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About us, kinesiologists
Probably the discussion about us should begin with talking about Kinesiology and the profession of kinesiologist, as they are currently viewed in Canada. What is Kinesiology? One of the definitions says that Kinesiology is the study of human movement from both a theoretical and applied perspective. What is a kinesiologist? According to theNational Occupation Classification (NOC)2006 of the Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the term ‘kinesiologist’ covers a whole group of professionals, that ‘includes those who oversee and administer recreation, sports and fitness programs and activities, provide consulting services, conduct research and develop programs and policies related to recreation, sports and physical fitness; they are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, recreation, sports, fitness and health care facilities, retirement homes, community centres, sports and fitness consulting firms and organizations, or they may be self-employed’. As it can be seen, the designation covers a wide area of activities which ranges from recreation and sports to health care. This fact is even clearer in the range of titles that can be superimposed over the designation of ‘kinesiologist’: exercise physiologist, exercise therapist, fitness appraiser, fitness consultant, fitness supervisor, recreation consultant, registered kinesiologist, sports consultant, sports policy analyst, sports program supervisor etc. (uselinkto read more on the NOC page dedicated to this occupation), and even ‘personal trainer’ or ‘physiotherapy assistant’ (in various job offer postings).
The Foreign Trained Kinesiologists
In our vision, the Foreign Trained Kinesiologists are professionals in the field of kinesiology and rehabilitation that obtained their degree outside Canada or the United States. Because of the possible negative nuances attached to the word ‘foreign’, we prefer to use the term ‘Internationally Trained’ (or ‘ITK’), when we refer to the people fulfilling the above mentioned criteria. It is a formula successfully used for a wide variety of professionals trained abroad, including the medical doctors.
We acknowledge the fact that we come from different backgrounds when it comes to the degree obtained. It is not our responsibility to determine the eligibility of our members for registration/certification. Our organization is open to everyone who has trained in the field of kinesiology and rehabilitation outside of Canada and the US, at least at a college level, with or without previous work experience. Our knowledge regarding the range of degrees that can be superimposed over the designation of ‘kinesiologist’ is limited by the cases of our members. For instance, some of us obtained the degree after graduation from a 5 years university program that covers both physiotherapy and kinesiology; others graduated from a 4 years university program in ‘kinesiotherapy’, and others from a 4 years university program in sports and physical education. As our association grows, this knowledge will increase accordingly.
The kinesiologists in Canada
The national organization that promotes the advancement of and advocates the profession of Kinesiology in Canada is theCanadian Kinesiology Alliance. Their website provides further insight into the profession, and makes an interesting material to study, in this respect. According to this source, ‘the profession of kinesiology is self-regulated through the provincial kinesiology associations; the associations act as the governing body to uphold the standards, and ensure quality of care’. So, the provincial associations are the ones that decide who can or cannot be given the registration/certification (and all the benefits associated with these) in a given province, through membership.
Using the resources at our disposal (mainly the Internet), we took the time to research the situation of ITK registration (active membership) in various provinces across Canada. Our data is limited by the fact that not all the provincial associations have a website, but we could find out that every other province (except BC, see below) allows applications from ITKs (although this is not specified verbatim, the applications are not dismissed either); each application is assessed on an individual basis. More than that, the Ontario association even provides an application form for Foreign Graduates.
The kinesiologists in British Columbia
As an unwritten rule, in order to have access to the best jobs that require a degree in kinesiology, one has to be registered with the provincial regulatory body (BCAK). We say this because most of the job offers require a ‘registered’ kinesiologist. There are, nevertheless, a few possibilities for employment and careers in very close related fields for the ones interested, even without the registration in BCAK. We tried to explore these possibilities under Members>Resources. This happens, probably, because some employers look for previous training and experience which can be easily tested, rather than a certain designation.
However, the membership in BCAK comes with certain benefits, from the mere recognition of one’s training in the field, to access to more rewarding and higher paid jobs, and from the possibility of personal development, to the chance of being an active part in the growth of the profession. It seems normal, then, for ITKs to at least try to obtain this membership. Unfortunately, unlike the situation in other provinces, where ITKs are at least allowed to apply for it (see above paragraph), in BC we are not given this option. The BCAK websiteBCAK websiteappears rather dismissive in this respect, all international applicants being sent to lobby the Ministry of Education. We tried to research the subject on the path suggested, and we entered a vicious circle. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) does not even list ‘kinesiology’ as a profession. In BC, the institution that evaluates formal for-credit educational programs of study for people who have studied in other provinces or countries and determines comparable levels in British Columbian and Canadian terms is theInternational Credentials Evaluation Services (ICES). However: 1. the evaluations completed by ICES are advisory in nature and do not guarantee, replace or supersede the assessments required by professional or trade associations or for admission to educational institutions or organizations; 2. BCAK is not one of the organizations that use the services of ICES. Therefore, the only body responsible with establishing the criteria for professional certification in a self-regulated profession is the provincial association (in this case, the BCAK). They should, at least, play a part in starting the process that will finally lead to clearly established requirements for ITKs applying for membership. As part of our commitment to our members, we will try to provide our input and play an active part in this process. That is why we try to joinCapacity BC, the roundtable of Internationally Trained Professionals in BC. More about the role we intend to play can be found under About us>Our mission.