2 answers
Emerie
Student
Suwanee, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
522 views
What were some of the challenges you encountered while pursuing your BS in Kinesiology What career opportunities are avalaible with a BS in Kinesiology? Do you feel this was a suitable pathway for getting into medical school? What advice or recommendations would you offer to someone considering Kinesiology as a pathway to medical school??
I will be starting college in a few months. I am considering a BS in Kinesiology with the hopes to further my edcuation and attend graduate school. My long term goal is to become a PA or Family Dcotor.
Login to comment
2 answers
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Emerie,
That’s a great plan! A BS in Kinesiology can definitely be a suitable pathway to medical school or a Physician Assistant (PA) program if approached thoughtfully. Let’s break down the challenges you might face, the career opportunities available with this degree, and how to make the most of this path.
1. Challenges of Pursuing a BS in Kinesiology:
Balancing Science and Applied Courses:
Kinesiology programs often combine science-heavy courses (like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics) with applied movement classes. Balancing these can be tricky.
Meeting Medical School Prerequisites:
Some kinesiology programs might not automatically cover all the pre-med requirements (like organic chemistry or physics). You’ll need to plan your coursework carefully.
Understanding Clinical Relevance:
Kinesiology focuses on movement and physical health, which is great for PA programs, but medical schools may prefer more traditional sciences.
Managing Practical and Theoretical Learning:
Labs and practical experiences (like movement analysis) can be time-consuming, so balancing them with lecture-based courses requires good time management.
2. Career Opportunities with a BS in Kinesiology:
Even if you don’t go directly to medical school or PA school, a BS in Kinesiology offers diverse career options:
Healthcare and Rehabilitation:
Physical Therapy Aide: Work alongside physical therapists to assist patients with rehabilitation.
Athletic Trainer: Help athletes recover from injuries and maintain peak physical condition.
Fitness and Wellness:
Personal Trainer or Fitness Coach: Develop personalized fitness plans and train clients.
Exercise Physiologist: Use exercise to help people recover from chronic illnesses.
Health Education and Advocacy:
Health Educator: Teach communities about physical wellness and injury prevention.
Rehabilitation Specialist: Work in clinics focusing on injury prevention and recovery.
Sports and Performance Science:
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Train athletes to enhance performance.
Advanced Healthcare Roles (with further education):
Physician Assistant (PA) or Family Doctor: Kinesiology provides a strong foundation for understanding the musculoskeletal system.
Occupational Therapist: Specialize in helping patients regain physical function.
3. Is Kinesiology Suitable for Medical School?
Yes, it can be, but you need to be strategic:
Fulfill Pre-Med Requirements:
Medical schools typically require biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. Check the requirements of your target schools and incorporate these courses into your schedule.
GPA Management:
Kinesiology courses can be science-intensive but may not be as rigorous as pure biology or chemistry. Maintain a high GPA, especially in the core science courses.
Hands-On Experience:
Your kinesiology background can give you a unique advantage during clinical rotations, as you’ll already be familiar with physical exams and movement analysis.
MCAT Preparation:
Make sure to cover biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and social sciences in your elective choices to do well on the MCAT.
Clinical Experience:
Volunteer in healthcare settings, shadow PAs or doctors, and get involved in kinesiology research to strengthen your application.
4. Advice for Making Kinesiology a Successful Pathway to Medical School:
Plan Your Coursework Carefully:
Early on, identify any missing prerequisites and plan to take them as electives.
Get Clinical Exposure Early:
Start volunteering at clinics, hospitals, or fitness centers. Experience with patients will not only look great on your application but also help you confirm your passion for healthcare.
Seek Mentorship:
Connect with professors or healthcare professionals who took the kinesiology-to-medical school route.
Stay Involved in Health-Related Activities:
Join clubs like Pre-Med, Kinesiology Society, or Health Sciences Association.
Research and Present:
Engage in research projects related to physical health or sports medicine, and present your findings if possible.
Ace the MCAT:
Since kinesiology doesn’t directly cover some MCAT topics, consider MCAT prep courses or study groups to fill in the gaps.
5. Why Kinesiology Can Be a Great Choice:
Kinesiology provides a hands-on, practical understanding of human movement and health, which is invaluable for both PA and medical school. The focus on physical wellness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation makes it particularly relevant for primary care and sports medicine. Plus, the interdisciplinary nature of the field means you’re not just memorizing science—you’re applying it, which will be a strong point during medical school interviews.
That’s a great plan! A BS in Kinesiology can definitely be a suitable pathway to medical school or a Physician Assistant (PA) program if approached thoughtfully. Let’s break down the challenges you might face, the career opportunities available with this degree, and how to make the most of this path.
1. Challenges of Pursuing a BS in Kinesiology:
Balancing Science and Applied Courses:
Kinesiology programs often combine science-heavy courses (like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics) with applied movement classes. Balancing these can be tricky.
Meeting Medical School Prerequisites:
Some kinesiology programs might not automatically cover all the pre-med requirements (like organic chemistry or physics). You’ll need to plan your coursework carefully.
Understanding Clinical Relevance:
Kinesiology focuses on movement and physical health, which is great for PA programs, but medical schools may prefer more traditional sciences.
Managing Practical and Theoretical Learning:
Labs and practical experiences (like movement analysis) can be time-consuming, so balancing them with lecture-based courses requires good time management.
2. Career Opportunities with a BS in Kinesiology:
Even if you don’t go directly to medical school or PA school, a BS in Kinesiology offers diverse career options:
Healthcare and Rehabilitation:
Physical Therapy Aide: Work alongside physical therapists to assist patients with rehabilitation.
Athletic Trainer: Help athletes recover from injuries and maintain peak physical condition.
Fitness and Wellness:
Personal Trainer or Fitness Coach: Develop personalized fitness plans and train clients.
Exercise Physiologist: Use exercise to help people recover from chronic illnesses.
Health Education and Advocacy:
Health Educator: Teach communities about physical wellness and injury prevention.
Rehabilitation Specialist: Work in clinics focusing on injury prevention and recovery.
Sports and Performance Science:
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Train athletes to enhance performance.
Advanced Healthcare Roles (with further education):
Physician Assistant (PA) or Family Doctor: Kinesiology provides a strong foundation for understanding the musculoskeletal system.
Occupational Therapist: Specialize in helping patients regain physical function.
3. Is Kinesiology Suitable for Medical School?
Yes, it can be, but you need to be strategic:
Fulfill Pre-Med Requirements:
Medical schools typically require biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. Check the requirements of your target schools and incorporate these courses into your schedule.
GPA Management:
Kinesiology courses can be science-intensive but may not be as rigorous as pure biology or chemistry. Maintain a high GPA, especially in the core science courses.
Hands-On Experience:
Your kinesiology background can give you a unique advantage during clinical rotations, as you’ll already be familiar with physical exams and movement analysis.
MCAT Preparation:
Make sure to cover biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and social sciences in your elective choices to do well on the MCAT.
Clinical Experience:
Volunteer in healthcare settings, shadow PAs or doctors, and get involved in kinesiology research to strengthen your application.
4. Advice for Making Kinesiology a Successful Pathway to Medical School:
Plan Your Coursework Carefully:
Early on, identify any missing prerequisites and plan to take them as electives.
Get Clinical Exposure Early:
Start volunteering at clinics, hospitals, or fitness centers. Experience with patients will not only look great on your application but also help you confirm your passion for healthcare.
Seek Mentorship:
Connect with professors or healthcare professionals who took the kinesiology-to-medical school route.
Stay Involved in Health-Related Activities:
Join clubs like Pre-Med, Kinesiology Society, or Health Sciences Association.
Research and Present:
Engage in research projects related to physical health or sports medicine, and present your findings if possible.
Ace the MCAT:
Since kinesiology doesn’t directly cover some MCAT topics, consider MCAT prep courses or study groups to fill in the gaps.
5. Why Kinesiology Can Be a Great Choice:
Kinesiology provides a hands-on, practical understanding of human movement and health, which is invaluable for both PA and medical school. The focus on physical wellness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation makes it particularly relevant for primary care and sports medicine. Plus, the interdisciplinary nature of the field means you’re not just memorizing science—you’re applying it, which will be a strong point during medical school interviews.
Joseph Zinger
Physical Therapy
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hello,
I see that your end goal is to pursue a career as a PA. I would highly suggest you pursue a pre-medical career path as kinesiology will not fulfill the prerequisites for the PA program entrance.
I have worked in healthcare for 12+ years as a Physical Therapist Assistant with 2 degrees. I work along side Physical Therapist, Physicians, PAs, NP’s , Nurses and so on.
I would highly suggest encourage you to look into prerequisites for PA programs before getting to far into a Kinesiology degree to find out it won’t help you go straight into a PA program.
Best of luck
I see that your end goal is to pursue a career as a PA. I would highly suggest you pursue a pre-medical career path as kinesiology will not fulfill the prerequisites for the PA program entrance.
I have worked in healthcare for 12+ years as a Physical Therapist Assistant with 2 degrees. I work along side Physical Therapist, Physicians, PAs, NP’s , Nurses and so on.
I would highly suggest encourage you to look into prerequisites for PA programs before getting to far into a Kinesiology degree to find out it won’t help you go straight into a PA program.
Best of luck