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

Apr 11, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Physical activity is essential for children to develop healthy motor skills and maintain physical fitness. A pediatric kinesiologist can play a vital role in helping children of all ages to maximize their physical activity and achieve their health goals. By providing individualized assessments, exercise programs, and strategies to promote healthy behaviors, a pediatric kinesiologist can help children stay active and healthy.

As a result, children can build strong bones and muscles, reduce their risk of chronic diseases, increase their balance, coordination, and agility, and improve their overall physical health. with the help of a pediatric kinesiologist, children can be encouraged to engage in physical activities that they enjoy, leading to increased self-confidence and improved mental health.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Pediatric Kinesiologist is to obtain a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, or a related field.
Obtain Certification. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, potential kinesiologists should consider obtaining certification from the American Kinesiology Association (AKA). This certification is generally considered the gold standard for kinesiologists and is necessary for most positions.
Gain Experience. Kinesiologists should gain experience in the field by working with children or adults who have physical impairments. This experience can come from internships, volunteer work, or paid positions.
Consider Advanced Degrees. Many Pediatric Kinesiologists opt to pursue advanced degrees such as a master's degree or doctorate in kinesiology. This can open up additional opportunities or paths for the kinesiologist and allow them to specialize in a certain area.
Obtain a License. Depending on the state, kinesiologists may be required to obtain a license in order to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it is important to research these requirements before pursuing a career in Pediatric Kinesiology.

The study of pediatric kinesiology helps to understand how physical activity affects the development of children and adolescents. Regular participation in physical activities can improve physical, cognitive and emotional development, help children build strong bones, muscles and joints, and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease. Furthermore, it can also increase social interactions, promote physical self-confidence, and foster the development of life-long healthy habits. By understanding the impact of physical activity on a childs development, pediatric kinesiologists are able to provide effective guidance and support to ensure kids stay active and healthy.

You may want to check Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Exercise Physiologist Researcher for alternative.

Job Description

Design and implement physical activity programs to promote physical development and fitness in pediatric populations.
Monitor and assess the growth and development of pediatric clients through physical assessments.
Develop therapeutic exercise plans that are tailored to the needs of pediatric patients.
Educate parents and caregivers about the benefits of physical activity for their children.
Work with medical staff to develop treatment plans for pediatric patients with physical disabilities.
Research and recommend appropriate adaptive equipment for special needs children.
Provide instruction to children on how to correctly use exercise equipment and machines.
Foster a safe and positive environment for pediatric clients during physical activity sessions.
Track progress of pediatric patients and document results in patient files.
Educate staff, parents, and caregivers on safety protocols and proper use of equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as they relate to pediatric kinesiology
Ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat pediatric kinesiology-related impairments
Knowledge of exercise physiology and the effects of exercise on pediatric health
Ability to design, implement, and modify exercise programs tailored to meet the needs of pediatric patients
Expertise in developing rehabilitation plans and developing goals for each patient
Knowledge of pediatric growth and development, as well as the various stages of physical maturation
Ability to monitor and assess a patient's progress over time
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in order to effectively communicate with the patient and their family
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, psychologists, and therapists, in order to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients
Knowledge of the most current research in the field of pediatric kinesiology
Ability to provide educational instruction and counseling to patients and their families about exercise, nutrition, injury prevention, and other health-related topics

Pediatric kinesiologists are highly skilled professionals who specialize in helping children and adolescents reach their physical potential. They use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor learning to assess, diagnose, and treat various physical conditions. A pediatric kinesiologist will take into consideration each childs age, physical abilities, medical history, and developmental needs when designing a specialized treatment plan.

By combining a variety of therapies, such as stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises, these professionals are able to help children achieve their physical goals and improve their quality of life. In order to achieve optimal results, a pediatric kinesiologist must be adept in communication, problem-solving, and understanding the unique needs of each individual. Furthermore, they must have the ability to motivate children to stay active and engaged with their therapy.

By carefully assessing each patients needs and working collaboratively with families and other healthcare professionals, pediatric kinesiologists are able to help children reach their physical potential and lead healthy, active lives.

Health Coach, Exercise Physiologist Technician, and Health and Wellness Program Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with pediatric patients?
What do you know about the anatomy and physiology of children?
What strategies do you use to motivate and engage children in physical activity?
How do you assess a childs physical capabilities and limitations?
What techniques do you use to design and implement safe and effective exercise programs for children?
Describe your experience with working with special needs children.
How do you ensure safety when working with younger children?
What challenges have you encountered when dealing with pediatric patients?
What strategies have you implemented to help children adopt healthy lifestyle habits?
How do you collaborate with parents and other professionals to coordinate care for pediatric patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Exercise Balls. Used to help improve balance and strength. (Eg: Standing on an exercise ball to improve core strength).
Resistance Bands. Used to help improve strength, coordination and flexibility. (Eg: Performing bicep curls with a resistance band).
Foam Rollers. Used to help improve flexibility and muscle tension. (Eg: Rolling out a tight calf muscle with a foam roller).
Balance Boards. Used to help improve balance and coordination. (Eg: Standing on a balance board while performing a shoulder press).
Medicine Balls. Used to help improve strength and coordination. (Eg: Throwing a medicine ball against the wall while squatting).
Weight Machines. Used to help improve strength and coordination. (Eg: Bench pressing with a weight machine).
Treadmills. Used to help improve cardiovascular fitness. (Eg: Walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Kinesiology Association (AKA)
Canadian Association of Kinesiologists (CK)
International Kinesiology College (IKC)
National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK)
International Sport and Exercise Science Association (ISESA)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

We also have Motor Control Researcher, Exercise Specialist Technician, and Exercise Science Program Director jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Exercise Physiology. A field of study which examines the physiological effects of physical activity.
Motor Development. The study of the development of movements in humans and animals.
Biomechanics. The study of the forces and motion of living organisms.
Motor Control. The study of how the nervous system regulates muscle activity.
Motor Learning. The study of how we acquire and refine motor skills.
Physical Activity. Any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.
Strength Training. Physical exercise designed to increase muscle strength and endurance.
Flexibility Training. Physical exercise designed to improve the range of motion of a joint or group of joints.
Cardiovascular Training. Physical exercise designed to improve the body's ability to use oxygen and increase heart rate.
Sport Psychology. The study of psychological factors that influence athletic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pediatric Kinesiologist?

A Pediatric Kinesiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of movement-related conditions in children.

What types of conditions can a Pediatric Kinesiologist treat?

A Pediatric Kinesiologist can treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular issues, including developmental delays, coordination issues, orthopedic injuries, and cerebral palsy.

What type of treatments does a Pediatric Kinesiologist provide?

Pediatric Kinesiologists provide treatments such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, gait training, posture and alignment correction, and balance and coordination exercises.

How long does a typical session with a Pediatric Kinesiologist last?

Sessions with a Pediatric Kinesiologist typically last around 45 minutes to an hour.

How often should a child visit a Pediatric Kinesiologist?

Depending on the condition being treated, it is recommended that a child visit a Pediatric Kinesiologist anywhere from 1-2 times per week to 1-2 times per month.