Sports Medicine Majors and Undergraduate Degree Programs
Sports medicine is the branch of health care specializing in the treatment and prevention of athletic injuries. Students can prepare for graduate-level sports medicine programs through an undergraduate major or associate degree program.
Associate of Science in Sports Medicine
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Sports Medicine program typically focuses on the sports, health, prevention, exercise and physiological aspects of sports science and medicine. Students gain introductory training in fitness, lifestyle and health assessment, as well as targeted exercise activities. Completion of an externship in the field is typically a requirement for an A.S. in sports medicine program.
Educational Prerequisites
Students applying for admission to an associate sports medicine program need to submit high school transcripts. Some colleges also require students to complete written or oral entrance exams and human and anatomy coursework prior to full admission to the program.
Program Coursework
The associate degree in sports medicine degree typically takes two years to complete through coursework in general and sport science areas, such as the following:
- Introduction to sports medicine
- Weight management
- Kinesiology lab
- Prevention and care of athletic injury
- Sports psychology
- Sports law and administration
Popular Career Options
Students who have completed a sports medicine associate degree are trained for sports-related careers like these:
- Intramural sports official
- Sports camp group leader
- Athletic training assistant
Continuing Education
Graduates of an A.S. in sports medicine program typically pursue certification as personal trainers or fitness instructions, such as the National Fitness Certification. Students may also be able to transfer their coursework to an undergraduate sports medicine program.
Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine
Undergraduate majors pursing training in sports medicine may consider earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sports Medicine. Students may choose concentrations in exercise science, health sciences or rehabilitative science. The program typically takes between 3-4 years to complete. Students take courses and get the opportunities to receive hands-on training in professional surroundings. A program may offer an internship program during the summer months. The health sciences concentration is good undergraduate preparation for graduate programs such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise science, medicine or physician assistant.
Educational Prerequisites
A high school or GED certificate is a requirement for admission to the program. Students may need to complete general education courses, such as anatomy, physiology, sociology and English, prior to admission into the undergraduate sports medicine major. The associate degree in sports medicine may also prepare students for the undergraduate bachelor's program.
Program Coursework
The bachelor's level sports medicine program trains students to prevent and care for injuries among athletes. Courses may include:
- Injury medical assessment
- Kinesiology
- Therapeutic exercise
- Clinical practicum
- Nutrition
Popular Career Options
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sports Medicine seeks to help athletes meet their goals by helping them reach their best performance levels. Majors are prepared for careers as athletic trainers and other sports medicine-related professions (some may require additional education), such as:
- Exercise physiologist
- Sports lawyer
- Fitness director
- Sport nutritionist
- Physical therapist
Continuing Education
Graduates of the B.S. in Sports Medicine may choose to pursue further training in a medical school or master's degree in the field. Programs may also prepare students for careers in advanced sports medicine, such as a medical practitioner.
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