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

Potential career options in Kinesiology

Use the career planning resources to learn about the potential career options below.
(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

Where are OSU Kinesiology alumni working?

(Data obtained from LinkedIn)

Certified Health & Fitness Specialist, Athletic Club of Bend
Group Fitness Manager, Athletic Club of Bend
Cardiology Practice Manager, Bend Memorial Clinic
Older Adult Fitness Specialist, Fitness Over 50
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

Where have OSU-Cascades students participated in experiential learning (intern/research/etc.)?

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

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.

Contact Career Development Center