May, 2018 - Learn Chile

Everything you need to know if you want to study kinesiology in Chile

If you’re passionate about sport and the human body’s response to movement, you should consider studying kinesiology in Chile.

Although it is generally considered to be an alternative medicine method, the term kinesiology originates from the Greek words “kinesis”, which means “movement”, and “logos”, which means “to study”. Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, which aims to improve quality of life and health.

What do kinesiologists do?

Kinesiologists are health professionals qualified to assess a patient’s physical abilities in order to reach a functional diagnosis which enables them to aid recovery of capabilities and rehabilitation following an accident. It also includes a psychological component, as kinesiologists are qualified to contribute to the social inclusion of people with disabilities.

Several Chilean universities offer kinesiology courses, and kinesiologists have a wide range of professional options available upon graduation, including research, generating scientific knowledge on certain diseases which forms the foundation for future solutions and treatments, as well as teaching, contributing to the training and education of more and better kinesiology professionals.

What do you need to know if you want to study kinesiology in Chile?

A kinesiology degree is ideal for sports-lovers who want to work in healthcare. Kinesiologists provide invaluable support to sportspeople and athletes, as they help them to improve performance and ensure that each muscle, bone and joint is functioning in perfect condition, reducing the possibility of injury.

To work in this field, you must have sufficient empathy to treat patients in rehabilitation or therapy after having suffered physical trauma, or those born with a physical condition which requires assistance in order to improve their mobility. The kinesiologist’s job is to apply physiotherapeutic techniques which contribute to improving patients’ quality of life.

You have to have a keen interest in biology, as this science will help you to understand all of the metabolic and physiological processes of the human body, in turn making you a better professional and perfecting your treatment of patients.

According to the Chilean Association of Kinesiologists’ website, there were more than 24,870 registered kinesiologists in the country as of 2017, and more than 20,000 currently undergoing training.

On an academic level, you must carefully select the university at which you will study this degree. Make sure that both the university and the degree program are accredited by the Ministry of Education, a fundamental requirement for healthcare degrees.

Kinesiology is one of the areas of healthcare with the highest levels of patient contact, and as such students must be willing to accompany patients in their physical and psychological recovery process. Helping your patients in their recovery will undoubtedly give you great satisfaction.

2nd International Fair at Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins opened the borders of the academic world

With informative talks, culinary exhibitions and stands for foreign entities, Interinstitutional Relations Directorate of Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins held the 2nd International Fair UBO 2018, a gathering held in parallel in the Rondizzoni Conference Room and in the Library of the same university campus, with the objective of promote the initiative to expand the academic world of the students of the institution.

For the second consecutive year, students, collaborators and authorities of the UBO tasted the typical dishes presented by more than 15 countries, in the stands attended by exchange students and Higher Education Institutions representatives in mobility agreement. In addition, attendees were able to obtain information on exchange programs, scholarships, language courses and work opportunities abroad.

“Lately, the process of training students in a globalized world requires the development of intercultural competences and skills to adapt and develop successfully in diverse contexts and communities to be deployed. Thus, they acquire the skills and experiences that can make a difference in the professional, academic and human fields,” said Alain Carrier, vice chancellor of UBO’s Relation with the Environment.

After finishing the day, the director of Interinstitutional Relations, Virginie Delalande, made a positive balance at a qualitative level, given the quality of the exhibitions and information delivered; and quantitative, due to the high turnout of the public.

“We were able to call more exhibitors, install more stands and have more people than last year; also, we noticed a greater interest from UBO students, because they came with more specific questions. In general, it was much better than the first version,” she added.

In May, the Directorate of Inter-Institutional Relations will hold an informative talk for students of Journalism, Public Relations, Computer Engineering, Industrial Civil Engineering, Pedagogy in Basic General Education and Chemistry and Pharmacy, in which they will tackle special programs for a semester abroad.