Are you considering becoming a sports doctor? Are you confused on how to become sports medicine physician? Well, you are in the right place as we will be explaining to you what it will take to be a sports physician in U.S.
Nonetheless, for those asking what colleges have the best sports medicine programs, relax as we will also show you where colleges with best sports medicine programs are located in the united state.
Sports medicine is an intriguing area since it allows you to work with athletes to optimize their well-being and minimize or fix injuries sustained during training.
The first thing to understand about sports medicine is that it is not a separate specialty. You don’t get a diploma in sports medicine. Sports medicine specialists are typically certified in another medical specialty before doing an additional study.
However, this does not imply that all colleges are supposed to be equal. There are degrees that will go into greater detail on the common challenges that athletes face. The first step in entering the field is to attend a college with a good sports science or physical therapy program.
Sports medicine is a very competitive field. Medical graduates are frequently drawn to the challenge and thrill of dealing with children and professional sports. Individuals who attend one of the best sports medical programs improve their chances of landing one of the most sought-after careers in sports medicine.
What you require is the most complete guide of sports medicine colleges in New York and the best sports medicine colleges in Texas.
While sports medicine may sound similar to physical therapy, there is a significant distinction. The goal of physical therapy is to restore body functions through stretching and exercise.
Sports medicine is more advanced than general medicine because it might include surgery and other advanced treatments for athletes.
According to Wikipedia, Sports medicine is known as a branch of medicine that focuses on physical fitness, and the treatment, and prevention of sports injuries.
The goal of sports and exercise medicine (SEM), as it is commonly known, is to assist people in exercising safely and effectively in order to attain training goals.
Sports medicine practitioners or specialists, in general, treat a wide range of physical disorders, including acute injuries such as fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations.
They also treat chronic overuse injuries like tendinitis, degenerative illnesses, and fatigue syndrome.
How To Become Sports Medicine Physician
#1. Take Charge of Your Own Future
Because there is currently no faculty that teaches sports medicine, you will need to follow a special academic path that consists of several levels.
#2. Obtain a bachelor’s degree.
There are courses that must be completed in order to gain entry to the more advanced degree required to become a doctor.
Choosing the correct bachelor’s degree will allow you to take these classes and understand how they connect to your profession. It will also save you a lot of time and trouble when applying for your Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
I can’t tell you which degree to pursue because everyone has different preferences. What I can tell you is that you should choose a degree that will prepare you for more advanced medical study. Get a solid foundation in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy, as all of these, will be useful in your medical career.
#3. Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is a standardized test that evaluates candidates’ abilities in fields relevant to doctors. You will exhibit your understanding of science, communication, and logic.
The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) administers the exam in several sites across the country in January and from March to September.
You can also access tools and mock examinations on the AAMC website to help you prepare for the exam.
#4. Finish an MD or DO program.
To obtain the necessary credentials to work in sports medicine, you must first complete either an MD or a DO program.
#5. Finish your residency and obtain your Certificate of Added Qualifications.
Every doctor, including sports medicine professionals, must finish a residency program. Each specialty has its own residency program, with sports medicine taking three years.
After completing the three years, you will be eligible for a two-year fellowship in sports medicine. You’ll be able to obtain your Certification of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine with these two extra years under your belt.
#6. Obtain your License
You’re nearly there! To obtain your license, you must pass the appropriate examination based on your degree (MD or DO).
As you can see from this timeline, becoming a sports medicine doctor is a lengthy procedure. It makes sense to choose the correct college for you because you’ll be studying and interning for at least 12 years before becoming a practitioner.
Majors in Sports Medicine
Nonsurgical procedures are the primary emphasis of sports medicine. Most exercise-related injuries do not necessitate the services of a surgeon.
Sports medicine is not only concerned with healing injuries or assisting wounded athletes in recovering faster; it is also concerned with helping athletes improve their performance and get maximum advantages.
Strength training, sports psychology, dietary training, and a specific workout program are used to achieve these goals.
Sports medicine is essentially a combination of basic medical science and particular elements of sports science, exercise physiology, orthopedics, biomechanics, sports nutrition, and even sports psychology.
Physicians, surgeons, athletic trainers, sports psychologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, coaches, Dietitians, and personal trainers are all welcome to join the sports medicine team.
What degrees are offered in Sports Medicine?
As previously stated, there are numerous great sports medical colleges around the world. These sports medicine schools may provide associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degrees in the discipline.
Several colleges also provide online sports medicine courses and/or training programs, but these are often at the undergraduate level. Each grade level is discussed in greater depth below.
These programs can last 18 to 24 months and are frequently paired with themes like sports medicine/sports coach or sports medicine and fitness technology. Students may participate in clinics and/or externships, as well as take classes in the following subjects:
Kinesiology
Exercise physiology
Human anatomy
Sports injuries
Bachelor of Sports Medicine
Bachelor of Sports Medicine programs are often provided as a Bachelor of Science degree, however, some programs are also available as a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Sports medicine programs at colleges include kinesiology with an emphasis or specialty in sports medicine, or they might mix sports medicine with another topic.
You can get a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine and then further concentrate in fields such as sports training or strength training and conditioning.
A master’s degree program will essentially provide you with a wide range of hands-on instruction through research, clinical, and laboratory courses.
Some of these programs may be offered in hybrid formats that include online components. You may be expected to attend the following course as a master’s student;
Search methods
Performance evaluation
Injury prevention
Human movement
Doctor of Sports Medicine
Doctoral programs in sports medicine are not as popular, although they can be found as doctoral programs in kinesiology that specialize in or specialize in sports medicine.
Some of these degree programs involve a dissertation and can be finished in as little as four years.
Coursework is usually tailored to student’s interests and research, however, it may cover topics such as:
Biomechanics
Statistics
Evidence is based on practice
Research
What Qualifies Colleges As best sports medicine colleges?
Sports medicine is still a relatively new discipline, which is why it is not yet a specialty. Perhaps we’ll see it in the near future, but for the time being, you’ll have to take a different path.
But why should you choose one college over another? Isn’t it true that all medical research is the same?
Not at all.
There are some colleges that provide courses that are more closely tied to the work of a sports medicine doctor. When we get to the list of best sports medicine colleges, you’ll see.
Nonetheless, to narrow down your choices, here are some factors to consider;
#1. The Medical Courses It Offers
Yes, doctors are…doctors. That much is obvious. However, as you are aware, there are several types of doctors. Some colleges offer medical programs that will better prepare you for the profession than others.
Take, for example, the University of Southern California. This university contains an entire department dedicated to sports science, as well as a program that teaches students everything they need to know about biokinesiology (the study of movement at the molecular level) and physical therapy.
When compared to an average Master of Science, the former will provide you with a much deeper understanding of how the human body functions and how you may improve the athletes’ welfare.
Choose a course that will prepare you for the more extensive learnings you’ll encounter as a sports medicine doctor.
#2. The Topics you’ll Learn About
Medical science is a broad discipline with many diverse subjects that interact with one another.
Kinesiology, exercise physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and injury prevention are some of the courses you’ll need to take to obtain a better grasp of the field. These are only a few instances.
Consider everything related to an athlete’s life. You want the people in your care to perform to their full potential. To accomplish so, you must ensure that they live a healthy lifestyle that extends beyond the training field and into every aspect of their lives.
#3. The School’s Image
This isn’t always an objective way of determining how good a school is, but it’s something to think about. Graduating from Harvard is more impressive on a résumé than graduating from Morris College.
If a lot of people recommend the school you want to attend, you should probably think about applying to it.
Are you still undecided about which schools are the best?…
Look into their acceptance rates. The lower the grade point average, the more prestigious the school. High acceptance rates are associated with lower graduation rates. This is due to the fact that they provide a lower-quality education and admit anyone.
Of course, it also relies on your financial circumstances. The most prestigious colleges are highly pricey, and sports medicine doctors do not earn nearly as much as specialists in other specialties. I can’t assist you with this calculation.
What are the best Colleges for sports medicine?
Over 100 colleges and universities offer various degree programs in Sports Medicine and related courses.
Although the tuition prices for some of these programs are expensive, the benefits you will receive once you obtain the certificate greatly outweigh the costs.
The first on our list of colleges with best sports medicine programs in the world is the University of Southern California.
The University of Southern California is an excellent destination to complete your education to become a sports medicine doctor. After completing your bachelor’s degree in science, you can apply for a Master of Science in Biokinesiology.
Because you will learn about how movement works at a molecular level, this is perhaps the best possible master you can choose if you want to become a sports medicine doctor. It will prepare you for further advanced studies.
Your job as a sports medicine doctor is to assist athletes in dealing with and avoiding injuries. A thorough understanding of movement and the types of movements that are most effective in preventing injuries will make you incredibly valuable to athletes.
Another duty of a sports medicine doctor is to ensure that athletes perform to their full potential. Another thing a biokinesiology master will teach you. Understanding movement at all levels will assist you in determining how to optimize the athletes’ potential.
#2. University of Virginia
Location: PO Box 800793, McKim Hall, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0793
Tuition Rate: $53,952
Graduation Rate: 93%
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Student-faculty Ratio: 15:1
The University of Virginia is the next best medical school for sports medicine on our list. It is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia.
It is regarded as one of the best institutions for sports medicine that any student considering pursuing a sports Medicine degree should consider.
Essentially, the goal of this premier sports medical school is to provide high-quality graduate orthopedic education through a systematic, innovative teaching and evaluation approach.
Furthermore, it aspires to teach and nurture the future generation of orthopedic physicians who will use medical care decision-making processes based on outcomes-based data when evaluating diagnostic and treatment alternatives of care.
Furthermore, the University is involved in a variety of clinical research projects to advance knowledge and therapies for sports injuries.
Current research at the school includes anterior cruciate ligament rupture and reconstruction, knee pain, knee and shoulder osteoarthritis, shoulder instability surgery, and knee cartilage surgery.
#3. Pittsburgh University
Location: 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
Tuition Rate: $57,684 (in-state) and full-time: $59,930 (out-of-state)
The University of Pittsburgh has a Sports Medicine and Nutrition Department. The department elevates the university to the forefront of sports medicine education. We are what we eat, so knowing a lot about nutrition makes a lot of things easier for athletes.
Because of its significant investment in research and technology, the department continues to develop groundbreaking programs.
The University of Pittsburgh provides a comprehensive education that includes both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. A BS in athletic training can be followed by an MS in the same field. You could also pursue a master’s degree in sports science.
If you’re looking for one of the best sports medicine schools, Pittsburgh is unquestionably one of them.
#4. Michigan University
Location: 500 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
Tuition Rate: $42,282
Graduation Rate: 90.1%
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Student-faculty Ratio: 3:1
Next on our list of colleges that offer sports medicine is Michigan Medicine. This college is a wholly-owned center of academic medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The University of Michigan has an athletic training master’s degree program. The wonder of this program is how it develops knowledge on the subject by providing the ideal blend of research, classroom education, and real-world experience.
Indeed, the objective of the school is to provide opportunities to practice in a range of clinical settings and get experience in both traditional and non-traditional venues.
By completing this master’s program, you will be prepared to ace your sports medicine exam and provide tailored assistance to athletes.
This flagship institution and important research center has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,117 students.
The UN Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences is fundamentally built on the concept that knowing human movement directly correlates to the quality of life of people and society as a whole.
JTC, on the other hand, provides four full bachelor’s degrees (in physical exercise, athletic training, physical professionalism, and sports management) and a few more minors.
Cardiac rehabilitation Biomechanics, Exercise physiology, Sports medicine, Entertainment Therapy Specialist, and Strength training and conditioning are just a few of the programs available.
Location: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
Tuition Rate: $60,234.
Graduation Rate: 94%
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Student-faculty Ratio: 10:1
Another top sports medicine school that should come to mind when looking for answers to the question “what colleges have the best sports medicine programs?“ is Stanford University.
This university is the world’s leading scientific institution and home to the largest athletic conference in the country.
This is due to their commitment to excellence in both science and athletics, which is seen in Stanford University’s Sports Medicine program, where the two coexist.
Stanford University essentially provides rigorous 24-month graduate employment through the Departments of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER), and Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
This one-of-a-kind and premier sports medicine school offers exceptional educational opportunities, not just for a master’s degree, to train qualified sports coaches in sophisticated and diverse clinics.
Furthermore, the Stanford team is at the vanguard of sports medicine care, employing cutting-edge diagnostics, therapies, and rehabilitation methods to help student-athletes thrive.
Sam Houston State University is an excellent choice for a bachelor’s degree that will equip you for a successful academic and professional career as a sports medicine doctor.
This university provides a bachelor of science degree in Athletic Training. The emphasis is on partnering with physicians to address all athletic injuries. You’ll become an expert in the field of athletics, including common difficulties and solutions.
This bachelor’s degree will prepare you for a career in sports medicine. It’s an excellent way to get started in the industry.
However, keep in mind that admittance to this program are restricted, and competition is fierce. Before applying, you must complete a pre-professional athletic curriculum. Choose this curriculum if you are absolutely convinced of your future.
#8. University Of South Florida
Location: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
Tuition Rate: $6,410/semester in-state; and $17,324/semester out-of-state
This college is a public research university and a component of the Florida State University System.
The University of South Florida Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one-year program for those who have finished an orthopedic residency and want to gain wide experience in the treatment and prevention of athlete injuries.
The USF Athletic Training Program’s mission is to equip graduates for personal and professional success while setting the national standard for excellence in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine.
Ohio State College of Medicine is the next best sports medicine college on our list.
The medical and health students are well prepared to face the difficulties of an ever-changing profession of medicine thanks to an innovative curriculum, world-class professors, and vast resources at the famous Wexner Medical Center.
Furthermore, Ohio State Medical students benefit from cutting-edge research possibilities, proximity to the university’s major city, and numerous interdisciplinary options.
Essentially, the goal of this University Sports Medicine staff is to avoid athletic injuries and ensure a competitive student-safe athlete’s return.
In addition, the college has an Athletic Training healthcare facility that specializes in the clinical diagnosis, emergency treatment, and rehabilitation of the acute, chronic or congenital musculoskeletal system.
#10. Howard University
Location: 2400 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059, United States.
Tuition Rate: $12,483/semester
Graduation Rate: 62%
Acceptance Rate: 41%
This is one of the world’s best sports medical colleges. This institution has almost 130,000 students studying youth, science, and culture.
In general, Howard University has 47 bachelor’s degrees, 41 master’s programs, and 30 certificate programs.
The University also contains 11 research institutions and over 200 students, including Greek life.
You must submit an ACT or SAT, a transcript, and two credentials as an application. Transfers must have a GPA of at least 2.5.
A master’s degree in Athletic Training is available at Boston University. This program provides an excellent blend of medical, sports, and human body knowledge. It is good preparation for a career as a sports medicine doctor.
What sets this program apart is how expertly it combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. You’ll work closely with and learn from real-world physicians. You’ll accompany them throughout their workday and witness how they cope with challenges at various phases of the athlete’s journey.
While the University states that a “degree in any discipline” is sufficient for admission, you will need transcripts to show that you have completed the prerequisite curriculum. Choose an undergraduate program that offers at least some of the needed courses.
#12. Bethel College
Location: 300 E 27th St, North Newton, KS 67117, United States
Tuition Rate: $28,590/ semester
Graduation Rate: 68%
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Student-faculty Ratio: 9:1
Bethel College is the next colleges with best sports medicine programs on our list.
For students interested in Christian liberal arts, Bethel College is one of the colleges having sports medicine programs.
Bethel College offers a wide range of academic programs across three schools: the Arts and Sciences Department, the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, and the School of Nursing.
Furthermore, Bethel University provides many undergraduate and apprenticeship possibilities in sports medicine and exercise science, including kinesiology and exercise science.
These degrees are also hands-on programs that promote laboratory work and professional ties through internships.
In addition, you will learn about physique, muscle strength and endurance, and cardiovascular health, as well as first aid and CPR / AED. Athletic training, The psychosocial dimension of kinesiology Motor learning and Exercise physiology.
best colleges for sports medicine degree
#13. Cunny Queens University
Location: 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, United States
Queens College primarily provides liberal arts education, with over 80 undergraduate degrees available in a range of fields and subjects, and is one of the prominent schools participating in the CUNY Honors College.
Cunny Queen College teaches sports medicine, kinesiology, and human movement along with nutrition. This curriculum teaches students about cardiovascular health and wellness, good eating, and exercise, and prepares them for a future in the business or healthcare sectors.
Queens College may assist you in completing a program that contains the following components: exercise, energy balance, weight control, nutrition, kinesiology, biomechanics, and physiology of muscle activation.
Click the button below to learn more about the world’s only Historically Black University.
#14. Brock-port College
Location: 350 New Campus Dr, Brockport, NY 14420, United States
Brockport College is a liberal arts college in New York City that is part of the New York State University system.
It does, however, provide specializations in a wide range of subjects, including recreational and leisure studies, health sciences, premedication, and exercise sciences.
Brockport College, like many of the other universities on our list with outstanding sports medicine programs, provides various undergraduate study options in sports medicine, kinesiology, and exercise science.
The Department of Kinesiology, Sports Studies, and Physical Education offers programs that teach students about all aspects of human movement, from psychological to physiological.
Women in sports, Philosophy of sports, play, and fitness, Obesity in society, Modern Olympics, Sports ethics contests, Game theories, and Sports in the United States are just a few of the interesting options available at Marshall.
The University of Iowa is located in Iowa’s southeastern region.
As Iowa’s first state university, it was also the nation’s first to allow students to submit creative, rather than academic, research linked to dissertation requirements in advanced degree programs.
Iowa also provides a variety of possibilities for students interested in studying human movement, sports science, and fitness, including the opportunity to become a certified athletics coach.
Through programs ranging from drug education to human disease, you will learn the fundamentals of prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. And you’ll be prepared to take the Certification Board exam at the conclusion.
Athletic trainers, contrary to their name, work with more than only athletes. Athletic trainers work under the supervision of a physician to prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses in people of all ages and skill levels who are physically active.
Other services include emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation. Health care administration, anatomy, biology, injury prevention, hands-on clinical practice, first aid and emergency care, physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition are all part of the curriculum for this degree program.
Athletic trainer employment is predicted to increase by 30% by 2020, resulting in over 5,000 new positions. ATs work in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, schools, occupational health departments, and police and fire departments, among other places.
Despite the fact that the median wage in 2010 was $41,600, more than 70% of certified ATs had master’s degrees. To become a certified athletic trainer, you must first complete an accredited athletic training program and then pass the exam offered by the Board of Certification in Omaha (depending on your state regulations).
Graduates should also consider becoming members of the National Athletic Trainers Association.
Members of NATA may stay up to date on current athletic trainer trends, have access to continuing education and professional development resources, and expand their professional networks.
#1. Miami University
There is one Athletic Training/Trainer degree program offered by the University of Miami. It is a major, private, non-profit four-year university located in a small town. In 2019, 9 Athletic Training/Trainer students graduated, with 9 Bachelor’s degrees awarded.
#2. Main Campus, University of Virginia
There is one Athletic Training/Trainer degree program offered at the University of Virginia-Main Campus. It is a huge public four-year institution located in a small suburb. In 2019, four Athletic Training/Trainer students graduated, receiving four Master’s degrees.
#3. Ann Arbor, University of Michigan
There is one Athletic Training/Trainer degree program offered at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. It is a large public four-year institution in a medium-sized city. In 2019, ten Athletic Training/Trainer students graduated, with ten Bachelor’s degrees awarded.
#4. University of George Washington
Athletic Training/Trainer degree programs are available at George Washington University. It is a large, private, non-profit four-year institution in a major metropolis. In 2019, ten Athletic Training/Trainer students graduated, with ten Master’s degrees awarded.
#5. Manoa Campus of the University of Hawaii
Athletic Training/Trainer degree programs are available at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. It’s a massive, public four-year university in the middle of a big metropolis. In 2019, ten Athletic Training/Trainer students graduated, with ten Master’s degrees awarded.
Frequently asked Question About How To Become Sports Medicine Physician
What degrees can I get in Sports Medicine?
You can pursue an associate degree, an undergraduate degree, or a PhD degree in Sports Medicine.
What college has the best sports medicine program?
University of Southern California
University of North Carolina
Stanford University
University of Pittsburgh
Ohio State University
University of South Florida
University of California, Los Angeles
Boston University
University of Virginia
Bethel College
College of Idaho
University of Iowa
Howard University
University of Michigan
What major is closest to sports medicine?
Athletic training, exercise science, and other majors that address human physiology, human anatomy, athletic injury prevention, kinesiology, community health, sports nutrition, therapeutic exercise, and biomechanics are among the most common major that is closest to sports medicine.
Conclusion
Every university mentioned in this article provides a world-class education that will prepare you for a successful career in sports medicine.
Analyze yourself before applying to any of these. Is this truly the road you wish to take? Being a sports medicine doctor isn’t for everyone.
As you’ve read in previous portions of this article, the technique is demanding and takes a long time.
Fortunately, you’ll be able to change careers till the completion of your academic course, so it’s not the end of the world.
On the other hand, becoming a sports medicine doctor can provide a great deal of satisfaction. You are assisting athletes in performing at their peak. You may even be the personal doctor for the next world record holder. That’s really awesome, isn’t it?
So, what are you holding out for? Enroll in one of the best sports medical colleges today for a long and rewarding career.
