Overview
Sports Medicine is a booming industry that includes diverse career options for those interested. Sports medicine physicians will often have a degree or experience in related fields such as exercise science, physical therapy, kinesiology, or athletic training. An individual with a sports medicine-related background can choose to work in traditional settings such as recreational, school, or professional athletics, as well as non-traditional settings such as the military or industrial warehouses. No matter what type of setting one chooses, the Sunshine State is jam-packed with a variety of opportunities in sports medicine-related fields.
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Liberty University
M.S. in Exercise Science and Wellness
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Liberty University
M.S. in Human Performance
Learn how to develop health and wellness programs and improve physical education and community nutrition.
What Can I Expect to Learn in a Sports Medicine Program
Degree Timetable
On average, a sports medicine degree can take between 4 and 12 years to complete depending on which degree and level of degree you choose to pursue.
Degree Plan of Study
Each university/college may classify their sports medicine-related degrees under different names, but the basis for all is very similar. Sports medicine programs will all predominantly focus on anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, applied kinesiology, and other related topics. Advanced classes, internships, and clinical experience hours may be needed depending on the specific degree and level of degree you are pursuing.
Students who complete the necessary schooling to obtain their sports medicine degree will have the knowledge and professional skills related to understanding the anatomy of the human body and how it works, different injuries and treatments related to sport and exercise, and how exercise can affect the human body.
Requirements for Acceptance to Sports Medicine Program
Although each school is entitled to its own unique set of requirements for admission to its program, there will be a few common requirements students can expect across the board. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) will be required, with some schools requiring a bachelor’s degree in a related field to the program you are applying for. Standardized testing scores such as the SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may also be required. Most schools will also expect students to submit cover letters, references, or sit for an interview. It is good to note that some applications may require a non-refundable submission fee.
Best Kinesiology Programs for Sports Medicine
Florida College
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This program allows students to specialize in a variety of different topics. The exercise science specialization is a 120-credit program, the pre-physical therapy specialization is a 121-credit program, and the pre-occupational therapy specialization is a 122-credit program. All specializations have core classes based on biomechanics, sports injuries and treatment, exercise physiology, and principles of strength and conditioning; they all also require hands-on experience through an internship prior to graduation.
Accreditation
Florida International University
Master of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science
As a 30-credit STEM program, students will be taught based on the scientific approach of how kinesiology and exercise science are applied during an individual’s life. Those in the program will be able to use what they have learned and researched to apply it to real-world situations that will allow them to become successful clinicians. The program offers 2 different focuses, the Health and Human Performance Focus, which is aimed at those interested in research, professional practice, or education, and the Mental Performance Focus which is for those interested in the world of sports psychology.
Accreditation
Best Athletic Training Programs for Sports Medicine
Florida State University
Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
Over 6 semesters, students enrolled in this program will be prepared to move on to graduate studies in many different fields such as physical therapy or medicine. Students will gain knowledge in injury prevention, immediate care, rehabilitation, professional development, and health care management. Students will have the opportunity to experience a variety of clinical rotations on and off campus during their time in the program. FSU requires any student entering the athletic training program after 2016 to obtain their graduate-level athletic training degree if they want to be certified by the Board of Certification (BOC).
Accreditation
University of North Florida
Master of Science in Athletic Training
This program prepares students through a diverse culmination of clinical experience and integrative classes to create professionals who strive to provide competent and quality care to their patients. As they take classes focusing on anatomy, therapeutic intervention, emergency management, and injury assessment and diagnosis, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life patients in their clinical experiences throughout their time in the 2-year program.
Accreditations
University of Miami
Master of Science in Athletic Training
The University of Miami is a highly recognized research university whose program includes top clinical immersion experiences as well as a 1:3 instructor-to-student ratio. Its 60-credit program strives to produce athletic training professionals through a diverse, innovative, and student-centered education. The program requires all prospective students to have an undergraduate degree in a related field such as exercise science or kinesiology to ensure a solid foundation of related knowledge.
Accreditation
University of Florida
Doctor of Athletic Training
Being the first fully residential doctorate program for athletic training, UF’s program is centered on developing athletic training professionals who can assist in advancing the profession. The program takes place over 2 years and students have the freedom to choose a concentration to focus on throughout their academic journey. The Manual Therapy concentration aims to provide students with advanced instruction and hands-on practice of different manual therapy techniques such as massage and instrument-assisted techniques. The Orthopedics concentration is for those who want to gain advanced knowledge in surgery, radiology, pediatrics, etc. The final concentration, Sports Performance, is aimed at giving students additional experience in program design, injury reduction, and injury recovery.
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 Exercise Science Programs for Sports Medicine
University of West Florida
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
With an endorsement by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, this program is an excellent choice for those wanting a career in clinical healthcare, fitness, or continuing to graduate studies in a related field. The program teaches courses related to anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise testing, and exercise prescription. Students will have the opportunity to use the program’s state-of-the-art labs and will be required to complete a 360-hour senior internship to obtain real-life experience in their future career fields.
Accreditation
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
This program was created to focus on the knowledge and skills exercise science professionals will need to cater to the needs of a diverse population in the health and wellness world. Students will learn about topics related to biology, social sciences, and psychological sciences. Upon completing their degree, graduates can expect to find careers related to exercise science or may choose to move on to professional schooling for related fields.
Master of Science in Exercise Science
For individuals interested in advanced schooling in exercise science, this professional program allows them to choose from 3 concentrations to personalize their education; Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, and Health and Wellness. Any of the 3 concentrations will prepare students to work in a variety of fields such as strength and conditioning, sports performance, and even clinical rehabilitation.
Accreditation
Florida Southern University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Florida Southern’s program concentrates on preparing students to be knowledgeable in topics including anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Throughout the program, students will gain confidence in their ability to create exercise programs, alter exercise for individuals with limitations, and conduct exercise assessments. Students will also have the opportunity to use a variety of different equipment in the program’s labs, such as the BODPOD, force plate analyzers, and more. At the end of the program, students will be able to put what they have learned to the test by taking part in an internship.
Accreditation
Best Physical Therapy Programs for Sports Medicine
University of Central Florida
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Over 9 consecutive semesters, students will evolve into physical therapists who have the ability to treat a variety of different patients while providing ethical, competent, and compassionate care. Students in this program can expect courses in human anatomy, neurological physical therapy, pain mechanisms and treatment in rehabilitation, primary care, and research, along with completing hands-on clinical experiences. UCF graduates have had a 100% licensure pass rate each year, making it an excellent choice for those interested in becoming physical therapists.
Accreditation
Florida Gulf Coast University
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Florida Gulf Coast University offers a 115-credit program aimed at creating physical therapists who are adaptable to the constant changes in the healthcare world. The program uses different methods of instruction such as lectures, computer-based, and case studies to cultivate the students’ learning and skills. Students are required to complete all of their program courses with a “B” or higher, complete all clinical education courses, as well as complete a psychomotor skills log by the time of graduation. Students can find comfort in knowing the program boasts higher than the national average first-time pass rates of the licensure exam post-graduation.
Accreditation
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Doctor of Physical Therapy
As the leading graduate school for physical therapy for the last 40 years, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences produces physical therapists who strive to provide the best and most innovative care. The program offers 2 different paths for students to choose from. The Residential DPT path takes place over 8 trimesters and consists of online and in-person courses and labs to satisfy the 131 credit hours. The Flex DPT path is a combination of online courses and offers a selection of on-campus weekend labs for students who may need a more flexible schedule to complete the 131-credit hour program.
Accreditation
Nova Southeastern University
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Nova Southeastern University offers its Doctor of Physical Therapy on 2 different campuses: Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale. The Tampa Bay campus offers a 3 ⅓ year program that combines in-person and online learning with students traveling to the campus 3 times a semester for 5 days at a time to apply what they have learned online. The Fort Lauderdale campus offers a similar experience as the Tampa Bay campus but advertises it as a 3-year program combining in-person and online learning.
Ph.D. In Physical Therapy
Nova Southeastern’s Ph.D. in Physical Therapy is marketed towards individuals who want a career in academia and/or research. It is a hybrid program that requires students to come to their Fort Lauderdale campus 2 times a year. This program is a great option for those who need flexibility to meet their career goals.
Accreditation
What to Expect With a Career in Sports Medicine
Florida offers an enormous amount of careers in sports medicine due to the great athletic and exercise environment. There are career opportunities in all levels of athletics, from youth to professional. There are also non-traditional settings if sitting on the sidelines is not for you.
Salaries for those with a degree related to sports medicine can vary depending on the level of your degree, the area of focus, and how much experience you have in your field. As of August 2023, an athletic trainer in Florida can expect to make between $46,000 and $56,000, an exercise science specialist between $44,000 and $52,000, a kinesiologist between $39,000 and $67,000, a physical therapist between $86,000 and $101,000, and a sports medicine physician between $206,000 and $309,000.
Sports medicine is a fast-growing field and is expected to grow by 9-17% over the next few years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ensuring a great job outlook for those pursuing degrees in the field.