If you’re interested in a career in sports medicine, a bachelor’s degree will qualify you for many entry-level positions. However, some positions require a master’s degree. Depending on your specialization, a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine can lead to positions as athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, and recreational therapists. Obtaining a doctorate in sports medicine will open more doors and provide you with specialized training. Sports Medicine Toledo-QC Kinetix (Sylvania) has some nice tips on this.
In addition to medical school, sports physicians complete a fellowship in sports medicine. The fellowship allows these physicians to specialize in a specific area of medicine, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or musculoskeletal medicine. After completing this training, physicians are eligible to take the National Board of Medical Examiners’ Sports Medicine certification. Many ONS sports medicine physicians are consulting team physicians for professional sports organizations, and they work with local high school athletic teams. Some have authored research papers related to sports medicine.
A master’s degree in sports medicine may be enough for many jobs in this field. However, a physician’s degree is not enough for every job. A sports psychology doctor, for example, conducts studies to understand the link between cognitive processes and physical performance. They can also work in a hospital, clinic, or as a team physician. It all depends on your personal interests and the kind of training you want to complete. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for a career in sports medicine, you may need additional certifications or licensure for a particular position.
The NATA SSATC Sports Medicine Course focuses on knowledge-based study. In addition to discussing the foundations of sports medicine, students will study the history of the field, types of careers in sports medicine, and legal issues related to the field. Moreover, they will learn about health and fitness concepts, including physiology and psychological aspects of injuries and illnesses. The course will also provide you with the necessary skills to become a licensed physician.
New York University Langone’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery includes a Division of Sports Medicine. The division is a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery that integrates the clinical aspects of athletic injuries. NYU Langone Health’s sports medicine surgeons perform more than 5,000 surgical procedures annually, including hip, knee, and elbow surgeries. They also perform arthroscopic surgery. There are also orthopedic specialists in the department. The Division of Sports Medicine is a highly-regarded center for orthopedic treatment.
Many individuals think of sports medicine in relation to orthopedics. While it does, other medical specialties play an important role in sports medicine. Cardiac rehabilitation involves doctors and allied health professionals who help patients recover from cardiovascular events and increase their functional capacities. There are many other types of doctors and practitioners working in sports medicine, so it’s important to consult a sports medicine specialist before starting a new exercise program or a physical therapy program.
The salary ranges for different sports medicine positions differ. Occupational growth for athletic trainers is expected to be 19 percent over the next decade, faster than average. Exercise physiologists are expected to experience a 10% growth over the next decade, according to the BLS. They earn a median salary of $49,170. Those who are already working in this field enjoy salaries of at least $100,000 annually. You can also choose an internship to develop your skills in a hands-on environment and gain valuable insights into this industry.