Overview
Sports Medicine is a fast-growing profession that encompasses a wide variety of career options. Those interested in becoming sports medicine physicians will commonly have a background in related studies such as exercise science, physical therapy, kinesiology, or athletic training. Across the state of California, you can see sports medicine and related professionals in all levels of athletics, as well as in non-traditional settings such as industrial warehouses, airports, fire departments, and the military.
The majority of these career paths require rigorous schooling, postgraduate degrees, continuing education, certifications/licensures, and are regulated by a governing body. It is interesting to note that California is the only state in the United States that does not require athletic trainers to be regulated.
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What Can I Expect to Learn in a Sport Program?
Degree Timetable
Depending on which degree and degree level you choose to pursue within sports medicine, you can expect to spend anywhere from 4-12 years on average to complete your degree.
Degree Plan of Study
Although Sports Medicine programs at different universities can vary in name, the major areas of focus for the coursework involve anatomy, applied kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, and other related topics. Depending on the specific degree and level of degree you are working towards, you may need to take more advanced classes in those subjects throughout your academic career. Students can also expect to complete clinical hours and/or internships in different settings throughout their academic careers.
Once you have completed the necessary schooling for your sports medicine degree, you will have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the human body, how it works, how exercise can affect it, as well as the different types of injuries a person can sustain based on their activity and how to treat those injuries.
Requirements for Acceptance to Programs
Even though each school will have its own personalized set of requirements for admission, there may be some requirements that overlap between institutions. All master’s programs will require that you have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA). Some schools may require standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). You can expect to have to submit an application not only to the school itself but potentially to the department your degree is under. Some schools may even require references, cover letters, or an interview. Be aware that some applications may come with a non-refundable fee.
Best Kinesiology Programs for Sports Medicine in California
University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This degree focuses on biology and human movement. Students will be able to work with faculty on research topics including motor development, motor control, biomechanics, and more. The University of San Francisco also conveniently offers a pre-health program that kinesiology majors can enroll in while completing their kinesiology degree simultaneously.
Accreditation
California State University – Chico
Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology
This program allows students to choose between two options for the direction of their degree. The Physical Education Teacher Education Program (PETE), focuses on educating students to become skilled and well-versed educators to assist children in becoming and staying healthy and active. The Movement Studies Program focuses on educating students to be able to guide others through human movement activity programs to assist in upgrading their quality of life.
Masters of Arts in Kinesiology
California State University – Chico’s graduate program focuses on preparing students to have an in-depth knowledge of human movement. It focuses on biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, and more. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in research in the lab and in the field to help perfect their understanding of their studies in the classroom.
Accreditation
Occidental College
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
While enrolled in Occidental College’s Kinesiology program, students will break down the different processes of the human body and how they can change based on exercise. Students are able to take advantage of completing hands-on experiments using a variety of equipment in the program’s labs. The program also offers the opportunity to partake in Occidental’s Summer Research Program. In this program, students can focus on a topic and display their research to faculty and peers.
Accreditation
Best Exercise Science Programs in California for Sports Medicine
University of California – Irvine
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
This field of study will focus on how physical activity can impose different changes to all aspects of the human body. Courses will focus on those with characteristics of biology, chemistry, and physics to help students understand how the human body is impacted by exercise and lack of exercise.
Accreditations
California State University – Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Students enrolled in Cal State – Los Angeles’s Exercise Science program will have four options to pursue a degree tailored to their career goals. The Exercise and Human Performance option is for students wishing to pursue a career in fitness, such as in sports medicine clinics. The Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Exercise option develops students who desire a career assisting individuals with specific exercise programs catered to their needs. The Subject Matter Preparation for Single Subject Teaching Credential option is for students wishing to pursue a career in teaching school-aged students physical activity. The final option, Community Leadership of Physical Activity, caters to students who would like to work within their community by implementing fitness programs tailored to different organizations. All four options in Cal State – Los Angeles’s Exercise Science degree consist of 120 units.
Accreditation
California State University – Long Beach
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Students enrolled in this 36-unit program can expect to focus their studies on motor control, biomechanics, and physiology. They will graduate with an understanding of how human functions are altered based on exercise. Graduates of the program can further their education with doctoral degrees and medical training.
Accreditation
ADVERTISEMENT
Featured Kinesiology and Exercise Science Programs
- 100% Online Courses
- Top-Ranked Program
- 1.5 Year Program
Liberty University
M.S. in Exercise Science and Wellness
Impact the world of sports, fitness, and wellness with Liberty University’s Exercise Science & Wellness Master’s Degree.
- Four Unique Concentrations
- Complete in 1.5 Years
- Transfer Credits
Liberty University
M.S. in Human Performance
Learn how to develop health and wellness programs and improve physical education and community nutrition.
Best California Athletic Training Programs for Sports Medicine
University of the Pacific
Master of Science in Athletic Training
This 60-unit program takes place over 2 years, including summer sessions. The program focuses on injury prevention, injury examination, assessment and diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and more. Students will have the opportunity to put the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to the test through hands-on experience with athletes.
Accreditation
California Baptist University
Master of Science in Athletic Training
California Baptist University offers a 63-65 unit program taking place over 6 semesters. Students will be required to obtain a minimum of 900 clinical education hours throughout their time in the program. Upon completing their degree, students will have obtained the knowledge and hands-on experience to sit for and pass the Board of Certification Exam (BOC). Once passing the BOC, graduates of California Baptist’s program can expect to find work in a multitude of settings.
Accreditation
Point Loma Nazarene University
Master of Science in Athletic Training
This 60-unit program takes place over 2 years for students coming in with a bachelor’s degree. Students have the freedom to choose between three concentrations to tailor their educational journey to their passions. The Anatomy Education concentration is for students wishing to become a teacher in athletic training or sports medicine. The Biomechanics concentration is personalized for those wanting to combine technology and sports medicine to study different movement patterns, joint motions, etc. The Sports Performance concentration caters to students interested in combining their knowledge of athletic training with the principles of strength and conditioning to observe and evaluate athletes while sharpening their performance.
Accreditation
Best Physical Therapy Degrees in California for Sports Medicine
University of Southern California
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
The Doctorate of Physical Therapy at USC is ranked one of the best in the nation. The program offers 2 pathways for students to choose between. The Residential Pathway allows students to take part in small and large group learning to help them focus on their studies. Students in the Residential Pathway have the opportunity to complete their clinical education within the Los Angeles region as well as across the nation. The Hybrid Pathway integrates small group learning with online learning combined with immersive experiences in the campus laboratories. Students are able to utilize the program’s state-of-the-art online learning platform to prepare for their classes. Clinical education opportunities will occur either in the student’s local community or in a setting across the nation. After completing the 115-unit program, graduates are well-educated and able to provide evidence-based care catered to individual patients.
Accreditation
California State University – Sacramento
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Cal State – Sacramento’s DPT Program was created to offer students a solid foundation in the science behind physical therapy as well as problem-solving in patient cases. Students are required to complete a 36-week full-time clinical experience in various settings. The program requires students to complete prerequisite courses, submit their GRE scores, obtain a minimum of 50 observation hours, and provide 3 letters of recommendation as part of the application process for the program.
Accreditation
California State University – Fresno
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
This program prides itself on producing students who can contribute to a consistent 100% pass rating for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) each year. Students will have the opportunity to utilize the department’s state-of-the-art clinics to transform what they’ve learned in the classroom into hands-on care. The program requires prospective students to have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and 10 pre-requisite courses. Prospective students also have to submit their GRE score, a minimum of 100 observation hours, 3 letters of recommendation, and participate in an interview.
Accreditation
What to Expect With a Career in Sports Medicine
With the vast amount of sports-related activities in California, there are a plethora of opportunities to get your sports medicine career started. There are prospective careers in youth athletics, secondary school athletics, college athletics, professional athletics, as well as in non-traditional roles.
Salaries for individuals with sports medicine-related degrees can greatly fluctuate depending on the area of focus, level of degree, and experience. As of July 2023, in the state of California, an athletic trainer can expect to make between $50,000 to $71,000, an exercise science specialist between $51,000 to $63,000, a kinesiologist between $76,000 to $110,000, a physical therapist between $93,000 to $120,000 and a sports medicine physician from $239,000 to $356,000.
Careers in the sports medicine field are expected to continue to grow by 9-17% by the year 2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it a fantastic career to pursue.