Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment

Example job titles

• athletic therapist
• certified athletic therapist (CAT)
• certified kinesiologist
• exercise physiologist
• human kineticist
• kinesiologist
• recreational therapist

Main duties

• This group performs some or all of the following duties:
• Assess patients and review reports from physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, counsellors, teachers and other professionals to determine patients' current and potential functioning level
• Prepare individualized and group treatment plans either independently or through a multidisciplinary team approach, based on health concerns and on recommendations from physicians or other health professionals
• Design specialized therapy programs to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement, musculoskeletal functioning and performance in sports, work and recreation
• Implement treatment plans by carrying out specialized therapy sessions employing approaches and techniques such as recreational, sports or other movement therapy
• Observe, record observations and analyze patients during treatment sessions, write progress reports on patient outcomes and consult with other health professionals to evaluate treatment plans
• May provide education to clients regarding health promotion and injury prevention, management and treatment
• May conduct research in respective field of specialization.

Employment requirements

• Kinesiologists require a four-year bachelor's degree in kinesiology, physical education or human kinetics.
• Certification for kinesiologists is available through the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required for kinesiologists in Ontario.
• Athletic therapists require a bachelor's degree in sport therapy or a degree in health sciences with a specialization in sports injury management.
• Recreational therapists usually require a bachelor's degree in recreation with a specialization in therapeutic recreation.
• Supervised practical training is usually required for occupations in this unit group.
• Certification or membership with the appropriate national professional association or provincial counterpart may be required.

Approved positions by year