The sports medicine field ranges from high school athletic trainers to medical doctors.
According to Education-Portal.com, athletic trainers find job opportunities in the performing arts, competitive sports and private physical training or rehabilitation. Preparing to become a professional athletic trainer involves a specific educational track that focuses on sports medicine, often involving some sort on internship or practicum opportunity. With the career growing at a rate of 10 percent each year -- about average for most careers -- athletic trainers can expect a reasonable degree of job security and stable income-earning potential.
Instructions
1. Research undergraduate Bachelor of Science programs that will fulfill the requirements you'll need to pursue graduate studies in sports medicine. Look for colleges that offer degrees in health science, public health, physiology or another similar field.
2. Obtain a four-year undergraduate degree in one of the fields listed above. This will involve coursework in such topics as exercise therapy, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and health administration. Pursue internships with professional sports trainers to clock hours in the field, as this will be a bonus when you apply for graduate programs.
3. Enter a graduate program and obtain a master's degree in programs such as occupational athletic training, clinical athletic training or sports rehabilitation therapy. Master's programs often help to narrow part of the athletic training field you wish to concentrate in. Obtain internships as these may lead to recommendations and even job offers upon graduation.
4. Seek certification as an athletic trainer in your state of residence. The certification process involves an exam administered by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, among other requirements that are specific to your state. Periodic testing to maintain your certification is required.
Tags: athletic training, sports medicine, athletic trainers, your state