How Do I Choose the Best Kinesiology School?

Athletes and others interested in athletics are often the students interested in pursuing kinesiology, though if you have an interest in careers such as physical training or even chiropractic, you may want to consider attending a kinesiology school. Programs for kinesiology are often offered at colleges and universities, though training may be offered through other institutions as well. When choosing a kinesiology school, it is important to choose an institution that is accredited and reputable; it is helpful to talk to others who may have gotten kinesiology training in the past, as they will be able to recommend reputable programs that will suit your needs.

You may be able to complete some of your kinesiology school courses online if the institution offers such options. This is a great way to earn credits toward a degree or certificate, especially if you work full-time as well, but remember that an online kinesiology school will not offer as much direct guidance and instruction as an on-site school will. The same criteria for choosing an on-site school will apply to choosing an online school: the institution needs to be accredited and reputable, and you will need to research tuition rates to ensure you can afford your schooling.

Before enrolling, it is a wise decision to figure out what kind of career you want to pursue once you graduate. Some careers will require that you obtain a master's degree or higher, while others may only require a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, or a professional certificate. Think carefully about your career goals, since they will often dictate your schooling goals and duration. Remember that you can always go back to school if you choose to earn a lower degree such as an associate's; much of the coursework you will finish in an associate's program can be transferred to another institution toward the attainment of a bachelor's degree, though you will need to consult the school to find out what credits will transfer.

Doing a bit of research online will often reveal lists of the top-ranked kinesiology school programs. The admission requirements for the top schools are likely to be fairly stringent, so find out if you will qualify for acceptance. When you apply for schooling, it is a good idea to apply to more than one program in case you do not get accepted to your first choice school, but keep in mind that application fees will apply.