3 answers
JORGE
Student
Kissimmee, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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Which one should I study, or is it better to start with kinesiology and then specialize in sports medicine?
I want to study sports medicine (physical theraphy), but I've been told it takes several years to specialize in this field, and at the same time, I don't think I have the financial resources to do it. Kinesiology, on the other hand, is shorter and I can study it at a community college that my parents could help me pay for.
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3 answers
bill Bill Latter
chiropractor
81
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
bill’s Answer
Well just a degree in Kinesiology wont get you too far and hard to get a job but you can do 2 yrs or more at community College the. Go to a 4 yr degrees granting College to get your P.T. degree as long as the College accepts the credits so its a start and as many College students start with an idea and in a couple yrs change their mind sooo good luck in your discovery of where you want to be
I appreciate your support, bill
JORGE
Jane Akinyemi
Lecturer
36
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Jorge
If you’re worried about money, starting with kinesiology at a community college just makes sense. It’s cheap, low-risk, and keeps your options open if you want to go into sports medicine or physical therapy down the line. Plenty of people get into PT or sports medicine grad programs after finishing a kinesiology or exercise science degree.
You won’t shut any doors by picking kinesiology first. Actually, you’re laying down a foundation that physical therapy programs really want to see. You can study kinesiology at a community college or at a more affordable university. The anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology classes, set you up to work as a personal trainer, rehab aide, strength coach, PT technician, or even in other fitness roles. If you decide to apply to PT school later, kinesiology works as a solid pre-PT degree, and you can start earning money sooner.
Jumping straight into sports medicine or PT is a bigger commitment. You’d need a bachelor’s degree first (usually in kinesiology or something similar), then you’d spend about three more years in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. That’s six- or seven-years total, and the price can get pretty steep. The payoff is bigger, higher salaries, clinical work, more responsibility, but you’ve got to weigh if the cost and time are worth it.
Kinesiology is smart for finances. You get the ball rolling without stressing about debt, and your parents can probably help with community college costs. Plus, you can work as a PT aide, trainer, or coach while you’re still in school. You’ll pick up the exact prerequisites PT programs want. And if you end up deciding whether sports medicine isn’t your thing, you still have a degree that matters and a job you can use. It’s not a detour, it’s a steppingstone that lets you change course without losing ground.
Here’s something most people overlook while studying kinesiology, a lot of students realize they prefer athletic training, strength and conditioning, biomechanics research, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, coaching, corporate wellness. Sports medicine is just one branch of a huge tree, and kinesiology lets you explore all of it before you climb out on just one limb.
Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
If you’re worried about money, starting with kinesiology at a community college just makes sense. It’s cheap, low-risk, and keeps your options open if you want to go into sports medicine or physical therapy down the line. Plenty of people get into PT or sports medicine grad programs after finishing a kinesiology or exercise science degree.
You won’t shut any doors by picking kinesiology first. Actually, you’re laying down a foundation that physical therapy programs really want to see. You can study kinesiology at a community college or at a more affordable university. The anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology classes, set you up to work as a personal trainer, rehab aide, strength coach, PT technician, or even in other fitness roles. If you decide to apply to PT school later, kinesiology works as a solid pre-PT degree, and you can start earning money sooner.
Jumping straight into sports medicine or PT is a bigger commitment. You’d need a bachelor’s degree first (usually in kinesiology or something similar), then you’d spend about three more years in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. That’s six- or seven-years total, and the price can get pretty steep. The payoff is bigger, higher salaries, clinical work, more responsibility, but you’ve got to weigh if the cost and time are worth it.
Kinesiology is smart for finances. You get the ball rolling without stressing about debt, and your parents can probably help with community college costs. Plus, you can work as a PT aide, trainer, or coach while you’re still in school. You’ll pick up the exact prerequisites PT programs want. And if you end up deciding whether sports medicine isn’t your thing, you still have a degree that matters and a job you can use. It’s not a detour, it’s a steppingstone that lets you change course without losing ground.
Here’s something most people overlook while studying kinesiology, a lot of students realize they prefer athletic training, strength and conditioning, biomechanics research, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, coaching, corporate wellness. Sports medicine is just one branch of a huge tree, and kinesiology lets you explore all of it before you climb out on just one limb.
Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Chris Harp
Athletic Trainer
26
Answers
Florence, Kentucky
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Keep in mind that physical therapy is an entry-level clinical doctorate degree. You’ll need to complete a bachelors degree, most likely in kinesiology, exercise science, etc. Then you will need to complete your three-year clinical doctorate to receive your DPT.
That said, there are some schools that have a 3+3 program that would allow you to use your first year physical therapy courses to finish off your fourth year of your bachelors degree.
I guess the short answer to your question is that a kinesiology degree would be four years. A physical therapy degree would be six or seven years depending on the route you go.
That said, there are some schools that have a 3+3 program that would allow you to use your first year physical therapy courses to finish off your fourth year of your bachelors degree.
I guess the short answer to your question is that a kinesiology degree would be four years. A physical therapy degree would be six or seven years depending on the route you go.
Thank you so much, Chris!
JORGE