How to Be Kinesiologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Regular exercise and physical activity can have a profoundly positive effect on a person's physical, mental, and emotional health. One of the most beneficial and effective ways to achieve these benefits is by working with a kinesiologist. Kinesiologists are specialized health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions.

They can develop personalized exercise programs to target specific areas of the body and improve physical function, increase strength and flexibility, reduce pain, and reduce the risk of future injury. With their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, kinesiologists can also help people to improve their posture, balance, posture, and overall health. The combination of exercise and training prescribed by a kinesiologist can help people lead an active, healthy life.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. The first step to becoming a kinesiologist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or physical education. This degree will provide students with a foundation of knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, exercise science, nutrition, and biomechanics.
2. Obtain Professional Certification. Becoming certified as a kinesiologist requires completing an approved program and passing the American Kinesiology Association (AKA) certification exam. It is important to check with the AKA for specific details and requirements for certification.
3. Complete Continuing Education. Kinesiologists must stay up-to-date on the latest advances in the field, so completing continuing education courses is highly recommended. The AKA provides a list of approved courses that can be taken online or in person.
4. Consider Specialization. Kinesiologists may choose to specialize in a particular area such as sports medicine, biomechanics, ergonomics, rehabilitation, or exercise physiology. Specializing in one of these areas can help kinesiologists further their career and increase their earning potential.
5. Consider Advanced Degrees. Earning an advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate in kinesiology can open up more career opportunities. Advanced degrees also allow kinesiologists to pursue research and teaching positions.

Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest are essential components of an efficient lifestyle. When people remain physically active, it improves blood flow, which can help to keep the body energized and alert. when people consume a balanced diet, with the correct amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential vitamins, their bodies remain fueled and energized.

Finally, when people get the recommended amount of rest each night, it helps to keep their mind and body functioning at its peak. When all three of these elements are combined, it results in a healthier and more efficient lifestyle.

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Job Description

1. Exercise Physiologist: Develops and implements exercise programs for individuals and groups to help improve overall health, reduce stress, improve cardiovascular and muscle function, and increase physical fitness.
2. Sports Medicine Physician: Diagnoses and treats sports-related injuries and medical conditions, provides medical care for athletes, and helps athletes prevent injury and improve performance.
3. Physical Therapist: Evaluates, diagnoses, and treats movement disorders resulting from injury or illness, helping patients improve mobility and strength.
4. Rehabilitation Specialist: Helps individuals regain strength, endurance, balance, and coordination following an illness or injury to enable them to return to their normal everyday activities.
5. Athletic Trainer: Creates and implements rehabilitation programs for injured athletes, teaches injury prevention techniques, and provides emergency care in case of injury.
6. Biomechanics Specialist: Studies the body's physical movements in order to improve performance in sports, occupational tasks, and daily activities.
7. Occupational Therapist: Provides therapy to those with physical or cognitive disabilities to help them develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for everyday life.
8. Massage Therapist: Uses massage techniques to help promote relaxation, reduce stress, manage pain, and improve overall body functioning.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
2. Knowledge of biomechanics and movement science
3. Ability to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions
4. Understanding of nutrition and exercise principles
5. Ability to design, implement and evaluate exercise programs
6. Knowledge of exercise equipment and safety protocols
7. Understanding of the principles of injury prevention and rehabilitation
8. Knowledge of kinesiology and its applications in healthcare, sports, and fitness
9. Ability to counsel and motivate individuals to improve their health outcomes
10. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards
11. Ability to collaborate with other professionals and work as part of a team
12. Research and analytical skills
13. Written and verbal communication skills
14. Computer literacy, including proficiency in relevant software programs

Being a successful kinesiologist requires a unique set of skills. The most important skill is the ability to assess and analyze movement. This requires an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.

With this knowledge, a kinesiologist can accurately identify the cause of a movement disorder or injury and create an effective treatment plan. communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in kinesiology as these allow kinesiologists to effectively communicate with and motivate their clients. Lastly, an understanding of exercise science is beneficial in order to develop safe, effective, and appropriate exercise programs that meet their clients’ individual needs.

By combining these skills, a kinesiologist can provide effective services to improve their clients’ quality of life and physical health.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working with athletes and athletes with special needs?
• How would you develop an effective exercise program for a client?
• What techniques do you use to assess a person’s physical fitness level?
• How do you develop rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from injuries?
• What is your experience with injury prevention programs?
• How do you monitor patient progress during rehabilitation?
• What strategies do you use to motivate individuals to stay on track with their exercise programs?
• How do you ensure that clients are exercising safely and correctly?
• Describe a time when you had to adjust a client’s exercise program due to health or safety concerns.
• What strategies do you use to keep up with current research in kinesiology?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Anatomical Models. A physical model of the human body that can be used to demonstrate the anatomy of the body and its functions (eg. Skeletal muscle model).
2. Exercise Equipment. Equipment designed to help perform exercises, such as weights, treadmills, and stationary bicycles (eg. Resistance bands).
3. Exercise Videos. Recorded videos demonstrating exercises that can be used to supplement instruction and help clients perform exercises safely (eg. Pilates video).
4. Goniometers. A tool used to measure range of motion, joint angle, and muscle flexibility (eg. Finger goniometer).
5. Foam Rollers. A foam cylinder used to massage muscles and help loosen tight muscles (eg. High density foam roller).
6. Balance Boards. A board used to practice balance and stability (eg. Rocker board).
7. Resistance Bands. A rubber band used to increase the intensity of an exercise (eg. Mini resistance band).
8. Exercise Balls. A large inflatable ball used for a variety of exercises that can promote core strength and stability (eg. Stability ball).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Kinesiology Association (AKA)
2. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
3. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
4. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
5. National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
6. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
7. International Society of Biomechanics (ISB)
8. Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
9. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
10. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

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Common Important Terms

1. Anatomy. The study of the structure and organization of the body and its parts, and the relationships between them.
2. Physiology. The study of the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts.
3. Biomechanics. The study of the mechanical properties of living organisms, their components, and their interactions with their environment.
4. Exercise Physiology. The study of the effects of physical activity on the functioning of the body.
5. Motor Control. The study of how the motor system produces and controls movements.
6. Rehabilitation. The practice of restoring an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health.
7. Sports Science. The study of how exercise, nutrition, and other factors affect athletic performance.
8. Exercise Psychology. The study of how psychological factors affect the way people engage in physical activity.
9. Strength Training. The practice of systematically increasing muscle strength and endurance through resistance training.
10. Injury Prevention. The practice of reducing the risk of injuries by implementing preventative measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Kinesiologist?

A Kinesiologist is a health professional who specializes in the science of movement, body mechanics and human performance.

What qualifications are needed to become a Kinesiologist?

To become a Kinesiologist, individuals must typically complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field, such as exercise science, physical education, biomechanics or nutrition.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Kinesiologist?

The primary responsibilities of a Kinesiologist include assessing and addressing physical and health-related issues, designing exercise programs for clients, promoting healthy lifestyle choices and preventing injuries.

What type of settings do Kinesiologists work in?

Kinesiologists can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, fitness centers, rehabilitation centers, universities and private practice.

What is the average salary of a Kinesiologist?

According to PayScale, the average salary of a Kinesiologist is $48,192 per year.

What are jobs related with Kinesiologist?

• Radiologic Technologist
• Physicians Assistant
• Nutritionist
• Naturopathic Health Practitioner
• Osteopath
• Ultrasound Technician
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner
• Dietitian
• Yoga Instructor

Web Resources

• What Does a Kinesiologist Do? | GCU Blog - gcu.edu www.gcu.edu
• What is Kinesiology? | School of Kinesiology - University of Michigan www.kines.umich.edu
• Kinesiologist: Career Path, Salary, and Definition exsci.cuchicago.edu