In This Chapter: Diversity of University Kinesiology Programs

Transcription

1 In This Chapter: Diversity of University Kinesiology Programs Opportunities for Kinesiology Graduates Health and Fitness Therapy and Rehabilitation Teaching and Coaching Sport Management and Administration Medicine and Medical Science Various Other Fields Putting It All Together

2 CAREERS IN KINESIOLOGY 2 After completing this chapter you should be able to: describe the diversity of knowledge that characterizes the field of kinesiology; explain how societal changes have increased the demand for kinesiology graduates; discuss various careers in kinesiology-related fields. 17

3 2 Careers in Kinesiology The education direction starts in which determine his future a man life. will PLATO Many students take this course because they want to be physical education teachers. But what if you have an interest in the human body but do not want to explore the field of teaching? Is this course still right for you? Absolutely. Secondary school teaching represents but one of many opportunities available to university graduates in kinesiology. Completion of a kinesiology degree can provide you with the foundation for numerous further career options in medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic, business and sport administration, community health, fitness consulting, nutrition, and several other areas that are in some way related to the human body. In today s society, people are concerned more than ever about fitness and health, and kinesiology graduates are in a position to lead the way to healthy, active living. This chapter surveys the diverse learning and career opportunities available in kinesiology and health-related fields. Diversity of University Kinesiology Programs DID YOU KNOW Of the 36 Canadian universities that offer physical and health education programs, 25 (or 69 percent) no longer include physical education as part of the name. This reflects the shift that has occurred towards more diversified post-secondary kinesiology programs. To pursue a productive career in fields related to physical and health education, it is usually necessary to complete at least an undergraduate university degree or a specialized college diploma program. At one time, all such Canadian university programs went by the name physical education. This is because most of these university departments were primarily formed (from approximately 1940 to 1970) to train those planning on teaching physical education in elementary and secondary schools. Since then a huge evolution has occurred in the diversity of knowledge and its application in the field. This includes major developments in areas such as exercise physiology and biochemistry; epidemiology, sports medicine, and exercise rehabilitation; fitness, nutrition, and health; sport psychology; biomechanics and applied ergonomics; sport and recreation administration; and fitness for elderly, disabled, or very young populations as well as advanced training and coaching techniques for elite athletes. This vast expansion of the scope of the discipline has also resulted in the growth of new and exciting areas for employment for graduates. With this expansion have come diversification and partial fragmentation of Canadian university physical and health education programs. None of these university programs are geared entirely to train physical education teachers, although many programs still do this as part of their mandate. And to avoid a narrow association of physical education with training for the school system, many university programs have changed their names. Of the 36 Canadian universities listed in Table 2.1 that offer physical and health education programs, 25 (or 69 percent) no longer include physical education as part of the name. Some of the names that physical and health education has evolved into include kinesiology, human kinetics, kinanthropology, exercise science, and human biology (Table 2.1). In the 1960s most university physical education programs were also somehow associated (to a greater or lesser extent) with the university athletics departments. By the late 1990s this had also changed significantly. While some university physical education programs are still administratively linked to athletics, most others are administratively separate, as part of faculties of science, or have been combined in some way with other university health 18 Foundations of Kinesiology

4 Careers in Kinesiology 2 Table 2.1 University physical education programs across Canada. University Acadia University (NS) Brock University (ON) Concordia University (QC) Dalhousie University (NS) Lakehead University (ON) Laurentian University (ON) McGill University (QC) McMaster University (ON) Memorial University of Newfoundland (NL) Queen s University Simon Fraser University (BC) St. Francis Xavier University (NS) Trinity Western University (BC) Université de Moncton (NB) Université de Montréal (QC) Université de Québec à Trois-Rivières (QC) Université de Sherbrooke (QC) Université Laval (QC) University of Alberta (AB) University of British Columbia (BC) University of Calgary (AB) University of Lethbridge (AB) University of Manitoba (MB) University of New Brunswick (NB) University of Ottawa (ON) University of Quebec at Montreal (QC) University of Regina (SK) University of Saskatchewan (SK) University of Toronto (ON) University of Victoria (BC) University of Waterloo (ON) University of Western Ontario (ON) University of Windsor (ON) University of Winnipeg (MB) Wilfrid Laurier University (ON) York University Name of Program School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology Department of Physical Education Department of Exercise Science School of Health and Human Performance School of Kinesiology School of Human Kinetics Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education Department of Kinesiology School of Human Kinetics and Recreation School of Physical and Health Education School of Kinesiology Department of Human Kinetics Department of Human Kinetics École de kinésiologie et de récréologie Département de kinésiologie Département des sciences de l activité physique Faculté d éducation physique et sportive Département d éducation physique Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation School of Human Kinetics Faculty of Kinesiology Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies Faculty of Kinesiology School of Human Kinetics Department of Kinanthropology Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies College of Kinesiology Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education School of Physical Education Department of Kinesiology School of Kinesiology Faculty of Human Kinetics Physical Activity and Sport Studies Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education School of Kinesiology and Health Science sciences programs, such as physiotherapy and nursing. These developments reflect the continuing evolution of the discipline and its widening contribution to and impact on Canadian society. Studying Human Movement and Health 19

5 2 Careers in Kinesiology The name of a program alone will not always distinguish its specialization. Whether university programs are called physical and health education, kinesiology, or another related term, most deal primarily with various aspects of the study of human movement. Some programs specialize in the more scientific or quantitative aspects of this study, others more in health and fitness, and still others in recreation and leisure. Some offer sports, fitness, and coaching practicals; some include more laboratory experiences; and some have co-op sport administration placements. However, most Canadian university programs are diverse and comprehensive enough to allow for study in many of these areas along with the development of various student interests. The name of a program alone will not always distinguish its specialization since many physical education programs also deal heavily with the health science or biomechanics of physical activity, and many exercise science programs offer practical courses such as basketball or sport administration. Only by more closely investigating and comparing the full array of a university program s offerings can potential students decide which program is right for their interests. Opportunities for Kinesiology Graduates The field of kinesiology attracts many people with health and fitness backgrounds. In the past, physical and health education graduates were relegated to narrowly defined careers as physical education teachers and athletic coaches and trainers. Today, societal changes have opened the door to a wide variety of career opportunities in kinesiology and the health sciences. Concerns about obesity, establishment of Health Canada s new food guide, and the aging of the baby boom generation are all contributing to the need for the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of kinesiology graduates. The increased emphasis on physical activity as a means to better health as well as improved business productivity has meant a corresponding expansion of career possibilities in a variety of fields. The health services and leisure and hospitality industries have proven to be among the highest-demand positions in North America. In addition, professional sport has become a multibilliondollar industry. That growth, coupled with an explosion of amateur and club sports as well as brand new sports, has opened up the job market considerably. When it comes to prospects for kinesiology students, the opportunities seem endless. Careers fall into several fields, each with its own subcategories: Health and fitness Therapy and rehabilitation Teaching and coaching Sport management and administration Medicine and medical science Various other fields 20 Foundations of Kinesiology

6 Careers in Kinesiology 2 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Q. A. Personal Training Interview NAME: OCCUPATION: EDUCATION: Susan S. Lee Personal Trainer-Manager Executive Director, Canadian Personal Trainers Network Program Manager, University of Toronto Athletic Centre Harbord Collegiate (Secondary School) BPHE, University of Toronto (Bachelor of Physical and Health Education) MPE, University of British Columbia (Master in Physical Education) What do you do? I work in the field of personal training as the executive director of the Canadian Personal Trainers Network (CPTN), an organization which specializes in education, certification, leadership, and advocacy for fitness professionals. Since 1993, I have provided leadership for the development of a national certification program for personal trainers, and specialty workshops (such as The Art and Science of Personal Training, Golf Conditioning Specialist, Post-Rehabilitation Functional Training, Nutrition 101, and Pilates Mat and Ballwork Specialist). At the University of Toronto Athletic Centre, I implemented and supervise the personal training program which services the students, staff, faculty, and community members. What is unique about your roles? I am often viewed as a resource person for the fitness and personal training industries. I have had the opportunity to develop curriculum for new workshops and technical manuals for the industry. I co-authored a book entitled Business Strategies for Personal Training. I am often quoted by the media as a result of interviews for magazines and newspapers. I speak on fitness and personal training at national and international conferences, allowing me to share my insights with international audiences in China, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. How did studies in physical and health education benefit your career choice? My university degrees provided me with a solid foundation in the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of physical and health education. The combination of a strong academic background and broad work experiences provided me with the confidence to pursue my professional career. My education has allowed me to develop new products and services for the fitness industry, and to become a leader and mentor for novice personal trainers. What are the future prospects in the field? Personal training is becoming a popular career choice for individuals who enjoy physical activity and want to share this enthusiasm with others. The demand for personal training is on the rise as a result of the aging population, as well as concerns about the rise in obesity among children, youth, and adults. Physical activity through personal training will be one career to address the health needs of the general population. What career advice would you give to students interested in this field? Students interested in personal training will need a solid background in physical and health education through university or college, or personal training workshops. Most trainers now become certified with a reputable organization to identify themselves as quality trainers. The public is looking for well-educated personal trainers. To succeed in the industry, learn about cardiorespiratory, strength training, and flexibility training techniques. Excellent communication skills are also required. You can practice your communication skills through public speaking and develop your interpersonal skills by working on projects with peers or participating on a sports team. To be an entrepreneur in the industry, business courses will provide you with the skills to become successful in your own personal training business. What do you enjoy most about your profession? I enjoy meeting people and learning about their unique needs and interests, and then being able to provide them with an exercise program and the professional support to reach their goals. I often find myself training people for the sport of life. I am in the business of improving people s quality of life by helping them become stronger and more confident through physical activity. A sedentary client who can be transformed into an active one is one of my greatest rewards. Studying Human Movement and Health 21

7 2 Careers in Kinesiology Health and Fitness The health and fitness industry integrates exercise, personal responsibility, and prevention, and the explosion of career opportunities for kinesiology graduates has matched its evolution. For example, GoodLife Fitness was founded by David Patchell-Evans in 1979 after a nearly debilitating motorcycle accident changed the course of his life. Today, GoodLife Fitness has over 275 fitness clubs and over 750,000 members, making it Canada s largest fitness chain and the largest privately owned fitness company in the world. Each site requires a full staff, ranging from personal trainers to physiotherapists and nutritionists from entry-level positions to experienced professionals with highly specific training. But this is just one type of development in the health and fitness category. Typically this field involves four principal programs worksite, commercial, clinical, and community in varying stages of development or service delivery. For example, at the University of Toronto, worksite programs entail self-managed and self-directed activity encouraged by employee communications. There are on-site fitness facilities for students, faculty, and staff, but the delivery of fitness programs for employees is at the personal level at each person s worksite. Employee health and fitness programs are being used as a way to manage health care expenses and improve worker productivity. 22 Foundations of Kinesiology Worksite Programs Health care costs are skyrocketing, and companies are reaching out via employee health and fitness programs in an effort to manage the expense. The side benefits of improved health are improved worker productivity and reduced absenteeism. Worksite programs first appeared in the early 1980s, exploded in the 1990s, and extended to include health education classes, health risk appraisals, and lifestyle change initiatives. In the boom economy of the late 1990s, the quality of worksite programs was a hiring differentiator for some companies especially in fields where competition for key skills was most intense. Many companies with worksite fitness facilities contract out the staffing and management of the facilities, recognizing that they require specialized skills and knowledge. Many kinesiology students find themselves employed as these consultants in a wide variety of corporations and institutions. Commercial Programs Many different types of health and fitness activities can be classified as commercial programs. They all have one thing in common their objective is to generate a profit for their owners or shareholders. Some are large franchised or corporate-owned chains such as Premier Fitness and Gold s Gym. Others are independent, locally owned and managed operations, such as Popeye s Gym in Kitchener, Ontario; gender-specific facilities, such as Curves for women; or focus-specific facilities, such as Jenny Craig and L.A. Weight Loss centres. YMCAs sell health club memberships to offset the cost of other programs offered by the non-profit organization. Should YMCA health and fitness programs be included in the commercial sector? You decide. Membership sales are the major focus of these facilities, supported by retail sales of clothing and equipment, restaurant and entertainment facilities, special events such as tennis tournaments, fees for consulting and training, and fees for weight-loss programs and accompanying specialized

8 Careers in Kinesiology 2 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Q. A. Fitness Club Ownership Interview NAME: OCCUPATION: EDUCATION: David Patchell-Evans Founder and CEO, GoodLife Fitness Clubs BA, Honours (Physical Education), University of Western Ontario What do you do? I am the founder and CEO of the largest group of fitness clubs in the world owned by a single individual. By December 2007, GoodLife Fitness will have over 150 clubs stretching across Canada from Newfoundland to British Columbia and servicing in excess of 400,000 members. My job is to lead our strategic planning team with a clear vision that demonstrates caring for our members and staff with a simple goal of making all Canadians fit and healthy. What is unique about your job? Fitness club ownership has almost unlimited growth opportunity globally. The world s population for the most part is informed about the need to exercise and the health benefits of doing so, yet only an estimated 9 to 13 percent of people belong to a fitness facility. That means there is a huge population of unfit people who would benefit from a fitness membership. The other side, I would caution though, is that this is also a highly competitive and risky field. To survive and grow a thriving business, you must have a smart plan, know your ROI [return on investment] margins, and deftly adapt your business to any shifts in the market. Why did you choose a career in fitness club ownership? While attending university, I had a serious motorcycle accident at age 19 that put me in rehabilitation for six months at a sports injury clinic on campus. I had come to university to do a business degree, but this time spent working out alongside athletes created a new-found interest for me in exercise physiology and biomechanics. This experience not only crystallized my interests in a physical education degree but also focused my motivation as to what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to change lives by helping people lead their best lives through fitness. What are the future prospects in the field? Where is it heading? The profession is growing by leaps and bounds! Prospects for a career in fitness have never been brighter, and this trend will continue to outperform many other careers for decades to come. From 2000 to 2004, the fitness industry in Canada experienced a 27 percent growth. GoodLife Fitness offers a range of exciting, dynamic, and challenging careers. As a company, we believe in promotions from within and rewarding top performers with rapid advancement and management/leadership opportunities as we increase our number of clubs across Canada to 200 by A career as a manager at a club could include a defined career path as a fitness manager, personal training regional manager, general manager, cluster manager, or divisional manager. Our management trainee program provides employees with training in fitness, leadership, business, sales, and service in order to successfully run their own multi-million-dollar world-class businesses. What other career options are available? There will be jobs in related areas of teaching, group exercise instructors, sports attorneys, government (including research and writing), lifestyle coaching, sports trainers, consulting, corporate wellness, and sports medicine to name a few. Large companies will have an infrastructure of positions including marketing, public relations, operations, and human resources. Studying Human Movement and Health 23