Kinesiotherapist

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Related roles: Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Rehabilitation Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, Sports Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Recreational Therapist, Dance/Movement Therapist, Personal Trainer, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

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Similar Titles

Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Rehabilitation Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, Sports Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Recreational Therapist, Dance/Movement Therapist, Personal Trainer, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

Job Description

Kinesiotherapists use exercise and movement science to help people recover from certain injuries or manage conditions that affect physical performance. They design personalized rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.

They’re considered a type of exercise physiologist, focusing on rehabilitation, reconditioning, and physical education to help people get back lost strength and boost their endurance. Their patients may include athletes recovering from sports injuries and individuals managing chronic illnesses like arthritis.

Rewarding Aspects of Career
  • Helping patients regain their mobility and independence
  • Making a significant impact on the quality of life of their patients
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
  • Staying engaged with cutting-edge exercise science and rehabilitation techniques
2022 Employment
16,500
2032 Projected Employment
18,200
The Inside Scoop
Job Responsibilities

Working Schedule

  • Kinesiotherapists typically work full-time office hours. Some travel in order to meet patients.

Typical Duties

  • Review patients’ pertinent medical history, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds
  • Observe the physical signs of patient conditions and discuss their symptoms
  • Take baseline measurements via active, passive, and active-assisted range of motion assessments
  • Evaluate mobility limitations and joint function issues. Assess pain and discomfort causes and levels
  • Develop customized programs to increase mobility, strength, and endurance
  • Collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, other healthcare providers, and family members, as needed
  • Demonstrate exercises. Monitor and correct patients when it is their turn to do them
  • Establish goals and caution patients on injury prevention
  • Take routine measurements to gauge the effectiveness of exercises
  • Monitor and document patient progress. Make adjustments as needed

Additional Responsibilities

  • Provide motivational support and encouragement
  • Stay current with advancements in exercise science and rehabilitation practices
  • Ensure exercise equipment is properly maintained 
Skills Needed on the Job

Soft Skills

  • Analytical
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Coordination
  • Decision-making
  • Empathy
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Motivational skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management

Technical Skills

  • Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
  • Knowledge of therapeutic exercise techniques and modalities
  • Proficiency in assessing patient physical abilities and limitations
  • Ability to adapt exercise programs to accommodate various medical conditions
  • Ability to use diagnostic tools and equipment
  • Understanding of chronic disease management
  • Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
Different Types of Organizations
  • Fitness centers
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Private practice
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Sports medicine clinics
Expectations and Sacrifices

Kinesiotherapists often work closely with patients who are in pain or facing physical limitations, so their job requires empathy and patience. They must be in good shape in order to accurately demonstrate exercises and assist patients with movements. In addition, there’s a need for continuous learning to maintain proficiency and currency when it comes to skills and industry knowledge. 

Current Trends

Kinesiotherapists are increasingly using technology to enhance patient care. This includes virtual rehabilitation programs, wearable fitness trackers, and telehealth consultations. There is also a growing emphasis on preventative care and wellness programs to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improve overall population health.

What kinds of things did people in this career enjoy doing when they were younger…

Kinesiotherapists likely enjoyed sports, physical activities, and helping others when they were younger. They may have had a natural curiosity about how the human body works and a passion for fitness and health!

Education and Training Needed
  • Kinesiotherapists typically need a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field
  • Per O*Net, 32% hold a master’s degree and 9% have a doctoral degree
  1. Programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Relevant college course topics include:
  1. Biomechanics
  2. Chronic disease management
  3. Exercise physiology
  4. Human anatomy and physiology
  5. Kinesiology
  6. Motor skills control
  7. Nutrition
  8. Psychology
  9. Rehabilitation neurology
  10. Statistics
  11. Therapeutic exercise science
  • Students should also complete Basic Life Support or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification
  • Kinesiotherapists participate in clinical internships to gain practical experience under supervision. After graduating, those who have successfully completed 1,000 hours of clinical practicum can register with the American Kinesiotherapy Association
  1. Note, registration may not be required, but it demonstrates competency to potential employers
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Things to look for in an University
  • Look for accredited institutions offering programs in kinesiology, kinesiology, or exercise science
  • Seek programs that feature plenty of hands-on training opportunities via clinical practicums. Some courses can be taken online, but many require practical in-person experience
  • Check out the faculty biographies to learn about their expertise in the field
  • Review the job placement rates for graduates
  • Compare tuition and fees costs, noting in-state vs. out-of-state costs
  • Review scholarship and financial aid options. If applying for federal aid Pell Grants, make sure the money can be used to pay the tuition at your particular school of interest
  • Veterans can seek military-friendly schools with on-site VA benefit experts
Things to do in High School and College
  • High school classes in biology, chemistry, and physics are useful
  • Playing sports and engaging in regular exercise are beneficial because they offer first-hand knowledge of kinesiology principles related to human movement and the impact of physical activities on the body
  • Gain practical experience through part-time jobs, volunteer work, or apprenticeships
  • Become a personal trainer and offer your services either freelance or at a local gym
  • Keep up with industry trends related to new technologies such as wearable health monitors
  • Watch YouTube videos about kinesiotherapy and physical therapy
  • Read articles and journals such as ACSM’s Health & Fitness
  • Participate in relevant student clubs in college to make friends, stay motivated, and network
  • Network with professionals in the field and seek mentorship opportunities
Typical Roadmap
Kinesiotherapist Roadmap
How to land your 1st job
  • To land a job as a Kinesiotherapist, you’ll need to finish your education and training, including any required clinical practice hours
  • Ask people in your professional network for tips about job openings. Request recommendation letters from previous supervisors or professors. Get their permission before giving out their contact information
  • Review job ads on sites like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor
  • Review resume templates. Highlight relevant skills in your resume, using keywords from job ads such as:
  1. Chronic disease management
  2. Exercise prescription
  3. Patient assessment
  4. Progress monitoring
  5. Rehabilitation techniques
  1. “When you first meet with a client, how do you go about assessing their needs?”
  2. “If a patient came in complaining of back pain, what evaluations would you perform?”
How to Climb the Ladder
  • Let your supervisor know you’re interested in advancing your career
  • Take advanced courses or complete specialized certifications such as Amputee Specialist or Drivers Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Consider earning a higher-level degree, such as a master’s or doctorate. Think about becoming a physical therapist – or a medical doctor if you really want to boost your earnings!
  • Use downtime to learn about new technologies and best practices
  • Establish solid professional working relationships with peers and other healthcare providers
  • Train and mentor new Kinesiotherapists and assistants
  • Provide outstanding customer service to patients to ensure positive outcomes
  • Stress safety at all times so that patients do not overextend themselves and exacerbate injuries
  • Be an active participant in professional organizations such as the American Kinesiotherapy Association
  • Consider relocating if necessary to move up. Some states have more job openings than others! 
Plan B

Kinesiotherapists are vital members of the healthcare community. Their work helps keep patients mobile so they can enjoy a better quality of life. If this isn’t exactly the career you’re looking for, but you want to explore similar options, check out our list below for some alternative ideas!

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Fitness Trainer
  • Health Coach
  • Medical and Health Services Manager
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Sports Medicine Physician

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