How to Be Kinesiology Lab Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of a Kinesiology Lab Technician is to help scientists and researchers explore and understand the effects of movement on the human body. By performing a range of tasks such as setting up, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, they provide an invaluable service to their research team. As a result, they are able to accurately record and analyze data, which in turn can help them to develop treatments for various physical ailments, as well as improve athletic performance. In addition to providing this crucial support to the scientific community, Kinesiology Lab Technicians also play an important role in helping to educate future generations of medical professionals by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to care for their patients.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Kinesiology lab technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for entry-level positions.
2. Pursue an undergraduate degree program in kinesiology or related field. A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, physical therapy, or another related field is often the minimum educational requirement for kinesiology lab technicians.
3. Participate in an internship or practicum. Pursuing hands-on experience in the form of an internship or practicum is important for gaining the practical skills needed to work as a kinesiology lab technician.
4. Obtain certification. Most employers prefer to hire kinesiology lab technicians who have obtained certification, such as the Certified Kinesiology Technician (CKT) credential offered by the American Kinesiology Association (AKA).
5. Obtain a license or certification in CPR, first aid, and other safety procedures. Kinesiology lab technicians must be familiar with safety protocols and CPR and first aid procedures. In some cases, employers may require applicants to possess a valid license or certification in these areas.
6. Acquire experience. Aspiring kinesiology lab technicians should consider seeking out volunteer opportunities or part-time employment in a kinesiology lab setting to gain additional experience.

Kinesiology Lab Technicians can ensure reliability and efficiency by following a few key steps. First, they should create detailed procedures that outline the steps needed to complete tasks in the lab. This will help ensure that each task is completed in a consistent and organized manner.

Second, they should use the most up-to-date equipment and technology available. This will help to ensure that results are accurate and timely. Third, they should document their work and maintain accurate records.

This will help them to review and analyze data to identify any issues or trends that may need to be addressed. Finally, they should continually stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. This will help them to remain knowledgeable and current with the latest advances in kinesiology research and technology.

By following these steps, Kinesiology Lab Technicians can ensure reliable and efficient performance in the lab.

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Job Description

1. Provide instruction to students in exercise physiology, kinesiology, and related laboratory courses.
2. Assist faculty members in the preparation and implementation of laboratory activities and experiments.
3. Set up, maintain, and clean laboratory equipment.
4. Monitor student progress and provide feedback.
5. Prepare specimens and materials for lab experiments.
6. Troubleshoot problems with equipment and inform supervisor of any issues.
7. Ensure safety regulations are followed in the laboratory.
8. Follow university guidelines and policies.
9. Document laboratory results and compile data for analysis.
10. Assist in research projects related to the field of kinesiology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge and experience in kinesiology research methods, theories, and principles.
2. Expertise in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise science.
3. Ability to set up and use a variety of laboratory equipment including force plates, motion capture systems, isokinetic dynamometers, and electromyography systems.
4. Proficiency in using software programs for data collection and analysis.
5. Ability to interpret and analyze data related to kinesiology experiments.
6. Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with researchers and collaborators.
7. Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures associated with kinesiology experiments.
8. Ability to maintain accurate records during experiments.
9. Attention to detail when performing experiments and recording data.
10. Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve when issues arise during experiments.

Having a strong knowledge of kinesiology is essential for a lab technician in order to effectively carry out their duties. Kinesiology is the study of human movement and understanding how the body works and responds to different types of physical activity. Being able to interpret body movement and how it affects the body’s musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular systems is an invaluable skill for a kinesiology lab technician.

Having a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as biomechanics, will also help the technician better understand how the body works, allowing them to diagnose and treat any abnormalities or injuries that may arise. Being able to use the latest technologies and software programs to analyze data is another necessary skill for a kinesiology lab technician. As a result of having a comprehensive knowledge of the subject, they can accurately assess the data collected and provide accurate information to research teams, aid in developing new treatments and procedures, and help make advances in their field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working in a kinesiology lab?
• How familiar are you with the safety protocols associated with a kinesiology lab?
• What is your experience in data collection, analysis and reporting?
• Describe a time when you worked independently to solve a problem related to kinesiology research.
• What do you think makes a successful kinesiology lab technician?
• How would you handle a situation in which a customer was not satisfied with their testing results?
• How do you stay organized and on top of multiple tasks?
• Describe a time when you worked effectively with a team to complete a project.
• How would you handle difficult or challenging situations in the lab?
• What do you think are the most important skills for a kinesiology lab technician to possess?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Force Plate – Measures the force, power, and velocity of body movement. (Eg. Used for gait analysis to measure a person’s walking pattern and biomechanical efficiency)
2. Motion Capture System – Captures the movement of a subject in three dimensional space. (Eg. Used to track the movement of a person’s joints, muscles, and ligaments during physical activity)
3. EMG Machines – Measures and records the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles. (Eg. Used to measure muscle strength and fatigue during exercise)
4. Isokinetic Dynamometer – Measures the force generated by a muscle when it is subjected to a changing velocity. (Eg. Used to assess strength and power of a muscle during a specific range of motion)
5. Kinematic Analysis Systems – Analyzes the movement of body segments in three-dimensional space. (Eg. Used to measure the range of motion of joints or the speed of a subject’s movements)
6. Virtual Reality Systems – Recreates real-world scenarios in a virtual environment. (Eg. Used to simulate a real-life situation and measure the user’s performance)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Kinesiology Association
2. National Strength and Conditioning Association
3. National Athletic Trainers' Association
4. American College of Sports Medicine
5. North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
6. National Academy of Sports Medicine
7. International Society of Biomechanics
8. International Society of Sports Physical Therapy
9. American Physical Therapy Association
10. American Society of Exercise Physiologists

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Common Important Terms

1. Anatomy. The study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
2. Physiology. The study of the functioning of living organisms.
3. Biomechanics. The study of the mechanics of body movement.
4. Exercise Science. The study of how physical activity affects the human body.
5. Kinesiology. The study of human movement, including its anatomical, physiological, and psychological aspects.
6. Sports Medicine. A branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness, injuries, and treatments related to sports and physical activities.
7. Exercise Physiology. The study of the physiological responses to physical activity.
8. Motor Control. The study of the brain's ability to control movements of the body.
9. Ergonomics. The study of how to design and arrange physical environments so that people can interact with them efficiently and comfortably.
10. Exercise Testing. The use of tests to determine an individual's fitness level or risk for a particular health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Kinesiology Lab Technician?

The primary role of a Kinesiology Lab Technician is to assist researchers in conducting experiments and collecting data related to physical activity, physiology, and biomechanics.

What qualifications are required for a Kinesiology Lab Technician?

In order to become a Kinesiology Lab Technician, one must have a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology or a related field, along with experience in biomechanics, physiology, and exercise testing.

What types of tasks do Kinesiology Lab Technicians perform?

Kinesiology Lab Technicians typically perform tasks such as conducting experiments, collecting data, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting with research projects.

How much does a Kinesiology Lab Technician earn?

The average salary for a Kinesiology Lab Technician is $38,000 per year.

What are the benefits of working as a Kinesiology Lab Technician?

Working as a Kinesiology Lab Technician offers the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the fields of biomechanics, physiology, and exercise testing, as well as gain exposure to cutting-edge research. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in the industry.

What are jobs related with Kinesiology Lab Technician?

• Kinesiology Technician
• Kinesiology Instructor
• Kinesiology Occupational Therapist
• Kinesiology Program Coordinator
• Kinesiology Athletic Trainer
• Kinesiology Data Analyst
• Kinesiology Physical Therapist

Web Resources

• Laboratory Technician Opportunities | Department of Kinesiology … www.csusb.edu
• Department of Kinesiology | College of Education education.latech.edu
• The Department of Kinesiology | Department of Kinesiology www.kinesiology.msstate.edu