Description

A kinesiologist is a physician who typically specializes in physical therapy or sports medicine as related to human movement, and they work primarily in hospitals, other health care facilities, and private practice during regular daytime hours; however, some who work in hospitals may be on-call during extended hours. Aspiring kinesiologists should earn a four-year premedical degree with a focus on human anatomy, kinesiology or physiology. Upon graduation, a master’s degree or national certification within the field should be pursued.

Kinesiologists typically work on teams with other medical professionals, and work with athletic trainers, as well. They may have one of a variety of specialties within their field, such as: exercise kinesiology (focusing on the impacts of physical exercise on the human body), psychomotor kinesiology (neurology and motor skills associated with the body), biomechanics kinesiology (body movements during injuries) or ergonomic kinesiology (training individuals regarding body movements).

Those in this position have a number of responsibilities, including working with the rehabilitation of physical injuries, understanding the overall capabilities of patients and training them in various body movements, ensuring proper training and understanding of injuries, designing exercise schedules, and many more. Above all, kinesiologists must have excellent bedside manner and a thorough understanding of their patients and their abilities. They must serve as natural motivators and possess expert interpersonal communication skills, as well.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Kinesiologist with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting physical assessments and screenings to evaluate clients' movement patterns, flexibility, and overall physical health.
  • Designing personalized exercise programs and rehabilitation plans to address clients' specific needs and goals.
  • Providing hands-on guidance and instruction to clients during exercise sessions to ensure proper form and technique.
  • Monitoring clients' progress, adjusting programs as necessary, and providing ongoing support and motivation to help clients achieve their desired outcomes.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Kinesiologist job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • A bachelor's degree in Kinesiology or a related field is essential to demonstrate a strong foundation in exercise science and human movement.
  • Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics is necessary to assess and analyze movement patterns, identify imbalances, and develop appropriate exercise programs.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to effectively interact with clients and provide clear instructions for exercises and movement corrections.
  • Certification from a recognized professional organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is preferred to showcase expertise and adherence to industry standards.

Essential Skills For Kinesiologist

1

Biology

2

Biological Reprocessing

3

Cellular Biology

4

Molecular Biology

Career Prospects

The role of a Kinesiologist is crucial in promoting physical health and rehabilitation. For individuals with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are four options to explore:

  • Exercise Physiologist: A role focused on designing and implementing exercise programs to improve physical fitness and manage chronic conditions.
  • Rehabilitation Assistant: A position that involves supporting patients in their recovery journey through therapeutic exercises and treatment plans.
  • Wellness Coordinator: A role centered around promoting overall well-being by organizing health and wellness programs, workshops, and events.
  • Sports Performance Analyst: A position focused on analyzing and optimizing athletic performance through data collection, interpretation, and providing feedback to athletes and coaches.

How to Learn

The job role of a Kinesiologist in Australia is expected to experience significant growth in the market, according to the latest data from Google. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistent increase in demand for Kinesiologists, with a positive trend projected to continue in the future. The number of employment opportunities for Kinesiologists is expected to rise, offering a promising job outlook for individuals pursuing a career in this field. With the growing recognition of the importance of physical therapy and rehabilitation, the role of Kinesiologist is expected to play a vital role in the healthcare industry.