DESCRIPTION | Sports medicine refers to many different areas of exercise and sports science that relate both to performance and care of injury. Within sports medicine are areas of specialization such as clinical medicine, orthopedic, exercise physiology, biomechanics, physical therapy, athletic training, sports nutrition, sports psychology, and more. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) Student Researcher Program Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Education and Careers in Sports Medicine Guide to Sports Medicine Introductory Topics in Sports Medicine Articles National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) The Physician and Sportsmedicine Online Journal Sports Medicine Articles in SportScience Sports Medicine FAQ Sports Medicine Free Reference Articles Sports Medicine Professions: Overview of Career Education Programs Sports Medicine Programs SportScience |
DEGREE | Many professions in sports medicine require a certification. Each profession has different requirements for the certification process. The best way to find out about these requirements is to learn about the organizations that regulate the certification process for each profession. For example, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offers certification in several fields. ACSM requires all candidates taking the ACSM Health/Fitness InstructorSM or ACSM Exercise Specialist® examination to have at least an associate's degree in a health-related field and those taking the ACSM Exercise Specialist® to have at least a bachelor's degree in an allied health field. Candidates must also possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required of the level of certification for which they are applying. |
PROGRAM LENGTH |
Variable, depending on the degree (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD). |
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS' ORGANIZATION |
Two examples of certifying organizations are the American College of Sports Medicine and the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. There are other certifying organizations.
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APPLICATION SERVICE |
No centralized service. |
ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | Variable, depending on the program. |
ADMISSION EXAM | No standardized exam. Certifying exams are offered in each field. |
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & EXPERIENCES | Qualifications and expertise in all areas of exercise testing and prescription, both treatment and prevention - from clinical and rehabilitation programs in hospitals to corporate wellness centers to local parks and recreation departments to senior continuing care programs to health and fitness facilities. |
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS | As specified by individual schools offering related degree. None required for certification exams. |