Kinesiotherapy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Kinesiotherapy is a specialized health science discipline focused on restoring, maintaining, and enhancing physical function in individuals affected by illness, injury, or developmental conditions. Professionals in this field apply evidence-based therapeutic strategies to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support long-term wellness under medical supervision.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth study of the structure and function of the human body, emphasizing systems most relevant to movement and physical performance.
- Kinesiology and Biomechanics: Analysis of human movement patterns, muscle function, and mechanical principles governing motion to optimize therapeutic interventions.
- Therapeutic Exercise and Adapted Physical Education: Design and implementation of customized exercise regimens tailored to individual patient needs, including modifications for physical limitations.
- Human Growth and Development: Understanding developmental milestones across the lifespan to inform treatment planning for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
- Motor Learning and Performance: Exploration of how individuals acquire, refine, and retain motor skills, with applications in rehabilitation and functional retraining.
- Testing and Measurement: Application of standardized tools and techniques to assess physical capabilities, track progress, and guide treatment decisions.
- First Aid and CPR: Training in emergency response protocols to ensure patient safety during assessment and treatment sessions.
- Psychology in Rehabilitation: Integration of behavioral and emotional factors into care plans to support patient motivation, adherence, and overall well-being.
- Rehabilitation Procedures: Mastery of clinical techniques used to restore function, including manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and functional training.
- Patient Assessment and Management: Development of systematic approaches to evaluate patient conditions, set therapeutic goals, and monitor outcomes.
- Professional Standards and Ethics: Commitment to legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing clinical practice and patient care.
Kinesiotherapy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Kinesiotherapy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Kinesiotherapy degrees, including Physical Therapists and Exercise Physiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 256,740 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Therapists 29-1123 | $101,020 | $74,420 - $132,500 | 248,630 | $48.57 |
Exercise Physiologists 29-1128 | $58,160 | $40,930 - $79,830 | 8,110 | $27.96 |
Kinesiotherapy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $65,560 in Utah to $108,640 in Alaska—a 66% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Rhode Island, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 256,740 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Kinesiotherapy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Kinesiotherapy programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Kinesiotherapy is found at University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (38 graduates), University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte (32 graduates), University of Akron, Main Campus (26 graduates), Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) (13 graduates), and Kent State University, Kent (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 121 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Pittsburgh |
Other Award
|
38 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Master's
|
32 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
University of Akron |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) |
Associate's
|
13 | Reno, Nevada | Public | tmcc.edu |
Kent State University |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
Bridgewater State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 | Bridgewater, Massachusetts | Public | bridgew.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Kinesiotherapy programs
How much can I earn with a Kinesiotherapy degree?
Salaries for Kinesiotherapy graduates vary by role and location. Physical Therapists earn a median of $101,020 annually, while Exercise Physiologists earn around $58,160. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $108,640 compared to $65,560 in Utah. Approximately 256,740 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Kinesiotherapy programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Kinesiotherapy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (38 graduates), University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte (32 graduates), and University of Akron, Main Campus (26 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Kinesiotherapy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 88 in 2010 to a peak of 140 in 2020, before declining slightly to 121 in 2023-24. This represents a 38% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Kinesiotherapy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Physical Therapists, Exercise Physiologists, . Related occupations employ approximately 256,740 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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