What a kinesiologist does
Kinesiologists use the science of human movement to assess physical function and design exercise and activity programs. They help clients recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve performance and return to work safely. In a rehab clinic they often deliver active care alongside physiotherapists, while in workplaces they assess ergonomics and physical job demands. For an employer, they add capacity for hands-on exercise therapy and injury prevention.
Ontario regulates kinesiology, so only members of the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario can use the title kinesiologist. Roles vary from clinic-based active rehab to functional abilities evaluations and corporate wellness, and each needs a slightly different skill set. Finch learns where your kinesiologist will work and who they will see, confirms College registration and screens for experience with the programs and assessments you offer.
Typical responsibilities
- Assess movement, strength, endurance and functional capacity
- Design and deliver individualized exercise and active rehabilitation programs
- Support return-to-work planning and conduct job demands or ergonomic assessments
- Educate clients on safe movement, activity and injury prevention
- Document progress and contribute to reports for insurers or care teams
Qualifications and credentials
- Current registration with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario
- Degree in kinesiology or a related field recognized for registration
- Experience with active rehabilitation, chronic disease or workplace assessments, depending on the role
- Professional liability insurance
- Additional training in functional abilities evaluations or ergonomics where relevant
Who hires a kinesiologist
- Physiotherapy and multidisciplinary rehab clinics
- Workplace health and disability management providers
- Hospital cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs
- Fitness and wellness centres with clinical programs
- Long-term care and seniors' programs
Where we recruit kinesiologist candidates
We fill kinesiologist roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Confirm College of Kinesiologists of Ontario registration on the public register
- Review experience with your client population and program types
- Discuss assessment experience, such as functional or ergonomic evaluations
- Confirm comfort working alongside physiotherapists and other clinicians
- Check references from clinical supervisors or program managers
Interview questions to ask
- How do you progress an exercise program for a client with ongoing pain?
- Walk us through how you would assess the physical demands of a warehouse job.
- How do you keep clients motivated to continue their program at home?