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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:
- Sporting Goods Stores
- Schools
- College Athletic Departments
- Sports Governing Bodies
- Marketing & Public Relations Firms
- U. S. Olympic Training Center
- Private Corporations & Corporate Fitness Facilities
- Sports League Conferences
- Professional Sports Organizations
- National Amateur Sport Governing Bodies
- Campus Recreation Departments
- Retailers and Marketing Firms
- Fitness Clubs, Spas, Sports Clinics
- Community Recreational Programs
- Sports Medicine Clinics
- Events Management Firms
- Hospitals
- 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.
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