Kinesiologist

OFO No: 532906

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Youtube clip – What the ‘bleep’ is Kinesiology?

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Kinesiologist?

A Kinesiologist specialises in the ‘mechanics’ of the human body. By studying the musculoskeletal system they can determine which parts are working well and which are not. They will then design movement-programmes to help assist the patient recover or assist them.

Kinesiologists can specialise in several different fields such as:

Biomedical

• conducting research in laboratories, consulting on and supplying medical equipment, orthotics and prosthetics and pharmaceutical requirements

Ergonomics

• designing and analysing an employee’s work environment and job function in order to improve their overall productivity and well-being and to reduce overuse or unnecessary physical strain on injuries

Exercise Therapist

• working and consulting with other health professionals such as chiropractors, occupational therapists, ad physical therapists conducting fitness evaluations, planning exercise programs and supplying health education

Rehabilitation/ Disability Management

• working with an individual patient or small group of patients educating them on physiology, body mechanics and anatomy and designing specific exercise programs and monitoring their progress including planning their return to work

Personal Training

• working with an individual client overseeing their personal training, exercise and health program

Fitness and Health

• promoting and analysing dietary requirements, exercise programs, stress factors and lifestyle choices

Athletic/ Physical Education Therapy

• conducting fitness assessments, caring for sport injuries, evaluating and selecting sport equipment to be used and warm-up and training programs

What does a Kinesiologist do?

• conducts physical assessments
• determines the problem/s
• designs movement-programmes for each patient
• promotes exercise regimes
• monitors dietary intake
• consults with other healthcare professionals
• conducts research
• keeps notes and records

Are you . . . ?

• interested in health and movement?
• patient and caring?
• methodical?
• responsible?
• a people’s person?
• a person with good communication skills?

How do I become a Kinesiologist?

There are 4 levels of accreditation:

Students

• busy studying kinesiology and have less than 250 accredited workshop hours. You may not, at this stage, charge for your work

Active Kinesiologist  

• has got more than 250 accredited course hours but less than 500. They are not yet qualified but may charge for their work

Specialised Kinesiologist

• has completed the Specialised Kinesiologist Training Path and accumulated a minimum of 500 hours in training

Professional Specialised Kinesiologist

• is fully qualified with more than 1000 accredited course points

NOTE: Any registered Kinesiologist must complete at least 28 hours (four days) of courses every two years in order to remain current

• ASKA: Association of Specialised Kinesiologists of South Africa

The Association of Specialised Kinesiologists of South Africa (ASKSA) is the official body for accreditation of any Kinesiologist wishing to practise and study in Southern Africa. We are governed by a central Standards Generating Body.

http://www.kinesiologysa.co.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Chiropractor or Biokineticist

Is becoming a Kinesiologist the right career choice for me?