Sports medicine professionals diagnose, treat and prevent sports-related injuries, as well as studying training, athletic performance and sports psychology. Continue reading to learn about associate's degrees in the field, educational requirements, common course topics and industry statistics.
What Does A Sports Medicine Program Entail?
The practice of sports medicine is broad in scope, attempting to service patients from the time of injury through treatment and rehabilitation, which may include educating the patient about injury prevention in the future. The sports medicine associate's degree program emphasizes athletic training and prepares students to transfer to an accredited 4-year school to continue their educations.
Some associate's degree programs allow students to assist with the school's athletic training facility and gain hands-on experience while working with the school's athletes. Students also learn to safely use and assist others with exercise and fitness equipment. Students with an A.S. in sports medicine can become trainers at local fitness centers. Most associate degrees programs also require an externship to complete the program.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Field Focus</b></td><td> Injury treatment, injury prevention, rehabilitation</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b></td><td> High school diploma; completion of science and biology courses in high school required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Sports psychology, sports nutrition, strength training and conditioning</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 16% growth (<i>for athletic trainers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Mean Annual Wage (2020)</b></td><td> $52,230 (<i>for athletic trainers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationalPrerequisites">What Are the Educational Prerequisites?</h3><p>Associate's degree programs in sports medicine are typically offered through community or junior colleges and other 2-year technical or vocational schools. Prospective students wanting to enroll in a sports medicine associate's degree program should have completed science and biology courses in high school.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheTypicalCollegeCoursework">What is the Typical College Coursework?</h3><p>When you are enrolled in a sports medicine associate's degree program you will first develop your science, mathematics and communications skills. Training in proper CPR and first aid procedures is also included. Coursework in a sports medicine program includes:
</p><ul><li>Human anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Health and wellness
</li><li>Sports psychology
</li><li>Sports nutrition
</li><li>Strength training and conditioning
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatDoesTheFutureOfTheIndustryLookLike">What Does The Future of the Industry Look Like?</h3><p>Those who go on to complete at least a bachelor's degree in sports medicine can pursue careers as athletic trainers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), athletic trainer employment from 2019-2029 was expected to grow 16% (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). This percentage is much higher than the national average, due in part to rising awareness of sports related injuries. As reported by the BLS, the average annual salary for athletic trainers as of May 2020 was $52,230.</p>
