Introduction
Kinesiology, also known as human kinetics, is the scientific study of human movement and physical activity. It involves the study of muscles, bones, joints, and the nervous system, and their interactions to better understand human function and performance. Students who pursue kinesiology degrees often struggle to identify career paths that align with their interests and skill sets. The purpose of this article is to explore the various career paths available to kinesiology graduates, highlight their unique skill sets, share success stories, and examine the future of kinesiology as an industry.
Exploring Career Paths
There are many career options for kinesiology graduates, ranging from physiotherapy and athletic training to fitness instruction and coaching. Below is a list of some of the most common career paths, along with qualifications required, responsibilities, and potential salaries:
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists help people recover from injury, illness, or disability through exercise, manual therapy, electrical or thermal modalities, and education. To become a physiotherapist, one must typically complete a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology followed by a two-year master’s program in physiotherapy. Physiotherapists can work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and earn an average salary of $70,000 per year.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Their clients are often athletes and sports teams, but they can also work in hospitals, clinics, and fitness centers. Athletic trainers typically have a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field and earn an average salary of $48,000 per year.
Health and Fitness Coach
Health and fitness coaches encourage clients to lead healthy lifestyles, making recommendations related to nutrition, exercise, and stress management. They typically work in gyms, fitness centers, or private practices. While there is no formal degree requirement for health and fitness coaching, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field. Health and fitness coaches earn an average salary of $44,000 per year.
Physical Education Teacher
Physical education teachers teach students about exercise, health, and nutrition. They work in public and private schools and may also coach sports teams. To become a physical education teacher, one will need to earn a teacher certification in addition to a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field. Physical education teachers earn an average salary of $47,000 per year.
Recreation Coordinator
Recreation coordinators plan and oversee recreational activities, such as sports leagues, fitness classes, and community events. They work in parks and recreation departments, schools, and community centers. A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, recreational therapy, or a related field is typically required for this role. Recreation coordinators earn an average salary of $45,000 per year.
Highlighting Unique Skill Sets
Kinesiology graduates possess a unique set of skills that can be valuable in many different industries. These skills include:
Anatomy and physiology knowledge
Kinesiology graduates have a deep understanding of the human body, including how muscles, bones, and organs work together. This knowledge can be applied in fields such as healthcare, sports, and fitness.
Data analysis
Kinesiology graduates are skilled at collecting and interpreting data related to human movement and performance. This skill is highly valuable in fields such as research, healthcare, and sports analytics.
Critical thinking
Kinesiology graduates are trained to think critically and solve problems related to human movement and performance. This skill can be applied in many different industries, including healthcare, sports, and education.
Kinesiology graduates often work with athletes, patients, and clients, making communication and interpersonal skills essential. These skills can be applied in any industry that involves working with people.
Real-life examples of successful individuals who have leveraged their kinesiology degree include:
Vinny Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde, a former NFL quarterback, holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in kinesiology from Maryland. Testaverde has used his knowledge of kinesiology to train athletes and consult with teams and organizations.
Dan John
Dan John, a strength coach and author, holds a master’s degree in kinesiology from BYU. He has used his expertise to create training programs for athletes and write books on strength training and fitness.
Sharing Success Stories
Interviews with kinesiology graduates who have found success in their careers offer valuable insight into how a kinesiology degree can be leveraged to reach professional goals. Below are some stories from successful kinesiology graduates:
Interview with Emily Hernandez, Athletic Trainer
Emily Hernandez is an athletic trainer who has worked in professional sports for over ten years, including with the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks.
What inspired you to pursue a career in athletic training?
“I played sports throughout high school and college, and I was always interested in sports medicine. I decided to pursue a kinesiology degree because I wanted to understand more about the human body and how movement affects it.”
How did your kinesiology degree prepare you for your career in athletic training?
“My kinesiology degree taught me everything I needed to know about anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. I also gained experience working with athletes through clinical rotations and internships.”
What advice do you have for kinesiology graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in athletic training?
“Get as much hands-on experience as you can through internships and clinical rotations. Network with other professionals in the field, and always be open to learning new things.”
Examining the Future of Kinesiology
Technological advancements are changing the kinesiology industry, creating new opportunities for graduates. Some possible future career paths and job opportunities include:
Tele-rehabilitation specialist
Tele-rehabilitation specialists work with patients remotely to provide physical therapy and rehabilitation services. This career path may become increasingly important as telehealth becomes more widespread.
Health and wellness app developer
As the use of health and wellness apps grows, there will be increased demand for developers who understand kinesiology and can create effective and safe apps for users.
Sports performance analyst
Sports performance analysts use data analysis to optimize athlete performance and prevent injury. This role may become increasingly important as sports teams and organizations rely more heavily on data in decision-making.
Providing Career Guidance
Choosing the right kinesiology degree program is critical to a successful career in the field. Tips for choosing the right program include:
- Researching program rankings and accreditation
- Considering the program’s focus (e.g., athletic training, physiotherapy, health and fitness coaching)
- Reviewing the curriculum and course offerings
- Talking to current students and alumni about their experiences
Strategies for finding and applying for kinesiology-related jobs include:
- Networking with professionals in the field
- Attending career fairs and job expos
- Researching companies and organizations that hire kinesiology graduates
- Applying for internships and clinical rotations to gain practical experience
Interview tips and tricks for kinesiology graduates include:
- Researching the company and job position beforehand
- Preparing answers to common interview questions
- Dressing professionally and arriving early
- Asking thoughtful questions about the company and the job
Conclusion
Kinesiology graduates possess a unique set of skills that can be applied in many different industries, from healthcare to sports to technology. The key to a successful career in kinesiology is choosing the right degree program, gaining practical experience through internships and clinical rotations, networking with professionals in the field, and constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and grow. With dedication, hard work, and a passion for human movement, kinesiology graduates can achieve great success in their chosen careers.
