical Therapist?

Kinesiologists and physical therapists have similar duties, and kinesiologists may go into physical therapy if that is one of their career goals. The main difference between the two job titles is that kinesiologists use movement to enhance performance and prevent injuries, while physical therapists use it to rehabilitate patients and help them recover from illness and injury.

Can You Become a Kinesiologist Completely Online?

Many schools offer online or hybrid kinesiology degree programs. That said, even if your program is promoted as 'fully online' or '100% online,' it may involve hands-on components, such as internships or clinical requirements, that necessitate campus visits or making arrangements with local facilities.

What Types of Treatments Do Kinesiologists Offer?

Kinesiologists offer many different kinds of therapeutic and exercise-based treatments to help prevent and treat injuries and illnesses, as well as to promote overall health. These treatments may include:

• active-passive movements
• resistance training
• balance training
• synergistic movements
• postural adjustments