How to Study Biokinetics or Exercise Science in the USA 🌍

Are you passionate about sports, health, and helping people recover from injuries? Do you love the idea of combining science, movement, and fitness to make a real difference? If so, a career as a Biokineticist or Exercise Scientist might be the perfect path for you.

But here’s the big question: How do you actually study to become a Biokineticist in the USA — or even abroad?

Let’s break it down step by step. 👇

What is Biokinetics?

Biokinetics is the science of human movement. Biokineticists use exercise and rehabilitation programs to help people recover from injuries, improve performance, and prevent future problems. Think of it as a mix between physiotherapy, sports science, and personal training — but with a strong scientific and medical foundation.

If you’re someone who:

Enjoys sports and fitness 💪
Wants to work in health, rehab, or high-performance sports 🏆
Loves science and helping people 🤝

…then Biokinetics could be a great career for you.

Where Can a Career in Biokinetics Take You? 🚀

With a Biokinetics background, you could work as:

A rehabilitation specialist in clinics or hospitals 🏥
A strength & conditioning coach for sports teams ⚽🏀
A wellness consultant in corporate health programs 🧑‍💼
A researcher or academic in human movement science 🔬

It’s a versatile degree that opens doors across health, sports, and science.

Studying Biokinetics in the USA

In the United States, Biokinetics often falls under Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Sports Medicine. You can either go straight into work with an undergraduate degree (bachelors) or specialize through a Masters. Here is the difference:

1. Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s)

You’ll usually start with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.

Duration: 4 years
Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology of Sport, Rehabilitation

Examples of universities with Exercise science degrees:

University of Michigan Ann Arbour

University of Iowa

🎓 Career Options with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science / Biokinetics

With only an undergraduate degree, you can work mainly in fitness, performance, wellness, and entry-level rehabilitation support.

1. Exercise Scientist / Exercise Specialist

Work in wellness centers, fitness clubs, or rehabilitation programs. Some roles may require certification from ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) or NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). You’ll design exercise and rehab programs but won’t typically work in clinical “treatment” without more study.

2. Personal Trainer / Strength & Conditioning Coach

This route is very popular path for graduates. With an NSCA-CSCS or ACSM certification, you can coach athletes, work in gyms, or even train professional sports teams. Great for those who want a performance-focused career.

3. Corporate Wellness / Health Promotion Specialist

Companies hire exercise science graduates to run fitness, health, and injury-prevention programs for employees. Often combined with nutrition and lifestyle coaching.

4. Rehabilitation Aide or Technician

Work alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or athletic trainers. You won’t be licensed to diagnose or prescribe treatment, but you can assist with exercise programs and patient support.

2. Graduate Degree (Master’s or Doctorate)

If you want to specialize and become a licensed professional where you can work in clinical, medical, or advanced rehab roles, you’ll need to continue your studies. Many students go on to a Master’s in Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or Athletic Training.

Examples of universities with Masters degrees:

University of Florida

Ohio State University

Some even pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) if they want to expand into physiotherapy-style rehabilitation.

🎓 Career Options with a Masters Degree in Exercise Science / Biokinetics

1. Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Work in hospitals, cardiac rehab centers, or with patients managing chronic illnesses (heart disease, diabetes, obesity, etc.). Often requires ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification. You’ll design and oversee medically supervised exercise programs.

2. Athletic Trainer (ATC) – Licensed

With the right program (Accredited Athletic Training Master’s), you can become a certified athletic trainer. Work with schools, colleges, pro sports teams, or clinics to prevent and treat sports injuries.

3. Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Elite-level career path for training professional or collegiate athletes. A Master’s degree + NSCA CSCS certification makes you highly competitive for jobs at NCAA programs or pro clubs.

4. Biomechanist / Human Performance Specialist

Analyze movement patterns using technology and data. Work in sports science labs, research institutions, or with companies developing fitness/rehab technology.

5. Researcher / Academic

A Master’s degree opens doors to university teaching, applied research, and PhD programs. Focus areas might include biomechanics, motor control, sports psychology, or rehabilitation science.

6. Rehabilitation Specialist

With clinical experience, you can specialize in orthopedic, neurological, or injury rehabilitation. Many go on to work in multi-disciplinary rehab teams with physiotherapists and doctors.

7. Corporate Health & Wellness Director

Lead workplace wellness programs for large companies. Focus on employee health, injury prevention, and long-term wellbeing.

8. Doctoral Pathways (Optional Next Step)

A Master’s also sets you up for professional doctorates like:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) → if you want to practice as a physical therapist.
PhD in Exercise Science / Biomechanics → for high-level research and teaching careers.

3. Certification & Licensing

To work in the USA, you may need certifications like:

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certifications
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Athletic Training (ATC) license if going the sports medicine route

These credentials boost your employability and allow you to work with athletes, patients, or in clinical rehab settings.

Transferring your USA degree to your home country 🎓

Many international students dream of studying Biokinetics or Exercise Science in the USA — but what happens if you want to return home and practice your career there? The truth is, every country has different rules for recognizing degrees. Here’s what you need to know:

South Africa 🇿🇦 – Biokinetics is strictly regulated by the HPCSA. You will need to apply to have your degree evaluated by HPCSA and potentially do bridging modules and a year internship (this is a requirement for all biokinetics students in South Africa). For South African students we recommend completing an undergraduate in the USA and a masters in South Africa.
United Kingdom 🇬🇧 – Your U.S. degree works for sports science or performance roles (with BASES accreditation). If you were looking to be a Physiotherapist you would need to complete a UK Physiotherapy program and HCPC registration.
Australia / New Zealand 🇦🇺🇳🇿 – U.S. Exercise Science degrees are recognized, but you’ll need to register with ESSA (Exercise & Sports Science Australia) or equivalent.
Canada 🇨🇦 – Careers fall under Kinesiology; recognition depends on provincial associations, but a U.S. degree is generally accepted.
Europe 🇪🇺 – Rules vary by country; many programs are flexible, and English-taught Sports Science/Exercise degrees mean a U.S. qualification is often an advantage.

Tips for High School Students (and Parents!) 🎓

If you’re 16–18 and considering this path, here’s how to prepare:

Get Involved in Sports or Fitness – practical experience will set you apart.
Look at Universities Early – research programs in the USA and internationally to see entry requirements.
Consider Scholarships – especially if you’re a student-athlete, you might combine sport and academics abroad.
Look at different pathways – if your goal is to get to the Masters level look at pathways such as junior colleges and associate degrees before transferring to university. These can significantly reduce the overall cost.
Shadow a Professional – if possible, spend time with a physiotherapist, trainer, or sports scientist to see if you enjoy the environment.

Final Thoughts 💡

Studying Biokinetics in the USA or internationally is an exciting journey for anyone passionate about sports, science, and helping others. Whether your dream is to work with professional athletes, guide patients in recovery, or dive into human movement research, Biokinetics gives you the foundation to make it happen.

👉 If you’re ready to take the next step, start exploring universities, scholarship opportunities, and career options today. Your journey to becoming a Biokineticist could be the start of a truly rewarding career.