How to Be Kinesiology Occupational Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 15, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Kinesiology is an important component of occupational therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps individuals with physical, cognitive, and social disabilities live more independent, productive, and satisfying lives. By using kinesiology, occupational therapists can assess a person's physical abilities and limitations and develop effective treatment plans that focus on improving the patient's motor skills and overall quality of life. Kinesiology is used to evaluate the range of motion, strength, coordination, posture, and balance of the patient.

Furthermore, kinesiology is also used to identify underlying physical issues that may be contributing to the patient's disability or limiting their ability to perform activities of daily living. Through the use of therapeutic modalities, such as exercise and manual therapy techniques, kinesiology can help improve a patient's physical capacity, allowing them to participate in meaningful activities and lead a more independent lifestyle.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Kinesiology Occupational Therapist is to earn a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field. Most programs will include courses in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
Gain Experience. It is important for aspiring Kinesiology Occupational Therapists to gain some experience in the field before applying to graduate program. This can be done by volunteering at a rehabilitation center, working as an assistant in an occupational therapy clinic, or participating in an internship.
Apply to Graduate Program. After gaining experience in the field, applicants must apply to an accredited graduate program in occupational therapy. During the application process, applicants will need to provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Complete Clinical Internship. During their graduate program, students must complete a clinical internship to gain hands on experience in the field. This typically involves working with a variety of clients and completing supervised clinical experiences.
Earn Licensure. After completing the graduate program and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, applicants must apply for licensure in the state they want to practice in. Most states require applicants to pass a criminal background check and complete some continuing education courses.
Stay Current. As with any healthcare profession, it is important for Kinesiology Occupational Therapists to stay current with new developments in the field. This can be done by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and reading up on the latest research.

Staying ahead and qualified as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the field of Kinesiology requires constant effort and dedication. The first step is to become certified and licensed in your state, which means taking and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. OTs must stay updated on the latest research and treatments in the field of kinesiology, which can be done by attending industry conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Keeping up with continuing education requirements is also essential for maintaining a valid license. networking with other OT professionals and joining professional organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) can help to stay abreast of new developments in the field. Finally, staying knowledgeable on the legal aspects of occupational therapy practice can help to stay compliant with regulations and reduce risk.

All of these activities will ensure that OTs remain informed and qualified in the field of Kinesiology.

You may want to check Kinesiology Health Specialist, Kinesiology Manager, and Kinesiology Physical Therapist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized treatment plans for patients with physical, cognitive, and/or sensory impairments.
Assist patients to achieve maximum functional independence in their activities of daily living.
Utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including exercise, manual therapy, and therapeutic activities.
Educate and instruct patients and their families in proper use of adaptive equipment and techniques to promote independence.
Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as needed.
Collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
Participate in research studies to expand the field and advance knowledge of the profession.
Maintain detailed and accurate patient records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge of kinesiology and biomechanics.
Understanding of movement science, motor development, and motor control.
Ability to assess and diagnose physical impairments and movement dysfunction.
Ability to design and implement therapeutic interventions to improve physical function.
Ability to accurately evaluate patient progress and response to treatment.
Ability to develop and modify treatment plans for individual patients.
Ability to collaborate with other health care professionals to develop treatment plans.
Ability to educate patients, families, and caregivers about physical impairments and treatment strategies.
Knowledge of current research in the field of kinesiology and occupational therapy.
Ability to use technology to document patient progress and outcomes.

Kinesiology is an essential skill for occupational therapists to possess. It is the study of body movement and how it affects a person's ability to perform daily activities. By understanding how the body works, occupational therapists can properly assess and evaluate their patients, aiding in the development of a treatment plan to improve the patient's physical and mental well-being.

The knowledge of kinesiology also allows occupational therapists to recognize when a patient has difficulty performing an activity, so they can modify it to accommodate the patient's needs. Through the use of kinesiology, occupational therapists can help their patients regain independence and improve quality of life. having a solid understanding of kinesiology is crucial for occupational therapists to be successful in their profession.

Kinesiology Rehabilitation Specialist, Kinesiology Data Analyst, and Kinesiology Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How have your experiences in kinesiology prepared you for working as an occupational therapist?
Describe a time when you successfully identified the root cause of a patients physical discomfort and developed a plan of care to address it.
What experience do you have working with patients of different ages and/or physical abilities?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest rehabilitative therapies and treatments?
What strategies do you use to ensure patient safety during physical therapy sessions?
Describe a time when you had to modify or adjust a treatment plan due to a patients changing needs.
How do you handle challenging patient behaviors or situations?
What techniques do you use to motivate patients during their course of treatment?
What are your thoughts on using technology in physical therapy sessions?
How do you handle difficult conversations with family members or other care providers?

Common Tools in Industry

Thera-Band. Elastic resistance bands used for strengthening exercises, eg: shoulder abduction exercises.
Dyna-Disc. A wobble cushion used for balance and stability training, eg: standing on one foot.
Balance Board. A tool used to train balance and proprioception, eg: lateral shuffles.
BOSU Ball. An inflatable ball used for core and stability exercises, eg: planking.
Hand Weights. Used to increase muscular strength and endurance, eg: bicep curls.
Foam Roller. A cylindrical foam roller used to massage tight muscles, eg: hamstring stretching.
Therapeutic Putty. A malleable material used for strengthening hand muscles, eg: squeezing and releasing exercises.
Thera-Tubing. Elastic tubing used for resistance training, eg: arm extensions.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
International Association of Kinesiologists (IAK)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
National Association of Occupational Therapists (NAOT)
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
International Kinesiology Association (IKA)
International Federation of Kinesiologists in Higher Education (IFKHE)
American Society of Kinesiologists (ASK)
North American Kinesiology Association (NAKA)
Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA)

We also have Kinesiology Nutritionist, Kinesiology Program Coordinator, and Kinesiology Lab Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Motor Control. Refers to the way in which the body coordinates and controls muscles to produce movement.
Proprioception. The body's awareness of where it is in space and how it is moving.
Muscle Tone. The degree of tension or resistance in a muscle, which is typically measured as a combination of strength and coordination.
Exercise Physiology. The study of how physical activity affects the body's systems, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.
Range Of Motion (ROM). The range of movement available to a joint or muscle.
Ergonomics. The science of designing physical activities and environments to minimize fatigue and injury and maximize productivity.
Musculoskeletal Disorders. Conditions that affect the muscles, joints, tendons, and other structures that support movement.
Activity Analysis. The process of breaking down a task or activity into its component parts to identify any areas of difficulty or risk for injury.
Therapeutic Exercise. A form of exercise prescribed to improve physical functioning, strength, flexibility, and motor control.
Biomechanics. The study of how forces act on the body, including the effects of gravity, muscle force, and friction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kinesiology Occupational Therapy?

Kinesiology Occupational Therapy is an evidence-based practice designed to help clients increase their physical performance and function through therapeutic exercise and manual therapy techniques.

What type of conditions does Kinesiology Occupational Therapy treat?

Kinesiology Occupational Therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, joint stiffness, impairments in balance, coordination and mobility, arthritic conditions, and postural misalignment.

What is the role of a Kinesiology Occupational Therapist?

The role of a Kinesiology Occupational Therapist is to assess and treat movement and function issues to improve the quality of life for their clients. This may involve setting goals, developing treatment plans, providing therapeutic exercise, administering manual therapy techniques, and educating clients on self-management strategies.

How long does a typical session of Kinesiology Occupational Therapy last?

A typical session of Kinesiology Occupational Therapy usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. However, the length may vary depending on the client's particular needs.

What qualifications are required to become a Kinesiology Occupational Therapist?

To become a Kinesiology Occupational Therapist, individuals must have a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program along with clinical experience in the field. Additionally, some states may also require certification or licensure.