CHAPTER 2 Careers In Kinesiology Kinesiology Books Publisher 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 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 Kinesiology Books Publisher 2 DIVERSITY OF KINESIOLOGY PROGRAMS Since 1970s, kinesiology programs have undergone diversification and expansion Enabling a large variety of career opportunities Kinesiology Books Publisher 3 1
1940-70s: Physical education programs primarily training teachers Diversification of knowledge and its application Today: Diverse physical education programs, names and career opportunities Kinesiology Books Publisher 4 OPPORTUNITIES OF KINESIOLOGY GRADUATES Used to have narrowly defined careers as physical education teachers, coaches, and trainers Today, a wide variety of career opportunities Kinesiology Books Publisher 5 Kinesiology Books Publisher 6 2
HEALTH AND FITNESS INDUSTRY Phenomenon of the late 20th century matched by the explosion of career opportunities for kinesiology graduates Kinesiology Books Publisher 7 4 principal programs Kinesiology Books Publisher 8 Worksite programs At worksites, to manage health care costs Consultants Health education classes, health risk appraisals, and lifestyle changes initiatives Commercial programs Membership sales are the major focus Franchised or independent Gender-specific Focus-specific Retention of existing members model Big business in across America Clinical programs In hospitals, general medical clinics, and specialized clinics More specific than commercial programs Example: cardiac rehabilitation Some leaning toward the commercial model Community programs Non-profit municipal or recreational facilities Director and management opportunities Requires multidiscipline training (e.g., physical education + management) 3
THERAPY AND REHABILITATION Develops or restores physical capabilities Can be directed at: Capabilities such as strength or endurance Specific muscle groups Neuromuscular coordination of body portions Kinesiology Books Publisher 10 Restoring lost skills or functions Injuries: returns to previous level of functioning Older people: physical and emotional improvements Acquiring skills & functions Developmental deficiencies; e.g., weight loss Improving some aspect of one s capacity; e.g., power skating camps Physical abnormalities: e.g., children with disabilities Kinesiology Books Publisher 11 Exercise Therapy Professionals Who are they? Occupational therapists Physiotherapists Cardiac rehabilitation specialists Can be found in hospitals, outpatient clinics, sport settings, private practice Require specialized training Varying requirements for different professions Frequently changing standards Kinesiology Books Publisher 12 4
TEACHING AND COACHING Many different possibilities: Various teaching versus coaching combinations From elite to adapted sports From non-profit organizations to corporations From preschool to intercollegiate From local to professional sports Various combinations of teaching and coaching requirements depending on position Different work days, audiences, and accreditation requirements Kinesiology Books Publisher 13 Coaches Selective audience More developed skills Individuals have a high degree of interest Teachers Base audiences No natural selection process involved A wide range of capabilities Kinesiology Books Publisher 14 SPORT MANAGEMENT At all levels of sports industry professional, local, amateur, for-profit, non-profit Possibility of transitioning into entertainment industry Kinesiology Books Publisher 15 5
Opportunities Requirements Athlete representation Event management Marketing Public relations and advertising; public address announcing; research on sport fans attitudes; creating, producing, and promoting sport memorabilia Supporting careers Insurance company representatives; talent scouts; writers; promoters Physical education Background in PA + strong communication skills + supporting courses in finance, human resource management, or marketing In a highly specialized segment, additionsl advanced degree is beneficial MBA, law degree, master s degree Kinesiology Books Publisher 16 MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SCIENCE Considered the hallmark of careers in kinesiology Foundational knowledge of kinesiology Kinesiology Books Publisher 17 Require a doctoral degree, residency and exit exams Kinesiology Books Publisher 18 6
VARIOUS OTHER FIELDS Requiring communication skills Pharmaceutical Medical equipment salespersons Requiring unique skills, whether related or unrelated to physical education Firefighting Police Nursing Construction Kinesiology Books Publisher 19 Kinesiology Books Publisher 20 PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Kinesiology programs were designed primarily to train teachers Diversification and expansion occurred Now a large variety of careers available Kinesiology Books Publisher 21 7