Sports Medicine Education and Career Pathways

Sports medicine is a multifaceted field focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports and exercise. It encompasses a wide range of healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health and performance of athletes and active individuals of all ages and abilities. For over 50 years, organizations like the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) have supported orthopaedic sports medicine professionals in these endeavors. This article explores the educational requirements, career options, and advancement opportunities within sports medicine.

The Broad Scope of Sports Medicine

The sports medicine industry is not limited to elite athletes; it includes anyone who participates in physical activity, from recreational enthusiasts to competitive professionals. Professionals in this field work in various settings, including athletic facilities, hospitals, colleges, and high schools. Some provide immediate assistance on the field, while others focus on rehabilitation in clinical settings. The field addresses all stages of injury: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The growing demand for sports medicine professionals is driven by several factors. The population as a whole is aging, which brings along age-associated risks that come from general physical activity. Additionally, as people age, they are more likely to have chronic conditions that can impact their activity levels. Sports medicine can help those who fall in either population, contributing to its growing demand. For those who pursue a sports medicine career, this high demand can translate to increased job opportunities.

Educational Pathways in Sports Medicine

A career in sports medicine begins with a solid educational foundation. The specific requirements vary depending on the chosen profession, but a bachelor's degree is typically the starting point.

Bachelor's Degree in Sports Medicine

A Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine provides foundational knowledge in sports injuries, on-field emergencies, and therapeutic interventions. Such programs, typically requiring 120 credits, prepare students for graduate studies or entry-level positions in the field.

Curriculum Components:

A typical sports medicine bachelor's program includes:

Major Core Courses: These courses cover topics such as athletic and sport injuries, clinical skills in sports medicine, sports psychology, human physiology, functional human anatomy, personal and community health, general medical conditions evaluation, therapeutic rehabilitation, and a practicum in sports medicine. For example, the curriculum might include courses like "Athletic and Sport Injuries," "Clinical Skills in Sports Medicine," and "Therapeutic Rehabilitation."
General Education Requirements: These courses ensure a well-rounded education and include written communication skills (e.g., First-Year Writing I and II), quantitative skills (e.g., introductory calculus), and areas of knowledge such as arts & humanities, people & society, and STEM.
Other Requirements: These may include a minor in a related field, statistics, research methods, chemistry, biology, and physics.

Example Curriculum:

A sample curriculum might include the following courses:

KIN 184: Athletic and Sport Injuries
KIN 207: Clinical Skills in Sports Medicine
KIN 212: Elements of Sports Psychology
KIN 232: Basic Human Physiology
KIN 234: Functional Human Anatomy
KIN 235: Personal and Community Health
KIN 264: General Medical Conditions Evaluation
KIN 301: Athletic Injuries and Sport First Aid
KIN 330: Medical Terminology, Documentation and Reimbursement
KIN 384: Athletic and Sport Injuries 2
KIN 400: Practicum in Sports Medicine
KIN 460: Seminar in Sport Medicine
KIN 463: Therapeutic Rehabilitation 1

In addition to these major courses, students complete general education requirements.

Program Goals:

The goals of a sports medicine bachelor's program typically include:

Creating an interprofessional learning environment that fosters an appreciation for the healthcare team.
Providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue graduate education or employment in the field.
Developing patient evaluation, injury prevention, and critical thinking skills.

Master's Degree in Sports Medicine

A Master of Science in Sports Medicine enhances knowledge and understanding of the athletic field. These programs often include concentrations such as performance nutrition or high-performance leadership. More than 70% of athletic trainers pursue a master’s degree in sports medicine, athletic training, exercise science, or another related field.

At USAHS, our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is designed to be completed in 1.7 years (5 trimesters), while those pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree can expect it to take around 2.3 years (7 trimesters). *Program designed to be completed in this time frame.

Doctoral Degrees in Sports Medicine

For those seeking advanced clinical or research roles, a doctoral degree is often required. This may include a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a related field.

Career Options by Education Level

The level of education significantly influences the career opportunities available in sports medicine.

Careers with a Bachelor's Degree

Athletic Trainer: Athletic trainers prevent, treat, and help athletes recover from injuries. They earn a median salary of $60,250, and the field is projected to grow by 11% from 2024-2034. Certification through the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer exam is typically required. An athletic trainer, a common career for those with a sports medicine degree, provides preventative and rehabilitative care to athletes. Depending on the extent of an injury, an athletic trainer may need to collaborate with other health care professionals, coaches, and athletes to treat their clients. This may include consulting specialists for more thorough examinations or ordering X-rays or MRIs to determine the extent of an injury. Athletic trainers educate athletes about how to prevent or reduce injuries. This includes teaching athletes how to train and condition without overworking their bodies.
Coach: Coaches lead teams, organize practices, and strategize. The median salary is $45,920, and the field is projected to grow by 6%.
Exercise Physiologist: Exercise physiologists develop and prescribe exercise regimens to improve strength and function. They earn a median salary of $58,160, and the field is projected to grow by 9%. Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is often required. An exercise physiologist conducts fitness assessments and physiological testing to evaluate the client’s cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and exercise capacity. Once this information has been collected and analyzed, the physiologist creates and oversees an exercise program for the client with specific health conditions. Exercise physiologists guide exercise recommendations, intensity levels, and progression over time to fully optimize the performance outcome.
Recreational Therapist: Recreational therapists use recreation-based treatments to improve mental and physical health. They earn a median salary of $60,280, and the field is projected to grow by 3%. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is typically required.
High School Teacher: High school teachers educate students and develop curriculum. The median salary is $64,580, but the field is projected to decline by 2%. A teaching license is required, varying by state.

Careers with a Master's Degree

Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists help patients recover motion and function from injuries and disabilities. They earn a median salary of $98,340, and the field is projected to grow by 14%. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy is required.
Physician Assistant: Physician assistants examine and diagnose patients, prescribe medicine, and treat lower-risk injuries. They earn a median salary of $133,260, and the field is projected to grow by 20%. The Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) is required.
Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care to improve and manage patient health. They earn a median salary of $129,210, and the field is projected to grow by 35%, making it the fastest-growing career in sports medicine. Certification through organizations like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) is required.

Careers with a Doctorate

Postsecondary Teacher: Postsecondary teachers educate college students and conduct research. They earn a median salary of $83,980, and the field is projected to grow by 7%.
Physical Therapist: Physical therapists rehabilitate injured or ill people’s movement and manage pain. They require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a medical licensing examination.

Becoming a Sports Medicine Physician

For those interested in a career as a sports medicine physician, the path is extensive, requiring at least 12 years of education after high school. Sports medicine physicians treat injuries of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. A career in sports medicine includes providing care for athletes and also providing healthcare for non-athletes who have injuries brought on by active lives or participation in sports.

Steps to Becoming a Sports Medicine Physician:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Complete a four-year undergraduate program, typically majoring in chemistry, biology, or pre-medicine. Students commonly also choose to take in-depth courses in chemistry, biology, math, literature and other subjects as part of a pre-medical education.
Attend Medical School: Graduate with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. In medical school, students take classes on the anatomy and physiology of the human body, working in patient care, pharmacology, and medical ethics during the first two years. The last two years are spent in clinical rotations in hospital settings, where students gain experience working in patient care and perfecting communication, as well as medical record keeping, and teamwork with other doctors.
Obtain a Medical License: Apply for a temporary medical license after graduating from medical school. States often mandate that doctors have a medical license to practice lawfully.
Complete a Residency: Complete a three- to four-year residency in a field such as family medicine, emergency medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, or internal medicine.
Enroll in a Fellowship: Finish a one- to two-year fellowship in sports medicine, gaining experience in treating sports injuries and working with sports teams. During the sports medicine fellowship, they learn more about sports injuries while working as team doctors for groups such as a high school or college sports team. They will learn to treat sprains, strains, broken bones, and more.
Complete Medical Certification and Licensure: Pass the USMLE or COMLEX exams and board examinations in their specialty.

Sports medicine doctors can work in various places including colleges, clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They can serve as a medical team leader for a sports medicine group or sports team that might also include coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and specialized orthopedic surgeons. Sports medicine docs will make treatment recommendations, diagnose ailments, and refer patients to other experts, such as orthopedic surgeons. Sports medicine doctors provide non-surgical treatments for sports-related illnesses and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Many sports medicine doctors collaborate closely with an orthopedic surgeon if surgery is required. Athletes, parents, and coaches of sports can also receive guidance from sport medicine doctors to ensure optimal workout routines and injury healing.

Read also: Your Guide to Sports Communication

Salary Expectations:

The median salary for a sports medicine physician varies based on the type of residency completed. According to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), the median salary is $300,125. The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports salaries for physicians in academic settings, with a median salary of $229,814 for an assistant professor in sports medicine who completed a family medicine residency, and $331,999 for a full professor.

Advancing Your Sports Medicine Career

Formal education is essential, but continuous learning is crucial for career advancement in sports medicine.

Certifications and Licensure

Many sports medicine professions require certification or licensure. For example, athletic trainers and exercise physiologists typically need certification, while coaches may not. Sports medicine physicians often need a certificate of added qualifications from the American Board of Family Medicine, which includes full-time training in an accredited fellowship program and a passing score on the Sports Medicine Certification exam.

Continuing Education

In addition to formal education, certificate programs offered through professional organizations like ACSM and NASM keep professionals updated on the latest advancements in sports medicine. These organizations offer courses and certifications in areas such as clinical exercise physiology, performance enhancement, nutrition, and corrective exercises. Fellowships, such as those offered by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), provide further specialized training.

Resources for Sports Medicine Majors

Several organizations offer resources and support for students and professionals in sports medicine:

American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM): Dedicated to podiatric sports medicine, offering student chapters, fellowships, and research opportunities. Founded in 1970 by Dr. Robert Barnes, the AAPSM has more than 700 members dedicated to the field of podiatric sports medicine. The academy hosts student chapters, funds a fellowship, and supports research and education opportunities.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): Promotes scientific research and offers certifications and continuing education resources. ACSM - with some 50,000 members that span 90 countries - promotes scientific research that elevates sports medicine. The association offers numerous certifications, including credentials to exercise physiologists and personal trainers. You can also access continuing education resources and journals.
International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS): Connects sports physicians worldwide to advance education and scientific study. Established in 1928, FIMS connects 125,000 sports physicians across 117 countries with the aim to advance education and scientific study. FIMS offers professional development courses, international meetings, and regional conferences.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA): Represents athletic trainers and offers continuing education and professional development opportunities. NATA began in 1950 to represent some of the earliest practitioners of sports medicine. Today the association has 45,000 members. Members receive up to 10 continuing education units at no extra cost and professional development opportunities.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine: A peer-reviewed scientific journal offering vital scientific information and resources for clinical sports medicine practitioners. The American Journal of Sports Medicine is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that has been in publication since 1972. The journal is published 14 times a year and offers vital scientific information and resources for clinical sports medicine practitioners.

The Role of a Team Physician: An In-Depth Look

While many sports medicine professionals work in clinical settings, some serve as team physicians, providing comprehensive medical care to athletes.

What a Team Physician Does

A team physician is a medical doctor affiliated with a sports team or organization. They manage routine, preventative, and urgent medical care, serving as the team's first point of contact for medical attention and advice. Team physicians can provide a full range of treatments, including medications and minimally invasive procedures, and triage complex cases to the appropriate specialists.

Common Conditions Treated:

Team physicians handle a wide range of medical concerns, including:

Concussions
Stress fractures
Meniscal injuries
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Fractures
Muscle sprains and strains
Sciatica
Shin splints
Runner’s knee
Tennis elbow
Achilles tendinopathy
Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions
Disc herniation
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears

How to Become a Team Physician

The path to becoming a team physician requires extensive education and training:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
Earn a Medical Degree: 4 years
Complete Residency Training: 3 years in a primary care specialty like family medicine or internal medicine
Complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship: 1 year
Secure a Medical License: Pass the USMLE exams
Optional Certifications: Complete supplemental training and certifications like the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Sports Medicine

Advice for Aspiring Team Physicians

It’s important to understand that team physicians typically maintain a clinical practice in addition to their work with a sports team. As Dr. Joshua T. Goldman, Team Physician at UCLA, explains, team physicians spend most of their time caring for non-athletes with musculoskeletal issues. Those interested in the glamour of being on the sidelines should reconsider their priorities and ensure they enjoy the everyday aspects of the job.

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