Careers Options

Kinesiology focuses on the application of the biological, physical, social and behavioral science in the study of physical activity and sport, and their effects on the health, fitness and quality of life of people of all ages and abilities. This degree integrates two complementary applied human sciences that focus on optimal health and disease prevention through the lifestyle factors of nutrition and physical activity. The degree is designed to prepare students for employment and graduate school in areas related to exercise science/kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, allied health, medicine, research, education, physical/sport performance, and health & wellness across the lifespan.

Degree: B.S. in Kinesiology
Kinesiology Faculty

 

Career planning resources

What Can I Do with a Major in Kinesiology? 

(Some occupations may require further education/licensure)

  • Adapted/Therapeutic Recreation Director
  • Athletic Director
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Biomechanist
  • Biomedical Rep
  • Cardiac Rehab Specialist
  • Chiropractor
  • Coach
  • Corporate Fitness Director
  • Dentist
  • Dietitian
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Fitness Director
  • Health & Fitness Writer
  • Health & Wellness Director
  • Health Club Manager/Owner
  • Health Coach
  • Health Educator
  • Nutritionist/Registered 
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Physical Education Teacher
  • Physical Therapist
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Research Scientist
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Sport Psychologist
  • Sports Information Director
  • Sports Medicine Physician
  • Strength & Conditioning Specialist
  • University Professor

(Data obtained from LinkedIn)

  • Cardiology Practice Manager, Bend Memorial Clinic
  • Wellness Consultant, PacificSource Health Plans
  • Operation Manager, PeaceHealth Medical Group
  • Account Manager, Philips Healthcare
  • Exercise Physiologist, Rebound Physical Therapy
  • Physical Therapy Assistant, Rebound Physical Therapy
  • Patient Access Services, St. Charles’ Health Systems
  • Physical Therapist, Therapeutic Associates
  • Life Enrichment, Touchmark Retirement Community
  • Physical Education Teacher, Various Districts

  • 212 Woman Wellness
  • American Heart Association
  • Anytime Fitness
  • Athletic Club of Bend
  • Bend Endurance Academy
  • Bend La Pine School District
  • Bend Park & Recreation
  • Black Flag Strength and Fitness
  • Boss Sports Performance
  • Breakaway Promotions
  • Central Oregon Research Collaborative (CORC)
  • Destination Rehab
  • Essia Health
  • Fluid Strength Gym
  • Focus Physical Therapy
  • FORCE Lab at OSU-Cascades
  • Forest Grove High School Athletic Training
  • Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center
  • High Desert Chiropractic
  • High Desert Special Olympics
  • Joseph Hospital Physical Therapy Department
  • Juniper Swim & Fitness
  • Lifestyle Chiropractic
  • Madras Physical Therapy
  • Mosaic Medical
  • Nutrition Consultants
  • Oregon Adaptive Sports
  • Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU)
  • Peak Performance
  • Proactive Physical Therapy Specialists
  • Rebound Physical Therapy
  • Redmond School District
  • St. Charles Health System
  • Summit Health
  • Therapeutic Associates
  • Touchmark
  • VR Analytical

 

Job Search

In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in kinesiology. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.

If you are interested in healthcare, good opportunities to gain experience are physical therapy aide, occupational therapy aide, athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, athletic coach, home health aide, medical assistant, certified nurse assistant (CNA),  personal care assistant (PCA), patient care technician, emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, medical scribe and pharmacy technician. Research, volunteer opportunities and mission trips can also be a great way to gain related experience in healthcare.

 

Research Resources

 

Graduate School

In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in Kinesiology.

 

Professional Associations

Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities. This is a sampling of professional associations that you could get involved in.

 

Additional Resources