National Occupation Code (NOC): 31204

Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment include specialized therapists who use techniques such as athletic or recreational therapy to aid in the treatment of mental and physical disabilities or injuries. They are employed by establishments such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, extended health care facilities, clinics, recreational centres, nursing homes, industry, educational institutions and sports organizations, or they may work in private practice.

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Job Duties for Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment

• 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 for Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment

• 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.

Alternate Job Titles

• Athletic Therapist
• Athletic Trainer - Therapy
• Biokineticist
• Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT)
• Certified Kinesiologist
• Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise Therapist
• Human Kineticist
• Kinanthropologist
• Kinesiologist
• Movement Analyst - Medical
• Recreational Therapist
• Registered Kinesiologist
• Remedial Gymnast
• Remedial Gymnastics Teacher (except Education)
• Remedial Gymnasts' Supervisor
• Remedial Therapist
• Therapeutic Recreationist
• Kinesiologist/physiotherapist Assistant
• Life Enrichment Aide - Recreation
• Recreation Therapist