How to become a kinesiologist and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
Official title: Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
Also called: Kinesiologist, Certified kinesiologist, Registered kinesiologist, Athletic trainer - therapy, Biokineticist, Human kineticist, Remedial gymnast, Kinanthropologist, Athletic therapist, Exercise therapist, Remedial therapist, Exercise physiologist
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 9 universities in Canada
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required for kinesiologists in Ontario.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $62,400 a year The middle half earn $50,700 to $74,100.
- About 9,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 11,900 are projected by 2033. (+26.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Psychologists
- Chiropractors
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
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Questions people ask
How do I become a kinesiologist 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.
How much does a kinesiologist and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $62,400 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $50,700 to $74,100.
Is a kinesiologist and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 27% by 2033, from about 9,400 to about 11,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a kinesiologist and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment?
Usually. 81% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03