31204

Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Health

3 › 31 › 312 › 3120

Definition

Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment include specialized therapists who use techniques such as athletic or recreational therapy to aid in the treatment of mental and physical disabilities or injuries. They are employed by establishments such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, extended health care facilities, clinics, recreational centres, nursing homes, industry, educational institutions and sports organizations, or they may work in private practice.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Assess patients and review reports from physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, counsellors, teachers and other professionals to determine patients' current and potential functioning level
Prepare individualized and group treatment plans either independently or through a multidisciplinary team approach, based on health concerns and on recommendations from physicians or other health professionals
Design specialized therapy programs to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement, musculoskeletal functioning and performance in sports, work and recreation
Implement treatment plans by carrying out specialized therapy sessions employing approaches and techniques such as recreational, sports or other movement therapy
Observe, record observations and analyze patients during treatment sessions, write progress reports on patient outcomes and consult with other health professionals to evaluate treatment plans
May provide education to clients regarding health promotion and injury prevention, management and treatment
May conduct research in respective field of specialization.

Example job titles

•athletic therapist
•certified athletic therapist (CAT)
•certified kinesiologist
•exercise physiologist
•human kineticist
•kinesiologist
•recreational therapist

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, "Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment" are classified under NOC code 31204, falling within TEER 1. This unit group includes professionals who assess physical activity, movement, and human performance, and design and implement programs for rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health promotion. Common job titles include kinesiologists, athletic therapists, and recreational therapists who practice in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community centres, and private clinics.

To immigrate to Canada under NOC 31204, candidates typically require a university degree in kinesiology, physical education, human kinetics, or recreation therapy. Depending on the province of destination, registration with a provincial regulatory body—such as the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario—may be legally required to practice. Eligible candidates can pursue Canadian permanent residency through federal programs like the Express Entry system, specifically the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or various healthcare-focused Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Please refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated immigration professional for official guidance.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.