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Kinesiology is defined as the scientific study of human movement.
It is a common university major in Canada, offered as a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science depending on the school. In a kinesiology program, courses can include subjects such as:
anatomy
biomechanics,
physiology and exercise physiology,
nutrition,
ergonomics,
injury care and prevention,
ethics in sports and physical activity,
coaching,
health research,
sport marketing and management
fitness assessment and program design for general and specific populations.
Many kinesiology graduates go on to do continuing education in areas such as personal training, athletic therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractics, massage therapy, sport psychology, ergonomics, or masters level research into biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sport performance. Please note that this list is not exhaustive!
However, many choose to work as a kinesiologist in a variety of roles. In Ontario, unlike the rest of Canada's provinces and territories, kinesiology is a regulated health profession. This means that we have a governing body that oversees our standards of practice and practice guidelines, and that we are able to perform certain health acts under a medical directive or under supervision of other health professionals.
Members of the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario must graduate from an approved institution with a relevant degree and then pass and entry-to-practice exam. Once the exam is passed, members can then use the designation Registered Kinesiologist, or R.Kin.
Curious about the College, or the process of becoming a registered kinesiologist, check out https://www.coko.ca/
Under the CKO, a kinesiologist's scope of practice includes:
Electrical therapy techniques
General nutritional counselling
Fitness & health evaluations and exercise prescription
Ergonomics
Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
Completion of insurance assessment forms (subject to form specific limitations)
You'll often find kinesiologists working in a variety of settings, including but not limited to:
Community care
Family health teams
Health and Fitness clubs
Sport marketing and management
Corporate Wellness
Ergonomic and workplace safety assessment
Ergonomic product development
WSIB Case management
Academia
Check out Making Kinnections podcast to listen to different R.Kins from all over Ontario talk about their careers https://www.facebook.com/MakingKinnectionsPodcast/
Questions about kinesiology? Want to know more about how a kinesiologist can help you? Leave a comment below or contact me here!