An Overview of Sports Medicine Specializations

Sports Medicine: An Overview

Sports Medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness. It focuses on preventing and treating injuries. Many doctors specialize in sports medicine. There are several different types of sports medicine. Below, you will find an overview of the specializations available in sports medicine. There are also a variety of educational requirements and work environments.

Careers in Sports Medicine

There are many career options available for people interested in sports medicine. Most positions in the field require advanced education, but some can be entered without a formal degree. For example, sports medicine physicians need to have at least a bachelor's degree in pre-med or a medical degree, and then complete a year of residency. Athletic trainers can earn certification after completing an undergraduate degree and a master's degree.

If you love sports and are interested in helping athletes recover from injuries, careers in sports medicine can be a great fit. Increasing participation in sports and activities is creating a substantial demand for these professionals, and the BLS predicts a 17% job growth in the sector by 2028. Salaries for sports medicine professionals vary considerably, depending on their level of education. Athletic trainers typically earn a median annual salary of $48,440, while occupational therapists earn a median annual salary of $84,950.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a sports medicine nurse practitioner, you will need to earn a BSN or a related degree. It typically takes four years to complete a BSN. Alternatively, you can earn an associate's degree in nursing, which usually takes five or six years. You can also attend part-time school for up to five years. Then you will need to complete graduate school, where you can earn a master's degree or doctor of nursing practice. The cost of an advanced degree varies according to whether you are a public or an out-of-state student.

To become a sports medicine physician, you need a medical doctor's degree. In the U.S., physicians have to complete a four-year medical program, but osteopathic physicians have to complete a four-year program. In either case, you will also need to complete a residency or fellowship. During residency, you will work under the supervision of a physician or other healthcare professionals and develop your clinical skills. Afterwards, you can practice independently as a sports medicine physician.

Work Environments

Physicians who specialize in sports medicine work in a variety of work environments, including hospitals, clinics, sports teams, and venues. They are responsible for treating athletes with injuries and creating fitness plans for the athletes. In addition to caring for athletes, they can also diagnose illnesses and treat psychological conditions. Work environments for sports medicine physicians can vary from large clinics to small, local sports teams. Some sports medicine physicians specialize in specific patient groups, such as school-aged children.

A sports medicine physician may work in a hospital, clinic, or university. Many work full-time and may be on call twenty-four hours a day. Some may also work weekends and holidays. This job requires long hours and travel, and physicians need to stay current on current trends.

Specializations

The field of sports medicine has deep roots that span thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Chinese viewed physical activity as a way to improve health and prevent illness, and the Romans valued athletics as an important form of self-improvement and education. The discipline of sports medicine has evolved considerably in recent decades due to the prominence of physical activity as a part of everyday life.

A four-year degree in sports medicine will provide the educational foundation for a variety of careers in the field. Coursework will cover the fundamentals of sports medicine, as well as anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and therapeutic modalities. Students will also learn about clinical decision-making and therapeutic interventions.

Certification

If you want to work in the field of sports medicine, you need to get certified first. The sport medicine certificate program at Tulane University is designed to train you for a career as an athletic trainer. It teaches you the foundational skills and knowledge you need to help athletes recover from injuries. The program also covers topics like ethics, the different types of sports injuries, and the treatment of injuries.

To get certified, you need to complete the appropriate exams. The ABP offers two types of sports medicine subspecialties, as well as two general certifications. The first one is for pediatricians and the other is for sports medicine specialists.