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Education

Education

A Kinesiotherapist is a graduate of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited university. The typical length of the kinesiotherapy program is 4 to 5 years. The total minimum requirements are 128 semester hours. Minimum requirements for years 1 and 2 are 59 semester hours and for years 3 and 4 are 67 semester hours. Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet institutional entrance requirements. Upon completion of the Didactic Curriculum Kinesiotherapy students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical internships supervised by a Registered Kinesiotherapist (RKT). The experiences may be done on campus, or at CoA-KT approved off-campus sites. It is strongly suggested that students obtain experiences working with a wide variety of patient populations, with different diagnoses. Internships are most commonly with, but not limited to, the following situations:

  • Neurologic Care
  • Orthopedic Care
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Care
  • Psychiatric Care
  • Geriatric Care
  • Wellness/Fitness Programs
  • Post-Rehabilitation Programs

Upon graduation, Kinesiotherapy majors are strongly encouraged to take the Registration Examination in Kinesiotherapy.

It is preferred that candidates for Kinesiotherapy positions be listed as a Registered Kinesiotherapist in good standing with the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT) and meet one of the following:

  • Graduated from a Kinesiotherapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
  • Graduated with a master’s degree or higher with a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, human performance, completed the requisite core course work as determined by the COPSKT, and received a certificate of completion from a Center’s of Excellence Program.

Employment Opportunities

Focus of Kinesiotherapy Within Rehabilitation

Kinesiotherapy is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with functional limitations or those requiring extended physical conditioning.

The Kinesiotherapist is a health care professional competent in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial, and task specific functional tests and measures. The Kinesiotherapist determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the client, a goal specific treatment plan.

The intervention process includes the development and implementation of a treatment plan, assessment of progress toward goals, modification as necessary to achieve goals and outcomes, and client education. The foundation of clinician-client rapport is based on education, instruction, demonstration and mentoring of therapeutic techniques and behaviors to restore, maintain and improve overall functional abilities.

** The AKTA does not guarantee employment for it’s membership.