Bachelor of Kinesiotherapy at University of Southern Mississippi

Kinesiotherapy*

*Program is currently found in the Bulletin as Kinesiology (Kinesiotherapy)*

How is Kinesiotherapy unique?

Kinesiotherapists were the pioneers in using adapted exercise and movement education to help individuals restore muscular strength and endurance thus regaining functional independence. The curriculum focuses on the basic assessment and treatment skills that are applied in a variety of clinical settings. Kinesiotherapy is the only major on campus that includes two semesters of clinical internship in a therapeutic setting, which makes it a favorable major for those seeking a health professions career.

The Southern Miss program produces the largest number of graduates who eventually become RKT's. During the recent test cycle, 81 percent of Southern Miss graduates who took the exam passed on their first attempt.

Kinesiotherapy programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). All CAAHEP accredited programs are assessed on an ongoing basis to assure that they meet the Standards and Guidelines of the profession.

Kinesiotherapy is a very labor intensive discipline. To be successful in the kinesiotherapy program, students must master the basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as it applies to functional movement. They must be able to move from memorization to conceptualization, and be fundamentally sound in their ability to think abstractly.

Students enrolled in the Kinesiotherapy program will learn specific clinical skills such as:

• Manual muscle testing and goniometric measurement
• Manual resistance exercise
• Therapeutic exercise application
• Correct fitting and instruction in the use of canes, crutches, and walkers
• Progressive ambulation and gait training to include amputee prosthetic ambulation
• Aquatic exercise therapy
• Aerobic exercise implementation
• Patient treatment documentation

As a kinesiotherapy major you will complete two semesters of clinical internships, providing you with an opportunity to practice and enhance skills gained in the classroom.