Kinesiology programs offer courses in muscle mechanics, anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise at bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral levels. Graduates can find jobs in athletic training, rehabilitation, physical education, biomechanics, and other fields. Athletic trainers specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle, joint, and bone injuries, while physical therapists work with people of all ages to restore movement and function lost due to injury, illness, or birth defects. Biomechanics students are usually involved in physiological research or the development of human interface equipment. Other career options include professional dancers, choreographers, sports officials, journalists, managers, and future physicians.
By studying kinesiology, students open doors to various fields of work. There are a variety of kinesiology programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral levels. The programs offer basic courses in muscle mechanics, anatomy, biomechanics and exercise. Graduates can find jobs in a variety of fields. A student may select a concentration in athletic training, rehabilitation, physical education, or biomechanics.
Most athletic training positions require training at the bachelor’s level. This is considered an allied health profession that may specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle, joint and bone injuries. Athletic trainers are often employed in sport, but may seek employment in other industries. A kinesiology program specializing in athletic training would include courses on assessment, emergency medical care, and nutrition. The program must prepare students for board certification. A sports trainer is not to be confused with a fitness trainer who works in a gym.
The work of the physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist is similar to athletic training, but is exposed to a wide range of injuries. Physical therapists work with people of all ages to restore movement and function lost as a result of injury, illness or birth defects. A kinesiology program specializing in physical therapy would offer extended courses in anatomy and could include classes in rehabilitation, neuroscience, or psychology. Most physical therapists study at the bachelor’s or master’s level. Upon completion of this program, US students must take the National Physical Therapy Examination to earn certification.
A kinesiology for physical education program is usually taught at the bachelor’s level, but master’s degrees are also available. Professionals with this degree often work as physical education instructors and coach sports for school-aged children. Additional courses in this specialization may include communications, educational methods, swimming, and other sports courses. Students can expect to spend a semester studying to prepare themselves for the academic environment.
Biomechanics is a kinesiology program that is usually taught at the master’s or doctoral level. Students with a background in biomechanics are usually involved in physiological research or the development of human interface equipment such as furniture, appliances, and gym equipment. These programs focus on laboratory research and the analysis of human movement. Most biomechanics students will be required to write a thesis or dissertation to complete this degree program.
There are many other career options for kinesiology program graduates. Professional dancers and choreographers can study this discipline to understand the capabilities and limitations of the human body. Sports officials, journalists and managers can study kinesiology. Bachelor’s-level courses in kinesiology can help future physicians prepare for medical school.
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