Focos de atención
Títulos similares
Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Rehabilitation Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, Sports Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Recreational Therapist, Dance/Movement Therapist, Personal Trainer, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
Descripción del trabajo
Kinesiotherapists use exercise and movement science to help people recover from certain injuries or manage conditions that affect physical performance. They design personalized rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.
They’re considered a type of exercise physiologist, focusing on rehabilitation, reconditioning, and physical education to help people get back lost strength and boost their endurance. Their patients may include athletes recovering from sports injuries and individuals managing chronic illnesses like arthritis.
Aspectos gratificantes de la carrera
- Helping patients regain their mobility and independence
- Making a significant impact on the quality of life of their patients
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
- Staying engaged with cutting-edge exercise science and rehabilitation techniques
$51,853
La primicia
Responsabilidades del trabajo
Horario de trabajo
- Kinesiotherapists typically work full-time office hours. Some travel in order to meet patients.
Tareas típicas
- Review patients’ pertinent medical history, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds
- Observe the physical signs of patient conditions and discuss their symptoms
- Take baseline measurements via active, passive, and active-assisted range of motion assessments
- Evaluate mobility limitations and joint function issues. Assess pain and discomfort causes and levels
- Develop customized programs to increase mobility, strength, and endurance
- Collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, other healthcare providers, and family members, as needed
- Demonstrate exercises. Monitor and correct patients when it is their turn to do them
- Establish goals and caution patients on injury prevention
- Take routine measurements to gauge the effectiveness of exercises
- Monitor and document patient progress. Make adjustments as needed
Responsabilidades adicionales
- Provide motivational support and encouragement
- Stay current with advancements in exercise science and rehabilitation practices
- Ensure exercise equipment is properly maintained
Habilidades necesarias en el trabajo
Habilidades blandas
- Analítica
- Atención al detalle
- Comunicación
- Coordinación
- Toma de decisiones
- Empatía
- Habilidades interpersonales
- Habilidades de motivación
- Capacidad de organización
- Resolución de problemas
- Gestión del tiempo
Habilidades técnicas
- Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- Knowledge of therapeutic exercise techniques and modalities
- Proficiency in assessing patient physical abilities and limitations
- Ability to adapt exercise programs to accommodate various medical conditions
- Ability to use diagnostic tools and equipment
- Understanding of chronic disease management
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
Diferentes tipos de organizaciones
- Gimnasios
- Hospitales
- Long-term care facilities
- Práctica privada
- Centros de rehabilitación
- Clínicas de medicina deportiva
Expectativas y sacrificios
Kinesiotherapists often work closely with patients who are in pain or facing physical limitations, so their job requires empathy and patience. They must be in good shape in order to accurately demonstrate exercises and assist patients with movements. In addition, there’s a need for continuous learning to maintain proficiency and currency when it comes to skills and industry knowledge.
Tendencias actuales
Kinesiotherapists are increasingly using technology to enhance patient care. This includes virtual rehabilitation programs, wearable fitness trackers, and telehealth consultations. There is also a growing emphasis on preventative care and wellness programs to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improve overall population health.
¿Qué tipo de cosas disfrutaba la gente de esta carrera cuando era más joven...
Kinesiotherapists likely enjoyed sports, physical activities, and helping others when they were younger. They may have had a natural curiosity about how the human body works and a passion for fitness and health!
Educación y formación necesarias
- Kinesiotherapists typically need a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field
- Per O*Net, 32% hold a master’s degree and 9% have a doctoral degree
- Programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- Relevant college course topics include:
- Biomechanics
- Chronic disease management
- Exercise physiology
- Anatomía y fisiología humanas
- Kinesiología
- Motor skills control
- Nutrición
- Psicología
- Rehabilitation neurology
- Estadísticas
- Therapeutic exercise science
- Students should also complete Basic Life Support or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification
- Kinesiotherapists participate in clinical internships to gain practical experience under supervision. After graduating, those who have successfully completed 1,000 hours of clinical practicum can register with the American Kinesiotherapy Association
- Note, registration may not be required, but it demonstrates competency to potential employers
- Practitioners can seek specialized certifications from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine or the American Kinesiotherapy Association to broaden their knowledge. For example, they may specialize in areas such as:
- Amputee Specialist
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
- Drivers Rehabilitation Specialist
- Driver Rehabilitation Professional Microcredential
- Fall Prevention Specialist
- Functional Capacity Evaluation Specialist
- Geriatrics Specialist
- Health Coach Specialist
- Orthopedic Specialist
- Senior Home Safety Specialist
- Research Specialist
- Tai Chi Specialist
- Weight Management Specialist
- Whole Health Specialist
- There are a range of related apprenticeship opportunities to consider
Cosas que hay que buscar en una universidad
- Look for accredited institutions offering programs in kinesiology, kinesiology, or exercise science
- Seek programs that feature plenty of hands-on training opportunities via clinical practicums. Some courses can be taken online, but many require practical in-person experience
- Check out the faculty biographies to learn about their expertise in the field
- Review the job placement rates for graduates
- Comparar los costes de matrícula y tasas, teniendo en cuenta los costes para residentes en el estado y para residentes en otros estados.
- Review scholarship and financial aid options. If applying for federal aid Pell Grants, make sure the money can be used to pay the tuition at your particular school of interest
- Veterans can seek military-friendly schools with on-site VA benefit experts
Cosas que hacer en el instituto y la universidad
- High school classes in biology, chemistry, and physics are useful
- Playing sports and engaging in regular exercise are beneficial because they offer first-hand knowledge of kinesiology principles related to human movement and the impact of physical activities on the body
- Gain practical experience through part-time jobs, volunteer work, or apprenticeships
- Become a personal trainer and offer your services either freelance or at a local gym
- Keep up with industry trends related to new technologies such as wearable health monitors
- Watch YouTube videos about kinesiotherapy and physical therapy
- Read articles and journals such as ACSM’s Health & Fitness
- Participate in relevant student clubs in college to make friends, stay motivated, and network
- Network with professionals in the field and seek mentorship opportunities
Hoja de ruta típica
Cómo conseguir tu primer trabajo
- To land a job as a Kinesiotherapist, you’ll need to finish your education and training, including any required clinical practice hours
- Ask people in your professional network for tips about job openings. Request recommendation letters from previous supervisors or professors. Get their permission before giving out their contact information
- Review job ads on sites like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor
- Revise las plantillas de currículos. Destaca las habilidades relevantes en tu currículum, utilizando palabras clave de anuncios de empleo como:
- Chronic disease management
- Exercise prescription
- Patient assessment
- Progress monitoring
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Check out Kinesiotherapist resume templates
- Prepare for interviews by researching common Kinesiotherapist interview questions such as:
- “When you first meet with a client, how do you go about assessing their needs?”
- “If a patient came in complaining of back pain, what evaluations would you perform?”
- Realiza algunos simulacros de entrevistas con amigos o con el centro de orientación profesional de tu centro de estudios.
- Vestir de forma profesional para las entrevistas de trabajo
- Consider applying to an apprenticeship program
Cómo subir la escalera
- Let your supervisor know you’re interested in advancing your career
- Take advanced courses or complete specialized certifications such as Amputee Specialist or Drivers Rehabilitation Specialist
- Consider earning a higher-level degree, such as a master’s or doctorate. Think about becoming a physical therapist – or a medical doctor if you really want to boost your earnings!
- Use downtime to learn about new technologies and best practices
- Establish solid professional working relationships with peers and other healthcare providers
- Train and mentor new Kinesiotherapists and assistants
- Provide outstanding customer service to patients to ensure positive outcomes
- Stress safety at all times so that patients do not overextend themselves and exacerbate injuries
- Be an active participant in professional organizations such as the American Kinesiotherapy Association
- Consider relocating if necessary to move up. Some states have more job openings than others!
Herramientas/recursos recomendados
Páginas web
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Colegio Americano de Medicina del Deporte
- Consejo Americano del Ejercicio
- Asociación Americana de Kinesioterapia
- Asociación Americana de Fisioterapia
- American Physiological Society
- American Society of Exercise Physiologists
- Asociación de Atletismo y Fitness de América
- Clinical Exercise Physiology Association
- Comisión de Acreditación de Programas de Educación Sanitaria Aliada
- Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences
- Asociación de Salud y Fitness IDEA
- Academia Nacional de Medicina del Deporte
- National Athletic Trainers Association
- Asociación Nacional de Fuerza y Acondicionamiento
- Society of Health and Physical Educators
- The Physiological Society
- World Heart Federation
Libros
- Clinical Kinesiology and Anatomy, by Lynn S. Lippert PT MS
- Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function, by Joseph E. Muscolino
- Kinesiology Taping for Rehab and Injury Prevention: An Easy, At-Home Guide for Overcoming Common Strains, Pains and Conditions, by Aliana Kim
- The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual with Trigger Points, Referral Patterns and Stretching, by Joseph E. Muscolino D
Plan B
Kinesiotherapists are vital members of the healthcare community. Their work helps keep patients mobile so they can enjoy a better quality of life. If this isn’t exactly the career you’re looking for, but you want to explore similar options, check out our list below for some alternative ideas!
- Entrenador de atletismo
- Fisiólogo del ejercicio
- Preparador físico
- Entrenador sanitario
- Director de Servicios Médicos y Sanitarios
- Terapeuta ocupacional
- Fisioterapeuta
- Asistente de fisioterapia
- Especialista en rehabilitación
- Médico de medicina deportiva
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