If you have ever thought about becoming a kinesiologist, then this article is for you. You'll learn everything about becoming a kinesiologist, where the kinesiologists work, how much they get paid, what kind of additional in-service training they need, how you can become a kinesiologist, some of the dangers involved in the job, when you expect to retire and how you can make difference in the lives of people you serve.
Kinesiologists are movement science practitioners who focus on human mobility, function, and performance. They primarily work with individuals to improve health, resolve pain and physical limitations, minimize dependency, and optimize physical performance. The work can be physically demanding. Kinesiologists may do exercises with patients. They may need to move or lift patients who cannot exercise alone.
Kinesiologists give individuals feedback on how their bodies move when performing activities like walking, bending, running, lifting, or sitting. They sometimes work as fitness trainers and assist people in maintaining an active lifestyle by staying healthy and preventing injuries. Kinesiologists will train their patients to use exercises, stretches or therapy to manage pain, prevent injury, increase mobility and facilitate wellness. They will continue to track progress and modify any treatment plans as needed.
From working with athletes to helping patients recover from injuries, a kinesiologist’s day is pretty dynamic. They often begin with assessing clients' physical conditions and crafting personalized exercise plans. There's a mix of one-on-one sessions, group classes, and a lot of hands-on work to ensure exercises are done correctly. There’s also time spent documenting progress, researching the latest in movement science, and often collaborating with other health professionals. Everyday is different.
The kinesiologists work in fitness facilities, rehabilitation clinics, work sites and clients' homes.
Aspiring kinesiologists must first earn their bachelor’s degree in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Attending a program with CAAHEP’s stamp of approval can set candidates on the path toward becoming a Registered Kinesiotherapist (RKT) which can, according to the American Kinesiotherapy Association (AKTA), enhance employment opportunities, assure the confidence of potential patients and increase your prestige among other allied health professionals. Beyond seeking a program accredited by the CAAHEP, kinesiology majors should look for programs that fulfill the AKTA’s other prerequisites for becoming an RKT. Specifically, programs must include courses in: • General psychology • Human anatomy • Human physiology • Neurological and pathologic foundations of rehabilitation • Exercise physiology • Therapeutic exercise • Applied Kinesiology • Statistics • Motor learning • First aid • Introduction to kinesiotherapy In addition to simply taking these courses, you must earn at least a “C” in each class, and maintain a 2.5 (out of 4.0) grade point average (GPA). Bachelor’s degrees typically take four years to complete and require students to have already earned their high school diploma or GED.Once you’ve met the kinesiology degree requirements by earning your bachelor’s degree in a CAAHEP-approved program, you must then complete at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience supervised by an existing RKT. Upon completion of these hours, the supervising RKT will need to submit a letter of sponsorship documenting your clinical hours before you can sit for the RKT exam. Depending on your program, you might be able to complete all or some of your hours through applied kinesiology internships or externships. Be sure to check with your school to see what options are available.Once you complete the various prerequisites to sit for the AKTA’s Registered Kinesiotherapist (RKT) exam, you need to apply to take the exam and pay the fees associated with it. Currently, there are two fees: one to submit your documentation showing that you qualify to take the exam and a second to actually sit for it. Be prepared to submit your academic transcripts and sponsorship letters documenting your clinical hours when you submit your application to take the exam. Once the AKTA has determined your eligibility, you’ll receive a written determination letter and details about your testing location and time. The RKT exam is administered twice yearly in January and July. If you wish to take the January test, you must submit your application and supporting documentation by November 1, and by May 1 if you want to take the July test. Test takers are allotted two hours to complete the exam. Begin practicing
In Quebec, the average salary for a kinesiologist is $97,324.
The kinesiologists also need trainings in business management, health care administration, communication and patient care.
The job market for kinesiologists is competitive due to the number of graduates vying for similar positions. New graduates may find it challenging to secure full-time work without additional qualifications or experience.Many graduates incur substantial debt ranging from $25,000 to $40,000 for their education, which can present financial challenges when entering the workforce at lower wages. The injuries are the main danger.
Chances are very slim that the profession of kinesiologist will be automated. That's because it's a very physical profession, and human contact is essential. Then there are the different types of treatment and massages that can sometimes be fatal if badly administered.
The kinesiologists retire at 65 years old.
Right now I'm in CEGEP. I still have four years of university and an internship to become a kinesiologist. I'm also missing some internships. Otherwise, I'd like to finish my university program with at least 3.5 GPA.
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