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- A kinesiology degree offers diverse career opportunities in health, fitness, and human movement fields.
- Physical therapy requires additional education but provides a rewarding path in rehabilitation.
- Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals regain independence in daily activities.
- Athletic training involves preventing and treating sports-related injuries.
- Exercise physiologists use exercise to improve health and manage chronic conditions.
- Personal training and fitness coaching help clients achieve health and fitness goals.
- Recreation and sports management positions involve organizing and managing fitness programs.
- Strength and conditioning coaches design training programs to enhance athletic performance.
- Health and wellness coaches promote healthy habits and lifestyles for clients.
- Teaching and research offer academic career opportunities in kinesiology-related topics.
- Corporate wellness roles involve promoting health initiatives in workplace settings.
- Public health professionals address community health issues through prevention programs.
- Chiropractic care is accessible after further education and focuses on musculoskeletal health.
- Ergonomics specialists improve workplace safety and efficiency using kinesiology expertise.
A kinesiology degree opens the door to a wide variety of careers focused on health, fitness, and human movement. Whether you are passionate about improving athletic performance, helping others recover from injuries, or promoting healthy lifestyles, this degree provides a strong foundation.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Kinesiology Degree
The knowledge gained through a kinesiology program equips graduates to work in clinical, educational, and athletic settings. In this blog post, we will explore the question, “What jobs can you get with a kinesiology degree?” by breaking down the possibilities into distinct categories. Let’s dive into the options this degree offers.
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a popular career choice for kinesiology graduates. With a focus on rehabilitation and improving mobility, physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. While a kinesiology degree itself does not qualify you to become a physical therapist, it serves as a stepping stone. Many students pursue further education through a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Physical therapists often work in hospitals, private practices, sports facilities, or rehabilitation centers.
2. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is another excellent option for kinesiology degree holders. Occupational therapists assist individuals in regaining independence in daily activities. They work with patients who have disabilities, injuries, or developmental disorders. A kinesiology degree provides the necessary background in human anatomy, physiology, and movement, making it an ideal precursor to a master’s program in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists find opportunities in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and private clinics.
3. Athletic Training
For those interested in working with athletes, athletic training is an appealing career. Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries. A kinesiology degree provides a solid foundation in biomechanics and sports science, essential for this field. Many graduates pursue certification as an athletic trainer (ATC) through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Athletic trainers often work for schools, universities, professional sports teams, and healthcare facilities.
4. Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiologists use exercise programs to improve the health and fitness of their clients. They work with individuals recovering from chronic illnesses or managing conditions like heart disease or diabetes. A kinesiology degree equips graduates with knowledge of exercise science, which is critical in this field. While certification, such as the one offered by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), may enhance job prospects, many entry-level positions are available for kinesiology graduates. Exercise physiologists are often employed in hospitals, wellness centers, or research institutions.
5. Personal Training and Fitness Coaching
Personal trainers and fitness coaches guide individuals in achieving their health and fitness goals. This career is ideal for kinesiology graduates who enjoy working one-on-one with clients. The degree provides expertise in exercise techniques, body mechanics, and program design. Many personal trainers obtain additional certifications from organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Fitness coaches can work in gyms, studios, or as self-employed professionals.
6. Recreation and Sports Management
Kinesiology graduates interested in the business side of sports and fitness can explore roles in recreation and sports management. These roles include managing sports teams, organizing community recreation programs, or overseeing fitness facilities. The knowledge of physical activity and health gained through a kinesiology degree is valuable when managing programs or facilities designed to promote wellness. Graduates may find opportunities in local government, private sports organizations, or nonprofit organizations.
7. Strength and Conditioning Coaching
Strength and conditioning coaches focus on improving athletic performance. They design and implement training programs that enhance strength, speed, and endurance. A kinesiology degree provides the necessary background in exercise science and biomechanics to excel in this field. Many coaches pursue certifications like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These professionals work with athletes in schools, universities, or professional sports teams.
8. Health and Wellness Coaching
Health and wellness coaching is a growing field that focuses on helping clients develop healthy habits and lifestyles. Kinesiology graduates are well-suited for this role, as they have a deep understanding of physical activity, nutrition, and health behaviors. Health coaches work in corporate wellness programs, healthcare facilities, or as independent consultants. This career allows kinesiology graduates to impact clients’ lives positively by promoting holistic well-being.
9. Teaching and Research
Kinesiology graduates who enjoy academia can pursue careers in teaching or research. With additional education, they can teach physical education or health sciences at the K-12 or college level. Alternatively, they can conduct research in areas like biomechanics, exercise science, or human performance. A kinesiology degree lays the groundwork for graduate studies, which are often required for these roles. Teaching and research careers offer opportunities to contribute to the knowledge base of the field.
10. Corporate Wellness Programs
Many companies now invest in corporate wellness programs to improve employee health and productivity. Kinesiology graduates can take on roles as wellness coordinators or program managers in these settings. Responsibilities often include organizing fitness classes, providing health education, and developing wellness initiatives. This career path combines knowledge of physical activity and health promotion with program management skills.
11. Public Health and Community Health Promotion
A kinesiology degree can lead to careers in public health and community health promotion. Professionals in this field design and implement programs that encourage healthy behaviors in communities. Kinesiology graduates are well-equipped to address issues like obesity, physical inactivity, and chronic disease prevention. Roles in public health often involve working with local governments, non-profit organizations, or healthcare agencies.
12. Chiropractic Care
Some kinesiology graduates pursue careers in chiropractic care. Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions through manual adjustments and other techniques. While a kinesiology degree does not qualify someone to practice as a chiropractor, it provides a strong foundation for chiropractic school. Chiropractors typically work in private practices or healthcare clinics.
13. Ergonomics Specialist
Ergonomics specialists work to improve workplace environments by designing spaces and practices that reduce the risk of injury. A kinesiology degree, with its emphasis on human movement and biomechanics, is excellent preparation for this role. Ergonomics specialists often work with businesses to create safer and more efficient workplaces. This career path combines knowledge of human anatomy with problem-solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
What is a kinesiology degree good for?
A kinesiology degree is ideal for careers in health, fitness, and rehabilitation fields, such as physical therapy, athletic training, and exercise physiology. It also serves as a foundation for advanced studies in healthcare or academia.
Can you become a physical therapist with a kinesiology degree?
A kinesiology degree is a great starting point, but becoming a licensed physical therapist requires completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and obtaining certification.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a kinesiology degree?
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and corporate wellness program management are high-paying careers that often require advanced education or certifications.
Is kinesiology a good degree for sports-related careers?
Yes, kinesiology prepares graduates for sports-related careers such as athletic training, strength and conditioning coaching, and recreation management.
What certifications can enhance a kinesiology degree?
Certifications like Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), and licenses in physical or occupational therapy can boost career prospects.
Can you work in healthcare with a kinesiology degree?
Yes, kinesiology graduates can work in healthcare roles like exercise physiologist, health and wellness coach, or as a foundation for pursuing careers like occupational therapy or chiropractic care.
What is the job outlook for kinesiology graduates?
The job outlook is strong, especially in health and fitness sectors, driven by growing interest in wellness and preventive healthcare programs.
How can a kinesiology degree lead to teaching or research roles?
With additional qualifications, kinesiology graduates can teach physical education or health sciences, or pursue research in exercise science, biomechanics, or human performance.
What industries hire kinesiology graduates?
Industries include healthcare, fitness, sports management, education, public health, corporate wellness, and ergonomic consulting.
The Bottom Line
The question, “What jobs can you get with a kinesiology degree?” has many answers. From clinical roles like physical therapy and occupational therapy to fitness-focused careers like personal training and strength coaching, the possibilities are extensive. Graduates can also explore opportunities in teaching, research, public health, or corporate wellness. The key to success is identifying your interests and pursuing additional certifications or education where necessary.
A kinesiology degree offers flexibility and prepares graduates to work in diverse settings, helping people lead healthier lives. Whether your passion lies in helping athletes achieve peak performance or promoting wellness in communities, this degree provides a pathway to a fulfilling career. As you consider your options, remember that the skills and knowledge gained through a kinesiology degree can make a meaningful impact in many professional fields.