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What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is an area of study and practice that deals with the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. Individuals in this field are trained to promote exercise and good health, as well as provide immediate care in the event that an athlete falls victim to injury. Individuals in this field have received formal medical training before specializing in the field.

Sports science is a branch of healthcare that emphasizes physical well-being – specifically the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries or ailments related to sport.  Sports medicine is a relatively new branch of healthcare as specialists continue to support mainstream athletes, niche sports, and unique exercise regimens.  A sports medicine graduate will be trained to understand, diagnose, and treat a variety of exercise-related ailments including: muscle strains, concussions, shin splints, high ankle sprains, muscle cramps, and dehydration.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,340

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

21.70%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

14,500

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Sports Medicine Degree

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill examines the physics, psychology, and physiology of sport and exercise. This also includes the recognition and treatment of athletic injuries. Foundational courses in exercise science are catered on the general major. The primary goal of this Department is to discover and promote the knowledge of human movement in an aim to improve the quality of life.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The top rated Sports Medicine degree at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor provides a complete sports medicine services for conditions and injuries that are musculoskeletal orthopedic-related. They put effort in promoting research and educational opportunities in sports medicine both for the staff and the students. That is done through a team that incorporates physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, and physicians along with their assistants. They also offer Orthopedic Sport Medicine and it can be checked here https://medsport.med.umich.edu/ 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Sports Medicine rotation at Emory University gives an in-depth exposure to the wide array of musculoskeletal pathology to their residents. This resident will be intimately engaged in the clinical work-up and in operative and non-operative treatment of pathology. They are expected to master the basic principles of arthroscopy in this rotation. The resident should also be an active participant in open and arthroscopic procedures.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Sports Medicine degree programs at Pepperdine University prepares students for careers both in applied or clinical health professions. This can also open the path for graduate work in disciplines which is related to exercise science. Each degree option asks for extensive laboratory experiences. Students will participate in research in the discipline that are related to their professional aspirations.

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Athletic Training Staff of College of William and Mary’s Sports Medicine Department focuses on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries that covers all intercollegiate student-athletes. This Department takes responsibility for the health care of over 500 student-athletes + 23 intercollegiate sports at the nation’s 2nd oldest institution of higher learning. Tribe athletes enjoy the luxury of rehabilitating and treating injuries in a state-of-the-art athletic training facility that William and Mary provide. They have 11 full time Certified Athletic trainers along with 2 graduate assistants serving in this Department. 

Acceptance Rate

37.68

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Medical Fitness and Sports Medicine major is one of the specializations offered in Kinesiology and Health at The University of Texas at Austin. This is best suited to those who want to pursue a career in the medical field. This specialization shall provide experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students will participate in fieldwork and internship which results in being able to learn different methods of training and treatment. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The BS in sports medicine degree is available at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. This program introduces the relationship between quality of life, physical activity participation, acute and chronic disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Students will learn how to apply both quantitative and qualitative research to the study and practice of physical activity. One of the objectives of this program is to make sure that their graduates are able to demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking whether in oral or written communication. 

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

BSEd in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Georgia delves into the science of physical activity, exercise and sport. This is a good way to prepare for careers in occupational therapy, sports medicine, fitness and wellness and many more. This program is included in their nationally ranked department. Its features are a combination of coursework, research and experiential learning opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The curriculum for Sports Medicine and Health Science Major at Syracuse University will prepare the students for a number of professional certifications. For example, they can earn a certification that is offered by the American College of sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Graduates of this program stayed among the top candidates for careers in sports medicine, sports psychology, athletic administration and physical therapy. This major has been supported by a lot of real-world learning opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Texas Christian University offers a MS degree program in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Medicine and Sports Science.  This program is best suited for students with interest in understanding the link between behavioral, physiological, and psychological factors that affects participation and performance in athletic activity. The course work provided is designed to provide strong backgrounds in psychological antecedents, psychological skills, applications of sport psychology and many more. Completion of this program prepares the students for a career in a variety of performance-based professions of doctoral studies.

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The Sports Medicine Department at Baylor University is committed to provide comprehensive and high-quality services to their student-athletes. On-site medical services are always available. Some of the services they provide are evaluation and treatment of injuries, pre-participation exams, psychological counseling and drug counseling. Their Sports Medicine team consists of nine licensed and certified athletic trainers, two orthopedic doctors and other experienced health care professionals.

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

College of the Ozarks offers a major emphasis in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation. In this major, students are expected to acquire knowledge and deeper understanding of content within a chosen physical education. They will be trained to ensure that each student will develop skills and a work ethic for application in the workplace. Majors will also learn the connection of professional study of human movement with God’s design of mankind’s physical well-being.

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Orthopedics and Sports Medicine degree at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus is a highly regarded academic program.  The school continues to earn regional and national accolades for their sports medicine program.  UW breaks down the program into the following tracks: fellowship, research, patient care, grand rounds, and team care.  Find out which academic pathway fits you best by researching the sports medicine programs at the University of Washington.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

In 2017, San Diego State University established a student organization named Aztec Sports Medicine Association. This organization aims to guide undergraduate students as they pursue both educational and career opportunities in the healthcare field with an emphasis in sports medicine. The meetings held in this organization are interactive and informative. Members get the privilege to hear from guest speakers, get engaged with their peer mentor program and they can even be CPR certified.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Education and Training in Sports Medicine is available at Ohio State University. Their goal is to develop future leaders in sports medicine while leading high-impact innovation. This shall provide experience to a multidisciplinary practice of Sports Medicine within the vicinity of the campus’ location. Students will have the chance to work with Athletic trainers, Radiologists, Physical therapists and many others.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The Sports Medicine Team at Gettysburg College is composed of well-trained sports medicine professionals. Their clinicians offer leading-edge care for individuals that are involved in any forms of an active lifestyle. They focus on helping avoid injury and recover injuries if they occur. Gettysburg-WellSpan’s team of skilled orthopedic and experienced sports medicine specialists have helped many professionals.

Acceptance Rate

48.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Sports Medicine degree at California State University-Long Beach are physicians with specialized training in the treatment as well as in the prevention of illness and injury. They help patients maximize function and at the same time minimize disability. They can assist patients with acute injuries, overuse injuries, concussion, and other head injuries. Aside from seeing athletes, these specialists are also an excellent resource for those who desire to become active or want to begin an exercise program. 

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

A major in Sports Medicine at Berea College requires a completion of a 4-year degree and completion of certification exams. Sports Medicine involves the medical field dealing with injuries that are obtained in athletic fields. They conduct prevention and treatment. Their primary purpose is to prevent, limit and treat injuries to be able to reach full athletic performances. 

Acceptance Rate

30.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

A study of Sport Medicine and Human Psychology is offered at the University of Denver. This class provides an overview of sport psychology’s foundational theories and principles. The knowledge that students will acquire will be applied to psychological concepts and interventions due to this objective: to improve the performance and enjoyment both at the individual and group level. Some of the topics included but not limited to are team dynamics, psychology of sports injury, and psychological skills training.

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Athletic Training program is available at California State University-Fullerton. This program mentors the students to become evidence-based healthcare professionals and athletic trainers. They endeavor to lead the professional preparation of tomorrow’s athletic trainers. They are dedicated in developing exemplary clinicians and leaders that advocate patient-centered healthcare.

Acceptance Rate

52.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Sports Medicine at Purdue University utilizes on-site daily care through their athletic training staff. Registered dietitians, team physicians, dentistry and many others are what comprises their team. Purdue can indeed tract some of the nation’s finest athletic trainers. They have been drawn due to the outstanding reputation of the Sports Medicine/Athletic Training program of Purdue.

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Sports Medicine is available at California State Polytechnic College-Pomona. It strives to provide preventative services, emergency care and clinical diagnosis. It also features therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation both for injuries and medical conditions. The current topics in sports medicine that affect human performance includes sport performance and ergogenic aids age, sports anemia and other selected contemporary topics.

Acceptance Rate

54.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Howard University offers a program for Bachelor of Science in Human Performance. This program is designed to develop working knowledge of the effects of exercise on the beautiful structure and function of different physiological systems with a focus on Sports Medicine. It is a undergraduate program that gives strong curriculum that serves as a gateway to professional schools in medicine and more. Completion of this program may give one an access to careers in corporate fitness, health clubs, conditioning coaching, agency fitness, and personal training.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Whittier College’s staff at Sports Medicine are organized when it comes to providing high-quality medical care to student-athletes. They focus on their health and well-being by means of prevention, recognition, management and reconditioning athletic injuries that are caused by physical activity. Students that are interested in the athletic training profession are welcomed by the Sport Medicine Staff as interns. As a result, students gain insight on important skills and experiences.

Acceptance Rate

57.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

BS in Wellness Management at SUNY College at Oswego can give you the experience and preparation to enter the field of healthcare. A program that focuses on wellness and health managing can be chosen by the students. Students can graduate with a foundation in health science, management behavior and gain skills in needs assessment. Online completion of a degree program is offered to students with appropriate transfer credit.

Acceptance Rate

54.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Most Popular Sports Medicine Jobs

A sports medicine major may see a number of titles during a job search. As such, we have culled a list of commonly seen job titles to help you better understand differing job types and titles in the industry. It is important to understand the responsibilities in sports medicine will vary from employer to employer and to pay special attention to the job title and overall scope of work. A list of the most popular jobs for a sports medicine major include:

  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Kinesiotherapist
  • Exercise Scientist
  • Sports Director
  • Sports Camp Lead
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Sports Lawyer
  • Fitness Director
  • Sport Nutritionist

Top Sports Medicine Degrees

With the array of degree choices in sports medicine, take the time to understand your college degree options below.  You may then simply request information from accredited colleges and universities listed on the page to learn more about each of the degree options.

Sports Medicine Associate’s Degree

An associate’s degree in sports medicine is designed to help students seeking new employment opportunities and expand your vocational choices as a working professional.  In either case, the 2-year program for an associate’s degree in sports medicine will include general education courses and core curriculum.

The objective of combining both sets of classes is to adeptly assist students expand their worldview along with vocational opportunities.  Core curriculum in sports medicine will typically include: anatomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, health, statistics, human physiology, exercise physiology, and chemistry.

The different types of associate degree programs include an Associate of Science (AS) and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).  The AS degree is heavily weighted in exercise physiology and biological sciences in addition to liberal arts classes such as philosophy, creative writing, and English.  An AS degree program may be a viable option if you are considering a career as a personal trainer or fitness coordinator.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree track is similar to the AS with an additional focus on the technical know-how required in the medical field.  AAS degree programs will often include foundational science classes such as biomechanics, kinesiology, motor behavior, and exercise psychology plus the successful completion of an internship.

Sports Medicine Bachelor’s Degree

Sports medicine degrees offered by accredited colleges and universities will either offer a Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor’s of Science (BS).  In many cases, schools will extend sports medicine programs with a concentration in adjacent degree like kinesiology, exercise psychology, or nutrition.

As a passionate student of sports medicine, invest the time to research school programs that work best for you and evaluate their curriculum for the best fit given your career aspirations and vocational objectives.  By putting you first, you will more efficiently narrow down your school options and provide insight into future careers options as you progress from undergraduate programs forward.

Sports Medicine Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine

A master’s degree in sports medicine is known as a Master’s of Science degree or MS degree for short.  The Master’s of Science program in sports medicine include science-rich upper level classes such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, musculoskeletal injuries, nutrition, sports psychology, statistical analysis, and an approved thesis project in sports medicine.

MS programs in exercise science will last 1-2 years and will very likely be conjoined with an adjacent movement science.  Common areas of concentration for an MS program include: exercise physiology, public health, research, clinical exercise, wellness, nutrition, human performance, and fitness.

PhD in Sports Medicine

A doctoral degree in sports medicine is typically a two-year PhD program or Doctor of Philosophy program.  The overriding objective of the PhD program in sports medicine is to prepare students to consult, lead and teach others in an academic, government, public, or private setting.  Doctoral students are expected to master not only their area of specialty but leverage knowledge from adjacent disciplines such as athletic training, exercise physiology, and cognitive neuroscience.

A substantial percentage of the doctorate program in sports medicine will be invested in the dissertation, applying knowledge from lower level classes in research, applied sciences, and sports psychology.  A doctoral degree in sports medicine prepares students to begin rewarding, high-level careers in colleges, healthcare organizations, fitness centers, research facilities, and physical therapy clinics.

Sports Medicine Major Requirements

Individuals in this field will receive normal medical training and residency prior to returning to school to specialize in sports medicine. A sports medicine program will cover the nuances and preventative measures employed by the field, as well as various emergency treatments that may be exhibited through various sports in order to be prepared for immediate care. Additionally, techniques will be learned that assist in keeping players fit and strong in order to avoid potential problems.

A curriculum may include:

Sports medicine schools should have active programs that are up to date regarding the evolving methodologies and techniques developed to deal with specific sport related issues. Additionally, current information regarding preventive care and environment where such an education can applied and practices are ideal for potential sports medicine specialists to be. Contacting programs to see what kind of practical experience is available can go a long way in determining which school is right for the individuals student.

Employment Opportunities in Sports Medicine

Individuals in this field will typically seek employment through professional sports teams, or as personal hires of individual players or group of players. A doctor will receive his or her certification through one of the many certifying bodies that provide additional education in sports medicine.

Athletic programs at schools and individual leagues may also have professionals employed to ensure safety at sporting events. Job growth is expected to increase as the population grows and more individuals seek athletics as a personal, collegiate or professional activity requiring more healthcare professionals.

Top Sports Medicine Job Titles

While jobs, roles, and responsibilities will vary from company to company, a list of common job titles in sports medicine is important to know.  The list below represents a list of the top job titles found in a survey of sports medicine professionals from around the country.

  • Clinical Exercise Physiologist
  • Bariatric Weight Loss Clinic Manager and Counselor
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Director
  • Clinical Exercise Specialist
  • Coordinator Cardiopulmonary Services
  • Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant
  • Health and Physical Education Professor (HPE Professor)
  • Physical Education Professor (PE Professor)
  • Certified Athletic Trainer
  • Clinical Instructor
  • Head Athletic Trainer/Strength Coach
  • Sports Medicine Coordinator
  • Fitness Director
  • Fitness Coordinator/Specialist/Instructor
  • Personal Trainer

Sports Medicine Professional Certificates

The field of sports medicine is a broad field of study for those passionate about helping others, sport, athletic training, and physical performance. Given the importance of maintaining professional integrity and quality in the profession, professional certification is required in the sports medicine field.

It is not only a means to ensure skills and knowledge of a practitioner are sufficient, it provides qualified professionals with the credentials to support their investment in the sports medicine arena.

While a certification may not be required by your state, your future employer may indeed mandate a certification for their office or organization. Earning a professional certification along with a college degree from an accredited university adds credibility and helps you stand out in a competitive workplace environment. Examples of professional certificates may be earned from the ACSM, ACE or the NASM in one or more of the following areas:

  • Certified Health Fitness Specialist (CHFS)
  • Clinical Exercise Specialist (CES)
  • Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
  • Certified Group Exercise Instructor (GEI)
  • Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET)
  • Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT)
  • Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS)

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