I’m studying Kinesiology and now it’s time to decide on a specific area I’d do. So I’ve been thinking along the line of personal trainer to exercise physiologist…and then i thought of occupational therapist. I thought of this because it seems like one of those noble and rewarding careers…and not a desk job either. While being a strength coach might be more exciting than working with disabled people, the later would be deem more benificial for the world.
Most important…i’m now seeing that OT is becoming like PT and they both are having students get a Master’s Degree (is this mandatory?). And that is not up my alley at all. I want to see what my opportunities are with a Bachelor’s degree only. I suppose i could be an “assistant” whatever that means.
Do i have to be in a “OT program”..like kinesiology isn’t enough?
Could i become an occupation therapist with a bachelor’s in kinesiology and make the same salary?
07
Jun
drive.mazda
June 7, 2010 at 6:53 am
Hey buddy. I’m majoring in Kinesiology too. For most of the Allied Health Professions jobs, you’ll need to go to grad school and specialize. I plan to go to school and become a Physical Therapist. You do need to get a masters or a PhD. I don’t think you’d want to settle for a PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant). Those programs only require two years and plus, you’ll just be wishing you were the “real” thing eventually.
As for the Kinesiology major, you can be a full time personal trainer. I wouldn’t recommend this route because its hard to make a living. It is good for a second job though. Most people with this major who don’t go on to grad school become P.E. teachers and/or coaches for highschools and such. Maybe you should consider that direction? Depends on your interests.
If you really want to be an Occupational Therapist or anything of such, I would highly recommend that you stick it out for another 2-3 years and get that masters. It will be rewarding in the end.