Kinesiologists

Students should obtain as much experience in the field as possible by participating in summer internships and part-time jobs at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility, hospital, sports medicine facility, school, fitness center, or other organization that employs kinesiologists.

To work as a kinesiologist, you must be mature and objective and able to work well with patients and other staff members. You should have excellent communication skills in order to explain the exercises so patients can understand your instructions and perform the exercises properly.

You will also need stamina to demonstrate the exercises and help patients with them. You should be patient since many exercise programs are repetitive and are carried out over long periods. A good sense of humor also helps to keep up patient morale. As a kinesiologist, you also must know how to plan and carry out a program, and stay current on new developments in the field. Certification usually requires completion of continuing education courses.