A passion for sports medicine? As someone who grew up participating in sports, it’s likely that you have some familiarity with the various types of sports injuries that can occur. With a degree in Sports Medicine, you can work in athletic departments or health care facilities where you can use your medical expertise in a wide range of situations.
Those with a background in this area can also be helpful to those who are more prone to accidents. Your favorite High School coach or Athletic Trainer may have a degree in Sports Medicine. An education in exercise, health, or sports will help you land a job. As a master of the human body, you will be able to help all people, including athletes, not only prevent but also identify and treat injuries.
Education
First, you’ll need to get the necessary training. For those interested in pursuing a career in Sports Medicine, there are a variety of options. Options for two, four, and graduate school are plentiful. The coursework, on the other hand, will begin with the fundamentals for each student:
- Kinesiology
- First-aid training
- Nutrition
- Recreation for the purpose of rehabilitation
- Athlete’s health problems
- Physiology of exercise
- Training with weights
- Fitness research
2-Year Degrees and Careers in the Workforce:
- a trainer for a neighborhood center (YMCA)
- Professional Exercise Physiologist
- Personal Trainer
Careers for 4-Year College Graduates
- Teacher of physical education
- The hospital/wellness center’s instructor
What You Can Do With a Master’s or Ph.D.
In order to become an athletic trainer, one must have a master’s degree, which is typically a Master of Science and requires an additional two years of post-education. bachelor’s As for doctoral degrees, they are for those who plan to conduct research in the field of study. The following is a list of typical graduate courses:
- Epidemiology
- Theories of strength and conditioning
- a person’s motion
- Biostatistics
- Physiology
- Preventing injuries
Job Aims and Goals
Trainers and coaches can expect to find work in a gym, a college or university, a recreation facility, or in a hospital’s wellness centers, among many other places. PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant) certifications may be sought by some Sports Medicine graduates who wish to work in the field of sports medicine. Hours can vary, but the majority of jobs are daytime.
Certification
Board certification is required by the majority of states for athletic trainers. Before starting on this degree path, you’ll want to locate accredited programs where you can earn your certification. You can get assistance from the following organizations:
- The Academy of Sports Medicine of the United States (NASM)
- College of Sports Medicine in the United States (ACSM)
- Certifications in fitness (ACE)
Bottom Line
The median annual salary for an Exercise Physiologist or Athletic Trainer in the United States is just over $42k, according to the BLS. Between 2012 and 2022, employment is expected to grow at a modest 19 percent annual rate. As more people become aware of the importance of addressing sports-related injuries at a young age, the demand for these positions is expected to remain high. The majority of Athletic Trainers in this field are likely to be employed by postsecondary institutions.
