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?

OFO No: 325901

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Youtube clip – The Career of a Chiropractor

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What is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor is an alternative health care professional.

They can diagnose and treat patients with neuro-muscular health problems. They carefully manipulate (move) the bones and muscles with their hands to help the patient.

Sometimes Chiropractors also perform acupuncture and ultra-sound.

They DO NOT prescribe medicines or perform surgery.

What does a Chiropractor do?

• examines patients
• records medical history of patient (including diseases/diets/exercise routines etc)
• examines and analyse x-rays
• manually manipulates or adjusts various parts of the body and spinal column

Are you . . . ?

• responsible?
• caring?
• able to work with people of all ages?
• sympathetic?
• good with your hands?
• interested in science  and biology?

How do I become a Chiropractor?

There are 2 school of Chiropractic in South Africa.

Both institutions offer a 6 year course consisting of 2 years of basic sciences followed by 4 years specialising in chiropractic. The final qualification will be an MTech or Masters of Technology in Chiropractic.

• Durban University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION of SA: (CASA)

http://www.chiropractic.co.za/home/?&re=1

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Biokinetist or Sports Massage Therapist

Is becoming a Chiropractor the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 223101

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice of using needles on specific parts of the body. Treatment has been known to relieve:

• muscle tension
• stress
• nausea
• pain
• allergies
• vomiting etc

This ancient method believe that each body has its own internal energy flow and by disturbing this energy flow, it disturbs the disease or problem the patient is having.

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Youtube clip – Oprah’s First Acupuncture Session

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What is an Acupuncturist?

An Acupuncturist practices acupuncture by placing sterilised needles into the patient’s body in specific areas. These needles are only inserted a couple of mm. Acupuncturists work on humans and animals.

What does an Acupuncturist do?

• meets with patient to discuss the patient’s problem
• makes the patient feel relaxed
• conducts physical examination
• uses sterilised needs
• inserts needles into affected areas of patient
• monitors patient
• disposes of used needles
• keeps records

Are you . . . ?

• interested alternative therapies?
• a good communicator?
• good with your hands?
• caring?
• responsible?
• relaxed?

How do I become an Acupuncturist?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Science in Traditional & Complementary Health Sciences

Bachelor of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

• University of the Western Cape

Designation: Only those registered with the AHPCSA may use the title Doctor in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Chiropractor or 

Is becoming an Acupuncturist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 532906

Other names for Iridologist:

OFO No: 223104

Other names for Naturopath:

• Natural Health Practitioner
• Natural Health Therapist
• Natural Therapist

What is a Naturopath?

A Naturopath uses natural therapies to treat health problems.

What does a Naturopath do?

• meets and greets patients
• asks relevant questions
• takes blood samples
• takes x-rays if necessary
• tries to diagnose patient’s problems
• recommends natural substances to treat problem
• liaises with other healthcare professionals
• keeps records

Are you … ?

• interested in natural medicine techniques?
• a person who loves nature?
• health conscious?
• a good listener?
• observant?
• a good communicator?

How do I become a Naturopath?

A Naturopath must be registered with the AHPCSA in order to practise and provide therapeutic services to the public.

Path 1

• Complete your matric with mathematics and physical science

Path 2

• Complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Traditional & Complementary Health Sciences

Path 3

• Bachelor of Complementary Medicine in Naturopathy
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Path 4

• Register with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA)
• Once you have done this, you may practice as a professional Naturopath.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Ayurvedic Practitioner or Iridologist

Is becoming a Naturopath the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 223102

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing process. It’s over 5000 years old and is the ‘sister science’ of Yoga. Ayurveda is a form of medicine that believes all humans are an integral part of nature.

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Youtube clip – What is Ayurveda?

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What is an Ayurvedic Practitioner?

An Ayurvedic Practitioner tries to harmonise the functioning of the body, mind and spirit of their patients.

They compounds made of herbs, oils, minerals and metals to mix into medicine to treat ailments and to reduce impurities in the body. These remedies and diets help the body detoxify, rejuvenate and fight disease.

What does an Ayurvedic Practitioner do?

• meets with the patient to discuss problems
• diagnoses problems
• mixes compounds of herbs, minerals and oils
• applies compounds
• provides counselling on lifestyle, spirituality and meditation
• uses techniques like yoga, aroma and sound therapies

Are you . . . ?

• interested in alternative medicine?
• interested in nature?
• caring?
• good with your hands?
• observant?
• patient and kind?
• understanding?

How do I become an Ayurvedic Practitioner?

There are no structured college courses to become an Ayurvedic Practitioner.

The SASIM does offer courses now and again.

• SASIM: South African Society of Integrative Medicines

http://www.integrativemedicine.co.za/ayurvedic-medicine.html

• ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA

http://www.ahpcsa.co.za/pb_pbacmu_ayurveda.htm

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Acupuncturist or Bee Keeper

Is becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner the right career choice for me?