Description

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.

Job Titles

• Athletic therapist
• Certified athletic therapist (CAT)
• Recreational therapist

Main Duties

• Assess patients and review reports from physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, counsellors, teachers and other professionals to determine patients’ capabilities and needs.
• 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 and carry out specialized therapy sessions employing techniques such as art, athletic, dance, music or recreational therapy or remedial gymnastics to meet specific physical or psychological needs of patients
• Co-ordinate, initiate, design and implement specialized therapy programs for the general patient population and in the community
• Advise patients on how to deal with their mental and physical abilities and help them integrate into the community
• Observe, analyze and record, patients’ participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions and consult with other health care professionals to evaluate and modify treatment plans as needed
• May conduct research in therapeutic recreation.

Workplaces

• Clinics
• Education institutions
• Extended care facilities
• Hospitals
• Industry
• Nursing homes
• Private practice
• Recreational facilities
• Rehabilitation centres
• Sports organizations

Skills

• Evaluation
• Instructing
• Learning and Teaching Strategies
• Monitoring
• Oral Communication: Active Listening

Abilities

• Explosive Strength
• Stamina
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Body Flexibility Deductive Reasoning

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Concern for Others
• Independence
• Service Orientation

Similar Occupations

• Occupational therapists (31203)
• Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (41301)

Source: OaSIS