Kinesiologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a kinesiologist. Feel free to use our kinesiologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a kinesiologist.
Who is a Kinesiologist?
Kinesiology is the study of the various disciplines that deal with the human body’s movement. There are two distinct varieties: pure and applied. Pure kinesiology seeks to comprehend human movement to analyze and treat problems. Applied kinesiology is a unique method for resolving these issues.
Rather than being a single discipline, kinesiology is a broad field of study that encompasses a variety of subjects. Human physiology, biomechanics, and anatomy are the primary areas of study. This field of study may also include aspects of sports and exercise psychology, philosophy, ecology, and even sociology.
By utilizing exercise therapy and stretching techniques, kinesiologists are responsible for treating patients’ injuries and enhancing their overall quality of life. They collaborate closely with patients to ascertain mobility or pain issues and then develop effective treatment plans.
A kinesiologist is a health care professional who specializes in injuries involving human movements, such as joint rehabilitation and exercise therapy. They identify ways to improve an individual’s overall health and movement by analyzing factors that may put their bodies under stress, such as prolonged sitting or vigorous exercise. Then, kinesiologists can develop customized treatment plans that include therapeutic procedures and assist bodies in self-rehabilitation without the need for surgery or medication.
Kinesiologists also research movement management principles, injury prevention, exercise improvement, and overall wellness. Numerous subjects studied by kinesiologists are also relevant to sports sciences. They are also aware of how to avoid injury or exhaustion while participating in physical activities such as dancing, yoga, weight lifting, and cardio. After earning their degree, kinesiologists can pursue additional training to work in a variety of other fields of therapy.
Individuals who study kinesiology can apply their knowledge to a variety of fields related to physical health. Kinesiology students may apply their knowledge in physical therapy to assist those who have been injured or ill. Additionally, they understand nutrition and physical fitness concepts and can assist clients with diet plans and exercise strategies that will help them improve their overall wellness. Kinesiologists can also use their knowledge of the human body to teach wellness fitness classes that include dancing, cardio, and yoga.
Kinesiologist jobs can be difficult to find because they are not always labeled as such. A kinesiologist can work in a variety of different environments. Additionally, job descriptions can be as varied as an individual’s personality.
Jobs as a kinesiologist are available in both traditional health and rehabilitation facilities and health/fitness centers. However, kinesiologist jobs are also available in education, industry, and business. Kinesiologist jobs are frequently entrepreneurial, as their work benefits anyone who moves or wishes to improve their overall well-being.
As ergonomic experts, kinesiologists can work in offices or businesses. Ergonomics is the science of adapting jobs or equipment used on the job to increase productivity, overall safety, and pain symptoms caused by overuse. Kinesiologists can be consulted to solve problems or serve as program leaders, monitoring and implementing changes that benefit both the employer and the employee.
Research positions are also available in kinesiology. When industries or fitness centers design new equipment, kinesiologists can frequently assist in developing effective suggestions to maximize pain-free, problem-free designs that can help achieve desired outcomes. Additionally, they can be involved in developing research programs aimed at increasing overall productivity and wellness.
Kinesiologist positions are also available in occupational health centers to maximize employee mobility following injury. Additionally, they can collaborate with physical therapists and sports medicine professionals. They can assist athletes in developing their programs by collaborating with professionals such as sports scientists, dance instructors, and physical education instructors. They can also implement wellness programs for individuals, families, and small businesses.
Kinesiologist Job Description
Below are the kinesiologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a kinesiologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a kinesiologist include the following:
- Exercising science is the study of the effects of exercise on the body’s functions to improve health and performance at work, in sports, and in daily life.
- Monitoring the patient’s muscle movements to alleviate muscle aches and pains.
- Assisting patients who are physically disabled.
- Enhancing the motor learning abilities of patients with motor and neurological disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism.
- Suggesting and demonstrating proper body postures and muscle movements in the workplace to prevent disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Developing rehabilitation programs for patients with movement disorders to increase their range of motion.
- Assisting athletes in enhancing their fitness and performance levels.
- Creating and implementing fitness and mobility programs for seniors.
- Teaching patients how to manage pain, avoid injury and increase mobility through exercises, stretches, and therapy.
- Assisting individuals in overcoming physical injuries
- Utilizing a variety of healing techniques to alleviate muscle pain.
- Working to manage, rehabilitate, and prevent movement disorders
- Monitoring patients to ensure their program is having the desired effect.
- Demonstrating appropriate muscle movement to avoid injury
- Promoting ergonomic body postures and equipment selection in the workplace.
Additional critical tasks include the following:
- Communicating with patients
Kinesiologists communicate with patients before initiating treatment to ascertain their treatment needs. They may inquire about tender points or specific movements that cause discomfort.
- Educating patients
They educate patients on a variety of healing techniques, such as stretching, exercise, and muscle treatments, to alleviate a patient’s pain or injury.
- Reviewing patients progress
They may review a patient’s progress throughout their treatment plan to determine if any modifications are necessary to help the patient progress further.
- Provide preventive care
While it is common for kinesiologists to assist patients in treating an existing injury, they may also provide preventative care to help patients avoid common injuries. They may instruct patients in stretching techniques or strength training to help them strengthen their muscles and reduce their risk of muscle injuries caused by movement.
Qualifications
The following information summarizes the education and training requirements for kinesiologists:
Education
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology is required to work as a kinesiologist. You can learn the fundamentals of human movement as well as information about tissues, anatomy, and physiology during your education. Consider pursuing a master’s degree in anatomy, physiology, or biomedical engineering if you wish to pursue a career in kinesiology. Pursuing a degree in one of these fields may help you broaden your knowledge of kinesiology and improve your understanding of exercise therapy and movement rehabilitation.
Training
After earning a degree and licensure, you may continue your education while working in a health care facility. Numerous facilities offer formal training to educate kinesiologists about their employer’s expectations, as well as the position’s requirements and responsibilities. You may wish to pursue an internship during your undergraduate studies, during which you can observe experienced kinesiologists interact with patients and develop treatment plans.
Certifications
To teach kinesiology at the high school level, you must obtain a state teaching certification. This, in addition to a master’s or doctorate, is required at the college level. In other branches of kinesiology, programs may include specialized certifications for students interested in therapy or medical studies. While certification is not required for therapy practices, certain clinics may require certain certifications before hiring, including the following:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification
Kinesiologists can pursue the American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification to gain a broader understanding of exercise science. The certification covers exercise fundamentals, class administration, and how to avoid common injuries.
- American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) certification
The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) certification program educates students about the fundamentals of sports medicine, including therapeutic applications for common sports injuries.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certification
The NSCA certification program is designed for students interested in coaching or teaching physical therapy techniques to athletes. It teaches students how to lead a team, ensure athlete safety, and avoid specific athlete stumbling blocks.
Essential Skills
- Communication
Because kinesiologists work with a variety of different types of clients during therapy sessions, they are adept at communicating with them about various aspects of their bodies, including flexibility, muscle tension, and pressure. They are also capable of simplifying a variety of complex medical concepts.
- Teaching
Having basic teaching abilities can make lectures and courses easier for kinesiologists who become teachers. They educate students about kinesiology concepts, responding to questions as they arise.
- Public speaking
Kinesiologists who teach or conduct research are comfortable speaking in public and do so as a part of their job. While teaching kinesiologists speak in class daily, those involved in research may speak publicly to present new research findings or lecture on the subject at kinesiology meetings.
- Physical Stamina
Kinesiologists who demonstrate and practice therapy exercises require a certain amount of physical stamina to do so properly. Since therapy kinesiologists also provide support for their clients, they may require stamina to position and instruct students for extended periods.
How to Become a Kinesiologist
- Develop a strong foundation in science courses
To pursue a college degree in kinesiology, students should develop a strong foundation in science and mathematics during their senior year of high school. Generally, kinesiology programs require coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus. Applicants can increase their chances of admission by enrolling in Advanced Placement courses in these subjects.
Additionally, some schools offer conditional offers or pathway programs that allow students to complete prerequisite courses before beginning their degree.
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology teaches you how to assess, maintain, and rehabilitate movement. You’ll gain an understanding of kinesiology’s socio-cultural context, as well as theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply it. A bachelor’s degree, which is typically the minimum requirement in the field, can qualify graduates for careers as athletic trainers and exercise physiologists.
When selecting a bachelor’s program, the first consideration should be accreditation. Regional accreditation is granted to an entire college or university and certifies that the institution complies with certain educational standards. Additionally, certain types of financial aid may be available only at accredited institutions, and future employers may only recognize accredited degrees.
Accreditation of programs can also be critical. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), for example, recognizes outstanding health science programs.
Additionally, kinesiology students should consider the facilities available in a health science department and available internship opportunities. Specializations in exercise science, rehabilitation science, exercise physiology, and sports performance are available within a kinesiology program. Specializations can broaden and strengthen a person’s career prospects.
- Consider pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology
A master’s degree in kinesiology can pave the way for advanced positions in physical therapy and athletic training, as well as for rehabilitation specialist positions. You can choose to specialize in areas such as sports medicine, public health, or gerontology.
Typically, master’s programs include significant practicum requirements. These experiences, which frequently exceed 400 contact hours, provide students with invaluable field training.
- Get licensed
Depending on their career choice, kinesiologists may require additional credentials to practice. For instance, the majority of states require athletic trainers to pass the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers certification examination.
To practice in all states, physical therapists must have a doctorate in physical therapy and be licensed by the American Physical Therapy Association. Occupational therapists, likewise, must hold a master’s degree and be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
- Acquire Field Experience
Field experiences are a critical component of many health science programs. You can gain experience through internships and practica while pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in kinesiology. Additionally, you can volunteer or work in on-campus healthcare facilities.
Professionals in athletic training, exercise physiology, and kinesiotherapy typically learn specific protocols as well as how to operate specialized equipment and instrumentation in entry-level positions. Each of these careers requires new employees to be supervised by physicians and experienced professionals.
- Register as a kinesiotherapist in kinesiology.
Kinesiotherapists use rehabilitative and therapeutic exercises to help patients improve their physical and psychological well-being. CAAHEP, in collaboration with the American Kinesiotherapy Association and the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT), accredits a variety of kinesiotherapy programs that adhere to the industry’s highest standards.
Graduates of these programs who are registered with COPSKT, have a minimum 2.5-grade point average, and have completed at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience are eligible to sit for the registered kinesiotherapy (RKT) credentialing examination. The RKT credential can help you advance in your career and maximize your earning potential.
Registration may also result in clinical specialization, which may confer additional prestige and a competitive edge on the job market for RKTs.
Where to Work as a Kinesiologist
Kinesiologists can work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including offices, laboratories, recreation centers, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They work for organizations that design and implement fitness programs for members of the general public.
Kinesiologist Salary Scale
The average annual salary for a Kinesiologist in the United States is $44,386.
