Students who major in kinesiology have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields. Kinesiology programs are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Muscle mechanics, anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise are all covered in depth in these programs. Graduates can work in a wide range of fields. A student can choose from athletic training, rehabilitation, physical education, or biomechanics as a concentration.
A bachelor’s degree is required for most athletic training positions. This is an allied health profession that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the muscles, joints, and bones. Athletic trainers are frequently employed in sports, but they may also work in other fields. Assessment, emergency medical care, and nutrition would all be covered in a kinesiology program specializing in athletic training. Students should be prepared for board certification as a result of the program. A personal trainer who works in a gym is not the same as an athletic trainer.
Physical therapists or rehabilitation specialists have a similar job to athletic trainers, but they deal with a broader range of injuries. Physical therapists help people of all ages regain movement and function that has been lost due to injury, disease, or birth defects. A physical therapy-focused kinesiology program would include extensive anatomy coursework as well as rehabilitation, neuroscience, and psychology classes. Physical therapists typically pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. American students should take the National Physical Therapy Examination to become certified at the end of this program.
Physical education kinesiology programs are typically taught at the bachelor’s level, but master’s level coursework is also available. Physical education instructors and coaches for school-aged children are common jobs for people with this degree. Communications, educational methods, swimming, and other sports courses might be included in this specialization’s additional coursework. To prepare for the academic environment, students can expect to spend a semester student teaching.
Biomechanics is a master’s or doctoral-level kinesiology program. Biomechanics graduates are frequently involved in physiological research or the development of human-interface equipment like furniture, appliances, and exercise equipment. These programs concentrate on laboratory research and human motion analysis. To complete this degree program, most biomechanics students will be required to write a thesis or dissertation.
Graduates of kinesiology programs can pursue a variety of other careers. Professional dancers and choreographers may study this discipline to gain a better understanding of the human body’s capabilities and limitations. Kinesiology can be studied sports officials, journalists, and managers. Future doctors may benefit from kinesiology coursework at the bachelor’s level to help them prepare for medical school.