Do you want to study Biokinetics?

A biokineticist's day consists of three types of activities: evaluating a person's physical condition, prescribing safe physical activity programmes and compiling rehabilitation exercise programmes with the doctor and other members of the medical team.

In the evaluation of a person's condition the biokineticist uses scientific methods and instruments, such as a treadmill, bicycle ergometer, pulse frequency monitors etc. Exercise risks are identified in a person and the different basic components of fitness, namely the heart and respiratory systems, muscle strength, muscle and joint flexibility, speed of movement, skill, co-ordination and posture are assessed. Athletes who, for example, were injured and wish to determine whether they have fully recovered, would undergo such evaluations.

Requirements

What kind of personality do I need? Biokineticists should enjoy working with people and should be able to motivate people. They should be prepared to work long and irregular hours as they work with people who take part in exercise programmes before and after normal working hours. They should also be prepared to work within a joint medical team. Interest in sport and physical activities is also important.

Of course you have to have the subject choices and performance in school to qualify for acceptance to university.  You can contact the universities of your preference to acquire these standards.  
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
On completion of the internship and registration, biokineticists can open their own practices. The layout of such a centre can be expensive. Those in private practice usually operate in close co-operation with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, etc. to be able to offer a comprehensive health service to the public.

Education & qualification

Biokinetics training entails four years of academic education (degree study) and two years of professional (internship) exposure. In the process, five years of training is required prior to registration as a Biokineticist with the Health Professions Council of Namibia.

Academic Preparation

Academic study comprises a post-graduate (Honours) degree obtained from a university accredited to train Biokineticists. A first degree (3 years Bsc or BA) in Human Movement Science / Exercise Science serves as admission criteria to the post-graduate specialization in Biokinetics. Training institutions follow a prerequisite curriculum in the post-graduate Biokinetics program as approved by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Prospective students are subject to rigorous selection procedures prior to acceptance into the post-graduate Biokinetics program of training institutions. During this final year period of study the student is obliged to register as a student-in-training with both the Biokinetics Association of South Africa and the Health Professions Council of South Africa

The following tertiary institutions offer Biokinetics:

• University of Johannesburg
• University of Pretoria
• University of the North West
• University of the Orange Free State
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Zululand
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Western Cape
• Tshwane University of Technology

Internship

The student is exposed to his first year of internship which runs parallel to his honors year of study. After completion of the honors year of studies the individual needs to apply for his/her second year of internship at an accredited Biokinetics Practice (See Accredited Practices). The individual now needs to register with the Biokinetics Assoication to have his internship approved. During this year the intern is supervised and is subject to 6 monthly evaluations. After completion of this year the individual may now register with the Biokinetics Association of Namibia as well as the Health Proffesionals Coulcil of Namibia as a Biokineticist. (See Registration Procedures)

The training to which an individual is exposed in the course of preparing to register as a Biokineticist is of such nature that it enables one to seek employment in a number of allied health-related fields. The scope of occupation is primarily dependent on the entrepreneurial initiative of the individual and includes practicing as a Biokineticist in the following environments in South Africa, as listed alphabetically:

• Corporate Sector
• Correctional Facilities
• Elite and Professional Sport
• Fire Services
• Industry
• Local Authorities
• Military Bases
• Military Hospitals
• Police Services
• Private Practices
• Sporting Control Bodies
• Sports Medicine Centres
• Tertiary Institutions
• Or at one of the private practices All over Namibia (See Membership Directory)
• Or in Your own private practice.