Careers in Sports Medicine

Biomechanics & Kinesiology

-Biomechanics & Kinesiology: looking at human movement -involves the study of human movement as it relates to performance; may work in health clinics, professional teams, hospitals, laboratories (research), or indecently -BS degree +

Exercise Physiology

-Physiology: study of body function -concentrates on athlete's physiological performance, especially as it relates to training; may work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories (research), or independently -BS degree +

Sports Nutrition

-deals with athletes' eating habits and how that relates to performance; may work in health clinics, professional teams, hospitals, laboratories (research), or independently -BS degree +

Sports Psychology

-deals with the cognitive and affective area of sports and how it relates to performance; may work in clinics, with college or pro teams, or independently -BS degree +

Medical Practice-Physician

-many specialty areas dealing with specific body area or injuries, e.g. podiatry, orthopedics (which is most closely associated with sports injuries to the musculoskeletal system; may work in private practice, hospitals) -BS, then MD or DO (medical school, residency)

Prosthetics/Braces

-may design, fit, and produce prosthetic limbs/extremities or other braces or other supportive devices -BS but may vary depending on speciality

Medical Practice-Physician's Assistant or Nurse Practitioner

-physician extender working under the direction of a physician; can prescribe medication, order diagnostic tests -MS degree minimum

Physical Therapy

-specialty area dealing with rehabilitation of various illnesses, chronic conditions and injuries; may specialize in sports physical therapy -MS degree minimum

Exercise, Fitness, Conditioning

-teach or train individuals on general fitness program, proper weight training, and conditioning; may work in health clubs, with schools, or individual teams; Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) ensures educated professional -no degree requirement, but best to have BS

Athletic Training

-what she is -practiced by athletic trainers (AT), health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of athletes and other active patients and clients. The services provided by AT's comprise prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. The statutory title of "athletic trainer" is a misnomer. Athletic trainers provide medical services and do not train people as personal or fitness 'trainers' do. -MS degree minimum and BOC certification

Masters Degree

2 or more years of study at college or university after bachelors degree

Associates Degree

A degree that generally takes two years of study.

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

A professional member of the sports medicine team who evaluates existing levels of fitness and athleticism along with helping to increase the strength and endurance of an individual or team.

Organizations nationally recognized; provide credentials to obtain postions/advancements in sports medicine careers

American College of Sport Medicine National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Nation Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

Bachelors Degree

An academic degree which usually takes four years to earn and is awarded by a college or university.

Sports medicine

Branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries that occur to athletes and the active population

Board of Certification (BOC)

Certifying organization for athletic trainer; identify for public quality health care professionals through adjudications; standards of practice and continuing competency programs

ATC credential (Certified Athletic Trainer)

Completed an entry level athletic training education program accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) Pass the BOC certificate exam

Sports Nutritionist

Designs diets and goals for enhancing the athlete's performance

Sports Medicine Physician

Diagnoses, prevents and treats sports related injuries and conditions

Athletic training

Division of sports medicine; deals with prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation of injuries; management of training methods used by professionals/amateur athletes/active population

Circle of care

Educated in anatomy, physiology, strength training, psychology, and nutrition

BOC exam requirements

Endorsed by Program Director of a CAATE accredited program Proof current certification in Emergency Cardiac Care Take it prior to college graduation meeting its academic requirements

Health Maintenance Organization

Established the limit on physical therapy visits due to insurance controls, time restraints, equipment availability

Exercise Physiologist

Expert in the effect of exercise on the human body

Physical Therapist

Help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility

Doctorate Degree (ie. PhD)

Highest academic degree awarded by a college or university for advanced graduate study.

Career opportunities - where?

Hospitals, sports clinics, physician's offices and other clinical environments; majority of sports medicine takes place in the nonclinical environments where sports and fitness activities are taking place

Athletic trainer

Integrates knowledge/hands on skill to improve athlete's physical safety within athletic environment; college graduate professional: able to find jobs beyond traditional environments (school/sports teams) such as clinics and offices

Strength and Conditioning Specialist (SCS)

Many different professional identifies determined by the job setting; essential part of sports medicine team; prevents injuries; conditioning/rehabilitation of athletes; motivate/provide health related suggestions; must be familiar with risk factors, health status, fitness appraisal, exercise prescription; able to incorporate activities to improve individual's lifestyle/fitness goal setting; those who don't participate in sports may also seek health advice

Physical Therapy Assistant

Must attend accredited program (academic and hands on) for two years to earn an associate's degree; courses include anatomy and physiology; working under direct supervision of physical therapist; more involved in patient care; overlooking exercises; performing tasks like: massage, electrical stimulation, hot and cold treatment; records/reports outcome of each treatment

National athletic trainers' association (NATA)

Non profit organization; dedicated to advancing, encouraging, improving athletic training profession; represents/supports 30,000 members of athletic training profession from education/research/awareness

Physical Therapy Aide

Not licensed; works under direct supervision of physical therapist or assistant; do not perform clinical tasks like assistants (students completed this course have the knowledge and skills to become an aide) Tasks include: Keeping treatment area clean/organized Preparation of each patient's therapy Ordering supplies Filling out insurance papers Answering phone calls

Personal attributes required for a career in sports medicine

People skills Healthy body (stay healthy yourself) Sincere desire to learn Leadership skills (taking control in an emergency) Compassion Positive attitude (truthfulness and encouragement) Good listening skills Ability to follow directions as a team member

SCS for Gym/clinic

Personal trainer or fitness instructor or conditioning specialist

Career opportunities - who?

Physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers and physical therapy aides

Emergency Medical Technician

Provide emergency, prehospital care to ill or injured people.

Restorative treatment

Revolves around the use of various therapeutic modalities and exercises

SCS for High school/college

Strength coaches

Physical fitness programs

The result from the demand for strength and conditioning specialists to pursue more health conscious lifestyles seeking assistance from professionals; amateur/professional athletes will look to athletic trainers/other professionals to prevent/care for their injuries

Therapeutic modality

The use of heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to produce an increase or decrease in blood flow

Orthopedic Surgeon

a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders involving the bones, joints, and muscles

Certified Athletic Trainer

allied health care professional educated and trained in the prevention , assessment , treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries.

Certification

credential that indicates a professional passed a national or state certifying exam proving competence in a certain career field.

Medical Degree

degree earned after completing a Bachelors degree, then 4 years of study in a medical school.

Certified Personal Trainer

develop and implement safe, effective exercise programs to help people accomplish their fitness goals.

Physician Assistant

formally educated to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment under the supervision of physicians and surgeons

Sports Psychologist

helps athletes improve their focus, increase motivation, and deal with anxiety and fear of failure

Occupational Therapist

improves daily living and work skills of patients

Surgical Technician

member of the operation room team who assists in the surgical procedure by prepping the patient, sterilizing and setting up surgical tools.

Licensure

permission from a state to practice a profession, protecting the public

Radiologist

physician who specializes in the use of x-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic fields in the diagnosis and treatment of disease

Respiratory Therapist

provides treatment to ease or correct breathing problems

Credentials

qualifications, indicated by certain initials after your name that indicates training.

Alternative Medicine Practitioner

specialist who uses unconventional therapies in place of traditional medicine, such as acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, aromatherapy, vitamin/mineral supplements, etc.

Chiropractor

specializes in the treatment of disorders originating from misalignment of the spine

Osteopathic Doctor

this type of doctor focuses how illness affects muscle, bones, and nerves and specialize in preventative medicine and maintenance

Licensed Massage Therapist

trained to use pressure, kneading and stroking to promote muscle and full-body relaxation.