Career in Kinesiology

The changing trends and careers in Physical Education in terms of health and life longevity has given a new-born impetus to Kinesiology thus leading to a steady rise in enrolment as well as career prospects. Further, the notion of fitness and healthy lifestyle gaining momentum has transformed it into a full-fledged discipline offering more than just competent career development. In this blog, we will be exploring the realm of Kinesiology, the offered courses in this domain along with the career opportunities you can pursue.

What does a Kinesiologist do?

The job of a Kineseologist is to study the biomechanical processes of the body and how they can contribute to improving health. A Kineseologist can prescribe exercises to their patients. What’s the difference between Kinesiology and Physical Education? Firstly, it is crucial to point out the differences between Kinesiology and Physical Education that segregate these seemingly similar two fields from each other. While both incorporate physical activity in considerable portions, Kinesiology is a comprehensive study of human movement and focuses on the intricate mechanics behind those movements. Further, animal movements are also considered. On the other hand, Physical Education limits itself with bettering human movements through physical exercise. Moreover, Physical Education can be referred as a constituent of the vast spectrum of Kinesiology.

Skills Required

Careers in Kinesiology require individuals to be highly proficient in a wide range of subfields such as physiology, physiotherapy, athletics, amongst others. Furthermore, the employers prefer those with advanced personality skills, software proficiency in some cases as well as management skills. Those wishing to work in professional sports teams should consider that the responsibilities of this job profile are highly demanding and rigorous. You need to have a mix of core and complementary skills including:

• Research and Analytical Skills
• Data Interpretation
• Verbal and Written communication Skills
• Report Writing Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Personnel Management skills
• Time Management Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Professionalism
• Ability to Take Initiative
• Other Language Proficiency (desired)
• Presentation Skills
• Ability to Manage Conflicting Interests

Career in Kinesiology

Individuals vying to ply their trade in the ever-blooming field of healthcare and wellness can choose from a variety of courses on offer. Although the more popular bachelor of physical education is the most commonly preferred course, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Kinesiology is also steadily gaining popularity. Further, interested students can also venture abroad in countries like USA, Canada and UK where Kinesiology is gaining centre-stage thus leading to the emergence of an array of opportunities to choose from.

There are different degree options in Kinesiology. Pursuing these degrees can open doors to many career options that include trainer certification or kinesiology science.

Diploma in Kinesiology

A diploma in KInesiology is a one to two year course for those who are looking for an entry level career in Kinesiology. This course teaches students on anatomy and physiology, psychology and exercise physiology. 

Career options after Diploma in Kinesiology

• Fitness Consultant
• Personal Trainer
• Fitness Instructor
• Massage Therapist
• Physical Therapist

Top Universities offering Diploma in Kinesiology

• Langara College
• College of Rockies Cranbrook
• Red Deer College
• University of Calgary
• Acadia University

Bachelors in Kinesiology

A Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology takes 4 years to complete. It teaches about human anatomy, movement, and exercises. It teaches about women’s health, exercises through lifespan, and exercise physiology. 

Career options after Bachelors in Kinesiology 

• Athletic Trainer
• Physical Education Trainer
• Fitness Trainer
• Trainer in Clinics and Community Recreation Centres

Top Universities that offer Bachelors in Kinesiology

• Indiana University
• Rice University
• University of Louisiana
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of South Carolina

Masters in Kinesiology

A masters in kinesiology is a 2-3 year course. In this degree, you will learn about the clinical aspects of exercise science, physiology, kinesiology, advanced sports medicines, etc. You will  also learn the history of sports medicine, biomechanics and issues in athletic training.

Career options after Masters in Kinesiology

• Coach
• Athletic Administrator
• Exercise Physiologist
• Kinesiologist
• Physical Therapist

Top Universities for Masters in Kinesiology

• Indiana University
• Iowa State University
• Humboldt State University
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Central Missouri

PhD in Kinesiology

A PhD in Kinesiology is a doctorate that takes anywhere from 3 to 5 years to obtain. Students who wish to pursue education in Kinesiology can take this course. Students are taught motor control, sports psychology, and rehabilitation science. 

Career after PhD in Kinesiology

• Sports Kinesiologist
• Research Scientist
• University Professor
• Sports Psychologist

Top Universities for PhD in Kinesiology

• University of Illinois at Chicago
• Iowa State University
• University of Delaware
• Baylor University
• University of Texas at Austin

Career in Kinesiology: Popular Picks

Job prospects in the field of Kinesiology are expanding rapidly. While a background in a health-related discipline is preferred by employers, you can also alternatively fulfil this requirement with necessary work experience and skills. Further, after a few years of experience working in diverse profiles under Kinesiology, you can also venture into areas like sports coaching and policy analysis.

Here is a long list of career options that you can choose from:

Jobs after Kineseology

Health/Fitness Consultant	Strength & Conditioning Specialist	Sporting Events Manager/Promoter
Professional Dancer	Ticket Manager	Sports Agent
Sporting Goods Manager	Physical Education Teacher	Professional Athlete
Events or Facility Manager/Marketer	Health Club or Spa Manager	Camp Director
Community Center Manager	Cardiac Rehabilitation Therapist	Sporting Goods Retailer or Manufacturer’s Rep.
Professional Sport Manager	Personal Trainer	Dance Critic
Choreographer	Athletic Trainer	Dance Instructor
Facilities Planner	Field Supervisor for Parks & Recreation	Fitness/Wellness Manager
Exercise Science & Fitness Manager	Exercise Physiologist	Sales Marketing
Athletic Coach	Professional Dancer	Adventure Trainer
Health Club Manager	Research Assistant	Cardiovascular Fitness Instructor
Dance Therapists	Fitness Specialist	Surgeon’s Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technician	Physical Therapy Assistant	Surgical Technician
Paramedic	Rehabilitation Specialist	Promotional Manager-Sports
Consultant	Aquatics Director	Athletic Director
Medical Assistant

Career Options after Kineseology

Exercise Rehabilitation	Human Nutrition
Sports History	Physical Education
Public Relations	Physician’s Assistant
Sports Media	Outdoor Education
Sports Information	Manager Recreational Medical
Recreational Sport Management	Dietetics
Referee or Umpire	Physics
Athletic Administration	Stress-Management
Advertising	Sport Information
Recreational Facility, Spa or	Mental Health
Exercise Program Administration	Clinical Medicine
Human Kinetics	Cardiac Rehabilitation
Pharmacology	Athletic or Sports Administration
Nursing	Therapeutic Recreation
Recreation	Anatomical Science
General Medicine	Anatomy
Optometry	Community Health Nutrition
Allied Health	Sports Health
Ergonomics	Industrial Fitness Programs
Leisure Studies	YMCA
Nutrition Sciences	Biomedical Science
Anesthesiology Education	Wellness Centers
Physical Ed/Special Population	Athletic Training
Medical Records Administration	Applied Physiology
Cardio-respiratory Science	Hotel Programs
Cell Biology	Dental Science
Private Sports/Rec Clubs	Graduate School Research
Health Records	Health Promotion
Human Performance	Health Education
Exercise Test Technology	Health Science Administration
Cardio-pulmonary Technology	Home Economics/Nutrition
Community Recreation	Radiation Technician
Psychomotor Therapy	Exercise Science
Osteopathic Medicine	Microbiology
Nuclear Medicine	Leisure Management
Human Biology	Dental Hygiene
Park and Rec Resources	Veterinary Medicine
Health Fitness Management	Pre-dance Therapy
Coaching	Aerospace Medicine
Medical Technology	College Teaching
Preschool Program	Sport Management
Psychiatric Medicine	Podiatry
Health Club/Management	Clinical Biology
Bio-behavioral Medicine	Chiropractic
Public Health	Chiropody
Health Administration	Environmental Health
Industrial Hygiene and Safety	Sport Sociology
Occupational Therapy	Dental Surgery
Rec Administration	Corrective Therapy
Radiation Therapy	Corporate Fitness/Wellness
Preventive Medicine	Emergency Medical Technology
Sport Psychology	Dance Therapy
Buying and Selling Equipment	Gerontology
Human Factors	Food and Nutrition
Health Care Management	Resort Programs
Medical Sciences	Orthopedic Medicine
Biology	Athletic Clubs
Biomedical Engineering	Bio Dynamics
Physical Therapy	Adapted Physical Education
Dentistry	Nutrition Biochemistry
Sports Clubs	Strength & Conditioning
Vision Science	Ophthalmology

Career Options with Salaries 

Here are some of the top career options that you can pursue in Kinesiology and the average package in them. 

Career	Average Annual Salary	Degree Needed
Fitness Instructor	INR 29,31,100	Diploma
Athletic Trainer	INR 35,15,300	Bachelor
Coach and Scout	INR 25,28,400	Bachelor
Sports Manager	INR 53,51,300	Bachelor
Kinesiologist	INR 31,66,900	Masters
Nutritionist	INR 58,78,182	Masters

Employment Areas in Kinesiology

There are several departments that require kinesiologists. Here are some of the top choices for a career in Kinesiology:

1. Sporting Goods Stores
2. Schools
3. College Athletic Departments
4. Sports Governing Bodies
5. Marketing & Public Relations Firms
6. U. S. Olympic Training Center
7. Private Corporations & Corporate Fitness Facilities
8. Sports League Conferences
9. Professional Sports Organizations
10. National Amateur Sport Governing Bodies
11. Campus Recreation Departments
12. Retailers and Marketing Firms
13. Fitness Clubs, Spas, Sports Clinics
14. Community Recreational Programs
15. Sports Medicine Clinics
16. Events Management Firms
17. Hospitals
18. Sports Marketing/Events Management Firms

Also Read: Skill Development Courses

Pursuing a career in Kinesiology is still considered a niche option although it offers plentiful rewarding career opportunities and advancement avenues. With the growing need for professionals in the domain of Health and Fitness, Kinesiology is emerging as a lucrative field of study. At Leverage Edu, you can take advantage of the AI-based tool which algorithmically suggests you a suitable course and university uniquely based on your interests and future inclinations. This way we ensure that you make an informed choice in favour of a vibrant career.