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A sports Medicine Degree (as a Bachelor's) prepares students to apply clinical and practical knowledge in disciplines leading them to success in careers focusing on exercise science. Whether you work directly as a trainer for a school's football team or dream of working with national sports associations to aid professional athletes, a degree in sports medicine will help you achieve these goals!
Curriculum for a sports management degree includes-
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
- Sports Pharmacology
- Sports-Specific Training and Conditioning
Jobs within Sports Medicine
The average salary for a person working within sports medicine can vary between $29,000 and upwards of $350,000. The average nationwide within the United States is about $119,181. Actual physicians in sports medicine make the most between this scale. Meanwhile specialists make about the average. The Bureau of Labor statistics projects that there will be a 9% growth between 2021 to 2031 for careers in Sports Medicine.
Some other positions within Sports Medicine Include-
- Physical Therapists
- Orthopedic Technicians
- Advanced Practicing Nurses
And much more!
Some of the Best colleges within Sports Medicine
Logan University
Logan University is a college centered out of Missouri where their primary focus in education lies in Chiropractics and Health Sciences. They boast on their Website being ranked in the top ten best colleges for Sports Medicine by Sports Management Degree Hub. Net price for attendance is around $12,406 and their acceptance rate is about 85%
Logan University emphasizes hands-on clinical training to ensure students gain practical experience in sports medicine. Through internships, externships, and on-campus clinics, students have opportunities to work with athletes and sports teams under the supervision of experienced faculty.
The sports medicine program at Logan University prepares students to pursue additional certifications to enhance their qualifications. Some standard certifications include Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).
Boston University
Boston University is located in Massachusetts, and it is a general Public University. The acceptance rate of Boston University is about 20% which is one of the more prestigious schools on this list. Annual tuition is about $58,560, 90% more expensive than the national average.
Boston University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Athletic Training. This program is designed for students interested in becoming certified athletic trainers. It provides comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for a career in sports medicine and athletic healthcare. Boston University offers various graduate programs relevant to sports medicine and related fields.
Boston University's Center for Sports Medicine is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to preventing, treating, and rehabilitating sports-related injuries. It serves both BU student-athletes and the broader community. The center offers comprehensive sports medicine services, including injury evaluations, physical therapy, rehabilitation, performance training, and sports nutrition.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University, as it says in the name, is based out of Ohio. Another general Public University that offers much more than just majors relating to sports medicine. The acceptance rate of the University is 68% and the average cost of attendance in-state is around $13,000 and out-of-state is around $36,000.
OSU offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Sports Medicine. This program provides foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, and injury prevention. Students also have opportunities for clinical experiences and internships.
OSU is actively involved in sports medicine research across various disciplines. Faculty and researchers at the university conduct studies on topics such as injury prevention, performance enhancement, biomechanics, concussion management, and sports psychology. Students can participate in research projects and work with faculty members.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is another school that has primarily graduates with majors related to Health sciences. They are one of the more affordable schools on the list with in-state tuition costing about $6,410 and out-of-state costing around $17,324. The student to faculty ratio is 22:1 allowing for more personal connections to be made between student and professor. And their acceptance rate sits at about 49% so if your GPA is on the higher end, it should be attainable.
USF offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Athletic Training. This program prepares students to become certified athletic trainers who work with athletes and active individuals to prevent, diagnose, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, injury evaluation, therapeutic modalities, and rehabilitation techniques.
The University of South Florida is home to the SMART Institute, dedicated to research, education, and outreach in sports medicine. The institute collaborates with various departments and professionals to advance knowledge and best practices in sports-related injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA is another one of the more prestigious schools with an acceptance rate of about 11%. But unlike these higher-ranking schools, it is more affordable. In-state tuition sits at about $13,804 and out-of-state tuition is around $44,830. It is ranked by US News as the best Public School within the United States. Student to faculty ratio is 18:1 so this is one of the highest ranked schools with low student faculty ratios, allowing for more personal connections with professors.
UCLA operates a comprehensive Sports Medicine Center that provides many services for athletes and active individuals. The center offers state-of-the-art facilities, including imaging, physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and sports performance training. It is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals specializing in sports medicine.
UCLA offers various undergraduate programs that can serve as pathways to sports medicine or related fields. These include Physiology, Human Biology and Society, and Exercise Science majors. Students can choose courses and electives related to sports medicine, exercise physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and injury prevention.
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is Ranked 25th on the top public Universities. For in-state tuition the cost sits at around $21,381and out-of-state tuition costs about $56,837, which makes this one of the costlier schools on this list like Boston University. They have a student faculty ratio at about 15:1 making it one of the lower ratios as well.
UVA operates a state-of-the-art Sports Medicine Center that provides specialized care for athletes and active individuals. The center offers various services, including orthopedic surgery, sports physical therapy, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, sports nutrition, and performance enhancement programs.
UVA is actively engaged in sports medicine research across a variety of areas. Faculty and researchers conduct studies on sports injuries, injury prevention, rehabilitation techniques, biomechanics, sports performance, and sports psychology. Students can participate in research projects and work with faculty members.
Sam Houston State University
The Acceptance rate of this university is about 97% making it one of the most achievable out of any on this list and one of the most affordable. In-state tuition is only $10,756 and their out-of-state tuition is only $23,206. Their student to faculty ratio is 26:1 making it one of the higher ratios. If you want a more rural setting to get your education, this would be the university for you.
SHSU offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Athletic Training. This program is designed to prepare students for a career as certified athletic trainers. Students learn about injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and sports medicine principles and practices. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, exercise science, nutrition, therapeutic modalities, and clinical experiences.
SHSU has an Athletic Training Student Association that provides a platform for students in the sports medicine program to network, engage in professional development activities, and promote awareness of athletic training and sports medicine. The association may organize guest lectures, workshops, community outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities.
That’s our list of the top colleges for sports medicine!
Regardless of whether you are able to get into some of the higher ranked schools, or if you cannot afford some of these, do not stress! Any education is better than no education and all and with a higher growth percentage within fields of sports medicine there are sure to be careers. Sports medicine tends to have higher overall job gratification as well so if you love sports and helping other people just go for it! Anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it and in no time, you will be working the job of your dreams. Look to some of our resources for any help through your college journey.
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