Kinesiotherapists; licensure. (SB573)

Kinesiotherapy is a professional practice of the subject of kinesiology and is taught at Norfolk State University in a dedicated program that has enjoyed 30 years of existence in Virginia. Despite having been founded in 1946 as a means of rehabilitating seriously injured soldiers back into active duty through Veterans’ Affairs, kinesiotherapy currently lacks accreditation and an avenue for licensure in our Commonwealth.

The practice of kinesiotherapy is similar in theme to physical therapy and rehabilitation practices but the needs of kinesiotherapy patients are far more disparate in nature. The applications of the practice are rigorous and focus greatly on long term care and for serious disabilities and injuries in the wellness, sub-acute and extended care settings. Practitioners that pass the comprehensive requirements of testing are expected to engage in administering scientifically based exercise methods, upon medical referral and direction, with particular focus on developing muscular strength, stamina and endurance, as well as enhancing the mobility of patients with functional limitations. Specifically, a kinesiotherapist is a health care professional trained in musculoskeletal, neurological, biomechanical and task-specific tests and practices that take a hands-on approach toward rehabilitation in addition to communicating with clients and setting goals for recovery.

Licensure of kinesiotherapists in the Commonwealth of Virginia will not only increase access for the physically disabled, including veterans, to much needed physical reconditioning avenues but will also retain and create jobs stemming from demand created by degree holders from institutions such as Norfolk State University instead of bleeding such jobs into states that guarantee licensure such as North Carolina. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs nationally recognizes kinesiotherapy as an allied health care profession and the practicum for obtaining a degree at Norfolk State University adheres to the national standards for kinesiotherapy, a discipline that certainly merits licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.