Stress has a significant impact on our health. Work, social life, and other activities continuously demand our attention and participation. As a result, we neglect to rest our brains and bodies by taking time off.
Kinesiology identifies stress in our muscles and uses relaxation techniques to release tension and improve our mood, health, and overall wellbeing. Of course, there are many other Kinesiology applications.
If you want to learn more, keep on reading to decide if a degree in Kinesiology is what you’ve been looking for.
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What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology studies the mechanics of human movement and how they impact our health and wellbeing. During classes, students learn how to combine a holistic approach with Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Psychology principles to help increase or repair the physical mobility of patients.
Kinesiology degrees have been growing in popularity because they can be applied in numerous areas, such as Health (body & mind), Fitness, Sport, and Recreation.
Here are the 9 main objectives of Kinesiology:
- Relaxation
- Correcting the alignment and posture of the body
- Increasing joints mobility
- Increasing muscle strength
- Increasing muscular endurance
- Coordination, control, balance
- Exercise training
- Respiratory re-education
- Sensory re-education
What are the main Kinesiology specialisations?
Kinesiology graduates can specialise in:
- Exercise Science: Graduates become sports teachers, trainers, or coaches and teach people how to stay fit, do physical exercises, and practise sports.
- Kinesiology & Physical Therapy: Specialists help people maintain their physical and mental health through massage, reflexotherapy, therapeutic recovery, lymphatic drainage, and other techniques.
- Fitness & Nutrition: Professionals learn to stop allergies and combine supplements, vitamins, and sport to help patients maintain a healthy mind & body.
A day in the life of a kinesiologist
Kinesiologists work with people in diverse settings, like clinics, one-on-one, teams, or in a studio. Kinesiology professionals use exercises, stretches, and weights to help patients recover their health or stay fit and avoid injuring themselves.
Soft skills, like leadership and coaching, allow kinesiologists to form life-long relations with their clients. These connections and the ability to help people enjoy life again are some of the most rewarding aspects of a Kinesiology career.
Here’s what our colleague, Ioana, a kinesiotherapist, had to say about the career she chose: “As a kinesiotherapist, you would perform assessment measures and develop exercise therapy programmes to fit the needs of patients who have been referred to you by a physician or nurse practitioner.
You can combine art therapy classes (colours, music, dance), exercises, psychology, occupational therapy, recreation, and therapeutic activities.
All you need is imagination and the desire to help people, which will make things easier for you, will improve the life of others, and you’ll develop together with them.”
Which are the highest paid Kinesiology jobs?
These are popular Kinesiology careers and the average salaries in the US, according to PayScale:
Athletic Trainer – 44,000 USD/year
Athletic trainers work with a physician and help people of all ages (especially athletes) to prevent, identify, and treat injuries.
Chiropractor – 58,500 USD/year
Chiropractors diagnose and treat health issues caused by musculoskeletal and nervous system problems.
Massage Therapist – 43,000 USD/year
Massage therapists use touch and massaging techniques on the soft-tissue muscles of the body. Their work relieves pain, speeds up healing, reduces stress, and overall relaxes patients.
Physical Therapist – 70,500 USD/year
Physical therapists (PTs) help diagnose and treat people with health problems that prevent them from moving or performing daily activities.
Recreational Therapist – 44,000 USD/year
Recreational therapists help people recover from injuries or illness through recreational activities, like music, dance, swimming, games, etc.
Occupational Therapist – 80,000 USD/year
Occupational therapists use daily activities to treat injured or disabled people. Their work helps people recover and improve basic skills needed for work or daily living.
Kinesiology degrees admission requirements
These are the most common requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate Kinesiology degrees. While each academic institution has different demands, we’ve noticed that most universities and colleges don’t require previous studies in a Kinesiology-related field.
Bachelors in Kinesiology
- Minimum English language test score: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80
- Academic transcript of records or
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
Masters in Kinesiology
- Minimum English language test score: IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 85
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- GRE test scores
- Letters of reference (2 or 3)
- Personal statement
Best Kinesiology schools or colleges in the world
Here’s a list with some of the best Kinesiology schools in the world. These universities stand out through their excellent curriculum, experienced teachers, and the high number of students attending and graduating Kinesiology programmes.
- Michigan State University, in the US
- University of Portsmouth, in the UK
- University of British Columbia, in Canada
- Monash University, in Australia
Tuition fees for studying Kinesiology degrees
Average tuition fees for Kinesiology courses vary between 10,000-20,000 EUR/academic year. If you’re looking for more affordable options, Canada offers Kinesiology programmes for under 5,000 EUR/academic year.
Online Kinesiology degrees
The number of online Kinesiology courses is limited, and they are usually found at Master’s level. Moreover, the American universities offering these programmes demand high tuition fees (starting at around 13,000 EUR/academic year).
Taking Kinesiology programmes online is convenient for Bachelor’s graduates who already work as kinesiologists and want to advance their careers. The flexible schedule allows people to manage life easier and find a balance between work and education.
As long as students stay on track and meet deadlines, online Kinesiology degrees are a great study option.
Kinesiology internships
The best universities not only encourage, but also support students to take Kinesiology internships during their studies.
Graduates usually find opportunities in hospitals, health & wellness companies, or schools. They learn how to use their strengths and develop their knowledge with hands-on experience.
There are numerous Kinesiology internships on popular websites, like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Before applying, you should check out the programme’s description and make sure you understand what’s expected from you. When unsure, always ask questions, so you don’t end up regretting your decision later.
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Ready to start your Kinesiology study journey?
Kinesiology degrees are perfect if you love working with people and enjoy being physically active. They lead to fulfilling and financially rewarding careers, which is a rare combination nowadays.
If you’re willing to put in the work and dedicate yourself, you can become a kinesiologist expert and help people stay in shape or recover their health and confidence after an injury.
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