Occupational Therapy vs Kinesiology vs Fitness & Personal Training: Career ROI
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Do you want to pursue a career in healthcare and fitness? Occupational Therapy, Kinesiology, and Fitness and Personal Training are excellent options!
While the principles of these professions overlap, you’ll find that they serve distinct purposes aimed at helping individuals become physically healthy and capable of functioning and maintaining their lifestyle.
Comparing Occupational Therapy vs Kinesiology vs Fitness and Personal Training
| Kinesiology | Occupational Therapy | Fitness and Personal Training | |
| Average Salaries | Exercise Physiologists: $51,350 | OT: $93,180 | Fitness Trainers and Instructors: $45,380 |
| Job Outlook (2022-2032) | 10% | 12% | 14% |
| Key Features | Involves the study of motor control techniques to understand the mechanisms governing movement. | Assesses the environmental, psychological, and physical issues that limit an individual’s capacity to engage in routine work-related tasks. | Aimed at managing sports and fitness programs primarily in business settings. |
| Benefits | * Addresses focus issues and learning challenges. * Releases harmful emotional impacts of addictions, phobias, rage, guilt, and sadness * Aids in the processing of trauma and shock * Determines the origin of physical symptoms | * Obtain adaptive tools and techniques * Boost visual aptitude * Reduce pain and increase strength * Manage day-to-day functions with disability | * Create a visualized plan for better fitness and health outcomes * Craft and deliver training programs to achieve health and wellness goals. |
How Can You Get Started in Occupational Therapy?
An Associate in Occupational Therapy introduces students to the fundamentals of the discipline. It qualifies you for entry-level work under the supervision of a Licensed OT.
The next step is obtaining a Bachelor’s in OT to gain in-depth knowledge of the many components of the profession. OT courses include Occupational Science, Biology, Health Science, Sociology, and Psychology. The goal of this program is to produce health professionals who are interested in improving health and well-being and are client-centered.
OT undergraduate students engage in a one-year internship for career exposure. Internship programs enable students to collaborate closely with clients of all ages to improve development, prevent disability, and provide occupational performance.
To help people reach their potential and have autonomous, fruitful, and fulfilling lives, OTs also collaborate with many groups and communities to promote a fair and inclusive society for all.
Essential Skills of an Occupational Therapist
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Empathy
- Physical strength and energy
- Flexibility
Jobs for Occupational Therapy Degree Holders
With an Occupational Therapy major or degree, you can land these jobs:
| Occupational Therapy Degree Jobs | Annual Median Pay |
| Pharmacy Technician | $37,790 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $39,990 |
| Orthotist and Prosthetists | $77,070 |
| Podiatrists | $148,720 |
Opportunities for Advancement in Occupational Therapy
Consider a Master’s in OT to become better qualified for high positions in the field. Graduate-level OT programs enable students to choose concentrations such as Pediatrics, Mental Health, Gerontology, and Stroke Rehabilitation.
Would-be occupational therapists must obtain a license to practice. A master’s degree from an accredited school is a licensing requirement. Fieldwork is also required to sit for and ace the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam.
NBCOT aims to ensure that occupational therapy practitioners across the nation adhere to predetermined criteria. However, state-specific requirements differ in order to receive a license.
Doctorate in OT programs obtain evidence-based training. It is a research-focused program that takes into account the physical, psychological, social, and environmental requirements of patients. Doctors of OT often land research-intensive careers or teaching professions.
Why OT could be for you:
- You like helping people of all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
- You enjoy working with a supportive and inspiring multidisciplinary team to provide the best possible care for your patients.
- You can help and assist patients in doing daily life activities, such as showering, getting dressed, and preparing food.
OT isn’t for you if:
- You don’t want to study holistically. OT treats a condition holistically rather than looking at just one aspect.
- You can’t commit to a training-intensive career.
- You aren’t patient enough to wait for results that take time.
How Can You Get Started in Kinesiology?
Kinesiology experts assist patients to regain their mobility and enhance their lives via exercise by applying their understanding of human physiology and movement. It is ideal for an outgoing individual who enjoys fitness and is highly interested in fitness and the health sciences.
An Associate in Kinesiology jumpstarts your career in this field! A bachelor’s program should be your next step for finding career options and enjoying career stability.
The basic Kinesiology courses include Principles of Motor Skills, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Principles of Physical Activity, Physics, History of Exercise, and Geriatric Mobility. Undergraduates must also learn the subjects in a Nutrition and Dietetics degree program.
Most Kinesiology or Physical Therapy undergraduates must complete an internship program.
Specializations in Kinesiology include Athletic Training, Biomechanics, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, and Exercise Physiology.
Essential Skills of a Kinesiologist
- Interpersonal Skills
- Biomechanics
- Patience
- Physical Strength and Endurance
- Ergonomics
Jobs for Kinesiology Degree Holders
Kinesiology majors qualify for these careers:
| Kinesiology Degree Job | Annual Median Pay |
| Fitness Trainers and Instructors | $45,380 |
| Exercise Physiologists | $51,350 |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,840 |
| Dietitian and Nutritionists | $66,450 |
Opportunities for Advancement in Kinesiology
To advance your career in Kinesiology, you must earn a master’s degree. Graduate students study the human body in-depth from a scientific perspective. They investigate movement and muscle control, conduct research, and analyze and interpret data related to human performance.
If you have the patience and finances for it, earning a Doctorate in Kinesiology makes sense! In this doctorate program, you spend four to six years in school, focusing on research-based independent study and advanced coursework. You can become a full-time researcher or professor in academic medical institutes and research universities.
Kinesiology Licensure
There isn’t currently a generally accepted generic licensing for practitioners in kinesiology. Nonetheless, a number of Kinesiology-related professional paths do have certain licensing requirements.
One thing is certain: if you want to work as a sports trainer, you must have a license. Athletic trainers must get licensure in almost all states by either finishing a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-approved program or obtaining the certified athletic trainer certification from the Board of Certification.
Why Kinesiology could be for you:
- You wish to become an athletic trainer or teacher of physical education.
- You are passionate about the health of others and enjoy hands-on work.
- You are committed to analyzing, understanding, and strengthening the human body.
Kinesiology isn’t for you if:
- You’re not ready to work in community recreation or clinical settings.
- You don’t want to be part of the allied health professions, as these are distinct from nursing and medicine.
- You’re not interested in understanding human movement.
How Can You Get Started in Fitness and Personal Training?
Fitness and Personal Training involves an in-depth understanding of movement, physical activity programming, and nutrition. Professionals work with real customers, take part in research projects, and complete internships.
Turn your love for fitness and health into a full-time job! Earn a Bachelor’s in Fitness and Personal Training for expert knowledge of movement, physical activity, health, and nutrition. A fitness and personal trainer should be compassionate, empathic, and patient. They should possess excellent communication skills and marketing knowledge.
Jobs for Fitness and Personal Training Holders
What can you do as a Fitness and Personal Training major? Here are your top career options:
| Fitness and Personal Training Degree Jobs | Annual Median Pay |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,840 |
| Medical and Health Service Managers | $104,830 |
| Health Education Specialists | $59,990 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,890 |
Opportunities for Advancement in Fitness and Personal Training
One of the best ways to advance your career in Fitness And Personal Training is to obtain a master’s degree in a relevant field. Graduate-level programs investigate human capabilities and the limits of the human body.
Such programs qualify you for more advanced professional paths in the growing field of health, fitness, and wellness. You can assist someone in regaining their health and well-being after an illness or injury.
Why Fitness and Personal Training could be for you:
- You seek a career that helps people achieve physical fitness through training.
- You want to work in a gym or health club.
- You want to expand your skill set through professional development and education.
Fitness and Personal Training isn’t for you if:
- You don’t want a career that involves training others routinely.
- You’re not interested in the fitness industry.
- You’d rather not attend several training programs and earn many certifications required for practice.
Key Takeaways
While anchored on similar principles—and often thought of as similar disciplines—OT, PT or Kinesiology, and Fitness and Personal Training differ in many ways, including methodologies, focus, and outcomes.
Regardless, these three programs and career options lead to rewarding careers that impact the lives of people while growing your expertise!
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