Sports Medicine Degree and Career Options
The broad field of sports medicine requires a specific knowledge base that can be gained through a variety of educational options. Students that complete a program through a vocational school can pursue many careers. The education completed can be pursued in two ways.
Certificate and associate’s degree programs are obtainable from a vocational college. The fundamentals of sports medicine are learned and transferred over into an entry-level career or further education. Education centers on exercise science and preventative techniques for sports injuries. This being said, students can pursue numerous concentrations that promote the required knowledge needed to enter various careers. Careers that are obtainable through a degree in sports medicine include:
*Athletic Trainer
The goal of this occupation is to prevent and treat injuries. The career often times has students working for sports teams. They interact and help athletes understand how to exercise as well as stop injuries from occurring on and off the field.
*Kinesiotherapists
The health benefits of physical activity are stressed as kinesiotherapists work with patients that have suffered from an injury. Professionals create and help patients perform different exercise programs. Work related duties include working directly with individuals on rehabilitating from their injury.
Students that pursue or have a degree in exercise science, nursing, and nutrition can establish themselves in other careers. Education allows students to choose their direction based on their passions, interests, and goals. Sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and orthopedics are other career possibilities for students that complete the necessary training in sports medicine.
Certificate programs are very concentrated and short. Individuals that are planning on transitioning into an associate’s degree typically complete a certificate program. Becoming a physical education coach or entering further education inside a four-year college can be contributing factors behind gaining a certificate. The prevention, diagnosis, and care of athletic related injuries are covered. Students can expect to work through topics like:
- physiology
- nutrition
- sport psychology
- and health and wellness
Continuing education is extremely beneficial to open more career opportunities.
Entry-level careers are obtainable for students that complete an associate’s degree program. The health of athletes is explored through curriculums that center on assisting athletes with training and preventing injuries.
- Human Anatomy
- Sports Nutrition
- Strength Training
- Conditioning
- Exercise Leadership
…and more are course subjects that lead students into a fulfilling career in sports medicine. Education follows all procedures needed to help individuals stay active and prevent injuries from occurring by completing exercises correctly.
The requirements for different fields vary so students should take that into consideration when picking a sports medicine degree program. Several accredited degree and career options exist, allowing students to pursue their passion. Full accreditation is awarded by agencies like the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ( ). Quality educational programs can receive full accreditation by providing proof that the training they offer is of the best quality. Start gaining the knowledge needed to enter a career by finding the right educational program.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.
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