Building the Future of Kinesiology in Alberta

Kinesiology has evolved. It's time our profession evolves with it.

Twenty years ago, many people associated kinesiology with fitness, sport performance, and exercise instruction.

Today, Alberta's kinesiologists are helping people recover from surgery, manage chronic disease, navigate cancer treatment, prevent falls, return to work after injury, and maintain independence as they age.

Across Alberta, kinesiologists are working in hospitals, rehabilitation programs, Primary Care Networks, community health programs, occupational health, and private practice. They are part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams delivering evidence-based care to people with increasingly complex medical needs.

Our profession has changed. The framework that governs it has not.

We believe it's time for that to change.

We're pursuing professional regulation because today's profession deserves a modern framework that protects the public, supports practitioners, and strengthens Alberta's healthcare system.

 

How We Got Here

Across Canada, exercise is increasingly recognized as one of the most effective first-line treatments for many chronic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions. Rather than relying solely on medication or surgery, healthcare is placing greater emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, and helping people stay healthy through movement.

Kinesiologists have become an essential part of that shift.

Today's practitioners don't simply prescribe exercise. They assess functional movement, identify barriers to recovery, monitor patient responses, modify interventions, recognize medical concerns that require referral, and work alongside physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, and many other healthcare professionals.

This is skilled healthcare.

The need for regulation is not Alberta specific. Kinesiology has been a regulated health profession in Ontario since 2013 and Quebec was approved for regulation in early 2026. Our profession is evolving across the country.

 

Why Regulation Matters

Regulation exists to protect the public.

Albertans should be able to trust that anyone using the title Kinesiologist has demonstrated appropriate education, competency, professionalism, and accountability.

Right now, that's not always guaranteed.

Many organizations, including Alberta Health Services, Primary Care Networks, insurers, and private clinics, have created excellent internal standards. The Alberta Kinesiology Association also requires members to meet educational requirements, complete continuing education, carry professional liability insurance, and follow professional standards.

These safeguards are valuable, but they're voluntary or employer-specific.

That means the protections available to Albertans depend on where they receive care, not on one consistent provincial standard.

Regulation would close that gap.

 

What Regulation Would Do

Professional regulation creates consistency across an entire profession.

It would establish:

• Protected use of the title Kinesiologist
• Consistent education and entry-to-practice requirements
• Standards of practice and professional ethics
• Ongoing competence requirements throughout a professional's career
• Transparent complaints and discipline processes
• Independent oversight focused on public protection

These are the same kinds of safeguards already expected across Alberta's regulated health professions.

 

Why This Matters for Kinesiologists

Regulation isn't simply about adding rules, it's about recognizing where our profession is today.

It provides clarity for employers, confidence for patients,and  consistency for healthcare partners.

Regulation helps ensure kinesiologists can contribute to their full potential within Alberta's healthcare system.

 

Supporting Alberta's Healthcare Future

Alberta's healthcare strategy emphasizes:

• prevention before intervention

• interdisciplinary care

• workforce optimization

• improved access to care

• helping healthcare professionals practise to their full scope

Kinesiologists are already contributing to these priorities every day.

Regulation provides the accountability and consistency needed to better integrate this existing workforce into healthcare delivery while maintaining public and interprofessional confidence.

 

Looking Ahead

The Alberta Kinesiology Association is committed to pursuing regulation thoughtfully, transparently, and collaboratively. We'll continue to share updates, answer questions, and provide opportunities for members to stay informed and engaged throughout the process.

Together, we're helping shape the future of kinesiology in Alberta.

 

Learn More

• FAQs - Becoming a Regulated Health Profession in Alberta

• What is Kinesiology?

• Kinesiology Areas of Practice

• How Kinesiologists Support Alberta’s Health System

• Frequently Asked Questions