Sports Medicine Professions

Sports medicine careers are ideal for those who want to help people overcome sports injuries. As a graduate of a sports medicine degree program, you can pursue a variety of jobs, including personal trainer and physical therapist. Read on for details regarding some popular careers in sports medicine. Schools offering .

A career in sports medicine requires an understanding of medical science as well as human motion and exercise. There are a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in sports medicine that are designed to prepare you for a sports medicine career, but many related careers require additional education and licensure. Some potential sports medicine careers are outlined below.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers assist people with the development and execution of personalized exercise programs. In this career, you will work one-on-one with your clients to create exercise routines that meet their fitness needs. Many personal trainers work in fitness centers or health clubs where exercise facilities are readily available. Although a college degree is not necessarily required to become a personal trainer, most fitness facilities require trainers to at least hold certifications. A bachelor's degree in sports medicine can boost a personal trainer's credibility and chances for advancement.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2012, the number of jobs available for fitness workers, including personal trainers, was expected to increase by 13% between 2012 and 2022 (www.bls.gov). The BLS stated that this was due to more people and businesses investing in health and fitness.

Athletic Trainer

As an athletic trainer, you will work with coaches, team physicians and physical therapists to treat and prevent sports-related injuries in high school, college, or professional athletes. An accredited undergraduate degree is required to sit for the certification examination, which is administered by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). Most states require licensure to become an athletic trainer. The BLS reported in 2012 that employment for athletic trainers was expected to grow 21% between that year and 2022.