A Degree in Sports Medicine: Career Options On and Off The Field

Love sports but also have an aptitude for science? Want a career in some sort of healthcare field? If so, then a degree in sports medicine or exercise science might just be the answer. There are plenty of different career options that this degree can set you up for, including working as a sports nutritionist, a strength coach, and even an athletic trainer. Here are some interesting career options that take place both on and off the field for you to consider.

Athletic Trainer

An athletic trainer works both on the field and in the locker room. They’re usually employed by a single professional, semi-professional, or college sports team, and are in charge of making sure that the players are in their best possible physical condition. Working in this field requires an athletic training license, and the first step is a degree in sports medicine.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers tend to work for a gym where they offer individual training sessions as well as group ones for multiple clients. In addition, they may also have their own business, helping clients get into shape outside of one single gym. No matter what, a personal trainer is someone who knows all about exercise science and can help their clients get into shape and lose weight in the safest manner possible.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Strength and conditioning coaches work with athletes of various ages, from high schoolers on up to the professional levels. They also consult with the athletic trainers for the team in order to ensure that a solid plan is in place. The main goal of these coaches is to help the players be their very best on the field by providing them with cardiovascular conditioning and strength training.

Sports Nutritionist

Another part of the package includes sports nutritionists, who usually start with a degree in sports medicine and go on to dietician training, so they can help athletes by providing them with diets that will fuel their workouts and their active daily lives.

Sports Psychologist

Sometimes, athletes get mental blocks. They find it difficult to meet their goals, either due to imposter syndrome or some other condition. A sports psychologist is a trained therapist who can help them get back out there and play to the best of their ability. As expected, this career option starts with a degree in sports medicine and continues with graduate school in psychology.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists need to be licensed, so there may be some additional schooling required after getting a degree in exercise science. However, once this is completed, physical therapists can work for clinics and hospital systems, as well as sports teams, depending on their goals and what’s available in the area.

Get Your Degree in Exercise Science from Dean College

Have you decided that a degree in sports medicine or exercise science is the best way to start your career in sports medicine? If so, then consider attending Dean College. Our hands-on program consists of the basics that you’ll need to learn, from anatomy and physiology to kinesiology and more. Request more information, today!