A four-year university degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, or an equivalent major is required to become a kinesiologist. Athletics, rehabilitation, and ergonomics are just a few of the specialization options available to kinesiologists. Kinesiologists work in a variety of settings and are responsible for a wide range of responsibilities.
The science of human movement is known as kinesiology. If the kinesiologist is passionate about fitness and sports, this could include optimizing movement for people like professional athletes. Other kinesiologists help people with disabilities or injuries rehabilitate their movement, often in collaboration with other health and medical professionals. Other potential focus areas for a kinesiologist include improving ergonomic conditions and workplace health, as well as developing programs to assist injured or disabled employees in returning to work.
If a person wants to work as a kinesiologist in athletics, he or she should have a strong interest in anatomy, physiology, health, and possibly fitness and recreation. Kinesiologists who succeed enjoy working with both people and machines and are self-motivated problem solvers who are willing to take on leadership roles. Kinesiology is a rapidly evolving and changing field, and anyone interested in becoming a kinesiologist should be open to change and enjoy staying up to date on new scientific research.
A person who wants to become a kinesiologist can choose from a variety of career paths. Kinesiologists work in a variety of settings, including medical settings, research, occupational and physical therapy, and athletic training. Some of these career options, such as specialized work in prostheses, biomechanics, or orthopedic surgery, will almost certainly require an advanced degree or other postgraduate training. Kinesiologists can work for a company, collaborate with other medical and health professionals, or work for themselves.
A kinesiologist’s career prospects are promising, especially if additional training beyond an undergraduate degree is obtained. Years of experience, training, specialization, and the setting in which the kinesiologist chooses to work will all influence salary. A strong benefit of this career is the wide range of possible jobs and areas of focus, which is especially appealing to people with an entrepreneurial mindset. For others, such as those who prefer a clear path to follow that guarantees advancement or promotion within a single company, this may be seen as a disadvantage rather than a benefit.