Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

Interest Area

Students who complete an area of study in KHA will be able to apply their knowledge, skill, and strategies in the areas of exercise science, human movement, physiology, biology, health, nutrition, recreation, and sport. They will be able to recognize and use the principles of physical fitness development and maintenance in the body's responses to the applicable science of healthy living.

They will understand the value and significance of the physical and emotional aspects of human development, human interactions, and quality of life. And students can analyze the history, research, and the current information and the applications of these areas of study.

Programs of Study

Fast Track Career Path

Fitness Professional

Kinesiology

CSU Transfer

Public Health Science

CSU Transfer

Explore Careers

Athletic Trainers

Median Salary

$58,460

Job Growth

+23%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
8%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
54%

View Career

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

New workers start around $29,766. Normal pay is $58,460 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $114,015.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
8%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
54%

Core Tasks

Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.
Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.
Plan or implement comprehensive athletic injury or illness prevention programs.
Inspect playing fields to locate any items that could injure players.
Advise athletes on the proper use of equipment.
Develop training programs or routines designed to improve athletic performance.
Confer with coaches to select protective equipment.
Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, or bruises.
Accompany injured athletes to hospitals.
Lead stretching exercises for team members prior to games or practices.
Conduct research or provide instruction on subject matter related to athletic training or sports medicine.
Recommend special diets to improve athletes' health, increase their stamina, or alter their weight.

Median Salary

$58,460

Job Growth

+23%

Surgical Assistants

Median Salary

$55,578

Job Growth

+19%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
13%

Certificate
15%

Some College
11%

Associate's Degree
25%

Bachelor's Degree
24%

Master's Degree
8%

Doctoral or More
4%

View Career

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.

New workers start around $27,798. Normal pay is $55,578 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $129,532.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
13%

Certificate
15%

Some College
11%

Associate's Degree
25%

Bachelor's Degree
24%

Master's Degree
8%

Doctoral or More
4%

Core Tasks

Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
Coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or to protect against nerve damage or circulation impairment.
Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.
Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
Apply sutures, staples, clips, or other materials to close skin, facia, or subcutaneous wound layers.
Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.
Clamp, ligate, or cauterize blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry, using hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, or electrocautery equipment.
Discuss with surgeon the nature of the surgical procedure, including operative consent, methods of operative exposure, diagnostic or laboratory data, or patient-advanced directives or other needs.
Determine availability of necessary equipment or supplies for operative procedures.
Assess skin integrity or other body conditions upon completion of the procedure to determine if damage has occurred from body positioning.
Assist with patient resuscitation during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.
Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.
Operate sterilizing devices.
Pass instruments or supplies to surgeon during procedure.
Monitor patient intra-operative status, including patient position, vital signs, or volume and color of blood.
Assist in the insertion, positioning, or suturing of closed-wound drainage systems.
Assist members of surgical team with gowning or gloving.
Gather, arrange, or assemble instruments or supplies.
Coordinate with anesthesia personnel to maintain patient temperature.
Adjust and maintain operating room temperature, humidity, or lighting, according to surgeon's specifications.
Assist in applying casts, splints, braces, or similar devices.
Transport patients to operating room.

Median Salary

$55,578

Job Growth

+19%

Nursing Assistants

Median Salary

$36,685

Job Growth

+9%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
41%

Certificate
24%

Some College
12%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
6%

Master's Degree
7%

View Career

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

New workers start around $28,224. Normal pay is $36,685 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $50,969.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
41%

Certificate
24%

Some College
12%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
6%

Master's Degree
7%

Core Tasks

Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.
Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.
Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.
Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.
Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.
Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.
Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.
Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.
Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.
Prepare or serve food trays.
Wash, groom, shave, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination.
Change bed linens or make beds.
Exercise patients who are comatose, paralyzed, or have restricted mobility.
Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.
Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of patient care.
Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.
Record height or weight of patients.
Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.
Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.
Provide information, such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information to visitors or callers.

Median Salary

$36,685

Job Growth

+9%

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Median Salary

$73,174

Job Growth

+35%

Education

Associate's Degree
82%

Bachelor's Degree
8%

Master's Degree
10%

View Career

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

New workers start around $55,266. Normal pay is $73,174 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $86,528.

Education

Associate's Degree
82%

Bachelor's Degree
8%

Master's Degree
10%

Core Tasks

Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
Attend continuing education classes.
Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.
Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.

Median Salary

$73,174

Job Growth

+35%

Occupational Therapy Aides

Median Salary

$37,003

Job Growth

-5%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
37%

Certificate
9%

Some College
24%

Associate's Degree
28%

Master's Degree
2%

View Career

Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.

New workers start around $27,747. Normal pay is $37,003 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $61,526.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
37%

Certificate
9%

Some College
24%

Associate's Degree
28%

Master's Degree
2%

Core Tasks

Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.
Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.
Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.
Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.
Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.
Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
Manage intradepartmental infection control and equipment security.
Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games.
Perform clerical, administrative, and secretarial duties, such as answering phones, restocking and ordering supplies, filling out paperwork, and scheduling appointments.
Supervise patients in choosing and completing work assignments or arts and crafts projects.
Adjust and repair assistive devices and make adaptive changes to other equipment and to environments.

Median Salary

$37,003

Job Growth

-5%

Physical Therapist Assistants

Median Salary

$76,149

Job Growth

+40%

Education

Associate's Degree
84%

Bachelor's Degree
15%

View Career

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

New workers start around $58,679. Normal pay is $76,149 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $95,028.

Education

Associate's Degree
84%

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Core Tasks

Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.
Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.
Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.

Median Salary

$76,149

Job Growth

+40%

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Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

School of Kinesiology, Health and Athletics Contact

Programs of Study

Fitness Professional

Kinesiology

Public Health Science

Explore Careers

Athletic Trainers

Surgical Assistants

Nursing Assistants

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational Therapy Aides

Physical Therapist Assistants

Is this Interest Area right for you?

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Get Ready for College

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Supporting You

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Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

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Finish Your Path at IVC

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Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

School of Kinesiology, Health and Athletics Contact

Programs of Study

Fitness Professional

Kinesiology

Public Health Science

Explore Careers

Athletic Trainers

Surgical Assistants

Nursing Assistants

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational Therapy Aides

Physical Therapist Assistants

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Business Sciences

Humanities

Integrated Design, Engineering & Automation

Languages & Learning Resources

Life Sciences & Technologies

Mathematics & Computer Science

Physical Sciences

Social & Behavioral Sciences

The Arts

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