Kinesiologists could be part of solution for overwhelmed health-care system – CBC
Moncton professor says kinesiology grads ready and able to keep patients out of hospital
Sep 17, 2024
As New Brunswick hospitals continue to struggle to find beds for patients, a group of professionals in the province say they could be playing a much larger role in preventing illness and improving mobility.
Natalie Arsenault graduated with a degree in science and kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick in 2020 and was only able to find a few jobs in her field, and only if she moved to Ontario or Nova Scotia.
“I did realize how difficult it was going to be to find a job in kinesiology,” she said of her search for work in New Brunswick. “It’s not really recognized as a registered profession.”
While physiotherapists work to repair mobility after an injury, kinesiologists improve a person’s physical health for the long-term and prevent injuries through physical activity plans, one-on-one sessions and education.
Arsenault, like about three-quarters of the people she graduated with, went on to become a physiotherapist. However, she argues kinesiologists are well-trained and would be able to contribute to the health-care system if there were more positions available.
