Overview
In the southern state of Texas, sports are the main event, making sports medicine an excellent career path. Individuals wanting to pursue a career as a sports medicine physician have multiple degree options, including physical therapy, kinesiology, exercise science, and athletic training. Sports medicine can be seen in multiple different settings in the Lone Star State such as recreational sports, school sports, industrial warehouses, the military, and even airports. The variety of settings for someone with a sports medicine degree guarantees that a person can find the perfect fit for their career.
Most sports medicine-related degrees require strict education, continuing education, postgraduate degrees, certifications/licensures, and those working in the sports medicine fields will most likely have to follow rules and guidelines from a governing body.
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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
Although dependent on the specific degree and degree type you choose for your education, you can anticipate spending approximately 4-12 years on average to satisfy your degree requirements and graduate.
Degree Plan of Study
While each university can categorize its degrees under different names, the majority of them will follow a similar plan of study. Classes will focus on exercise physiology, anatomy, applied kinesiology, nutrition, and many other similar topics. Some degrees may require more advanced classes in those topics throughout your academic career. Clinical hours and/or internships in a variety of settings may also be required of students in addition to their classes.
Upon completing all of the required classes, clinical hours, and internships for your sports medicine degree, you will be extremely confident in your knowledge of human body anatomy, how the human body works, and how it is altered by exercise. You will also have a thorough understanding of the variety of injuries an individual can sustain in their setting and how to treat those injuries.
Requirements for Acceptance to Sports Medicine Programs
Although each school will have a unique set of requirements for acceptance into their program, you may notice some overlap between universities as well. For anyone applying to a master’s program, a bachelor’s degree and a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) will be required. You can also expect some schools to require minimum standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A prospective student may have to submit separate applications to the university as well as the program they wish to enroll in.
Best Kinesiology Programs for Sports Medicine
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Over 4 years, students enrolled in this program will gain the knowledge to succeed in their future careers in health and wellness as well as serve as the basis for future studies in other medical professions. UNT employs faculty who are recognized by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, and the American College of Sports Medicine for their teaching and research in the field. The program allows students to integrate what they have learned in class into a community outreach program. Past programs have included creating and executing physical activity lesson plans for local school children with disabilities.
Accreditation
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
In this 36-credit-hour program, students have the chance to focus their studies on the foundations of exercise. Students in the program will be well-versed in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and exercise psychology. They will be prepared for advanced courses in these topics at the graduate level. Texas Tech’s program requires all students to complete a minor alongside their bachelor’s degree. Some options include sports medicine, public health, and athletic coaching.
Accreditation
Texas Woman’s University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
In TWU’s 120-hour program, students can expect to learn through hands-on experience in class, labs, and at least 350 hours in a cardiac rehabilitation or corporate fitness internship. The program also requires students to engage in experiences working with children who have special needs and older adults at risk for certain health risks. TWU’s program also satisfies prerequisites for individuals interested in moving on to occupational therapy.
Accreditation
Texas Christian University
Master of Science in Kinesiology
After completing their master of science in kinesiology degree, TCU students will be well-prepared to apply what they have learned in class to their research, education, clinical, and sports settings. All students in the program have the option of choosing a concentration in exercise psychology, motor control or nutrition, exercise physiology, or physical activity and chronic disease to tailor their education experience to what they believe they will start a career in.
Accreditation
Best Athletic Training Programs for Sports Medicine
Texas A&M University
Master of Science in Athletic Training
Texas A&M University boasts a 100% in first-time pass rate in the Board of Certification Exam (BOC), graduation rate, and placement rate. It is a competitive program that prepares students who wish to pursue a career in athletic training or sports medicine. In addition to the 60 credit hours, students have the opportunity to be placed in a variety of clinical experience settings, such as Division I SEC athletics, to put their classroom-learned skills to the test. Students are required to complete and present their research study for their final exam.
Accreditations
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Master of Athletic Training
Students enrolled in this 60-credit hour program can expect to work alongside peers from all over the world. They will engage in traditional classes, laboratory time, immersive clinical experiences in a variety of settings, as well as interprofessional education opportunities. Traditional classes will focus on human anatomy, pharmacology, management and prevention of injuries, therapeutic modalities, and current medical diagnosis and treatment.
Accreditation
University of Houston
Master of Athletic Training
Being named one of only three public Carnegie-designated Tier One research universities in Texas, the University of Houston is an excellent choice for individuals wishing to pursue a degree in athletic training/sports medicine. Students enrolled in the program will be prepared to become clinicians using knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to pass the BOC Exam and become compassionate and competent professionals.
Accreditation
Texas State University
Master of Science in Athletic Training
In this professional master’s program, a competency-based approach is used in the classroom and student’s clinical settings. The program focuses on educating students to provide all-around patient care in the 5 different domains: prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organization and professional health and well-being. Students can sharpen their classroom-learned skills by applying them in their clinical settings.
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
Texas Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Texas Wesleyan University prides itself on developing exercise science professionals who meet the high standards of providing quality care to the general population. Within the 120-credit hour program, students will study topics that combine theory, research, and clinical practice to excel in their future careers. Courses taken throughout the program will also fulfill prerequisite requirements for further education in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medicine fields.
Accreditation
University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
UT-Arlington has 3 options for prospective students to choose from. The Clinical and Applied Physiology (CAP) caters to individuals who wish to work towards a graduate degree in athletic training, physician assistant, physical therapy, or medical school. Those who complete the degree can also pursue a career or complete research in psychological science related to exercise. The Health, Fitness, and Wellness (HFW) is intended for those who are interested in a career as a personal fitness trainer, cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and other health and wellness fields. The Motor and Rehabilitation Sciences (MRS) focuses on biomechanics, motor behavior, rehabilitation sciences, and pediatrics and special populations for individuals interested in a career in those areas.
Accreditation
University of Houston – Clear Lake
Master of Science in Exercise and Health Sciences
As a program that is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, students in this program can expect to learn from skilled professors in a state-of-the-art environment. All students can tailor their education to what they are interested in by choosing from one of the program’s 3 concentrations: Sports Science, Public Health, or Clinical Exercise Physiology. No matter which concentration a student chooses, they can expect to be prepared to work alongside other professionals in a fast-changing healthcare industry.
Accreditation
West Texas A&M University
Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Science
Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Science
At West Texas A&M, students can tailor their postgraduate degree by choosing one of the following paths: Sport Management, Exercise Science, or Sport and Exercise Psychology. All 3 paths have the option to choose between the thesis and non-thesis option. Those following the sports management path would be able to pursue careers in fields such as sports coach, athletic/sports administration, or sports marketing. For individuals interested in a career such as an exercise physiologist, kinesiologist, or rehabilitation specialist, the Exercise Science path would focus on the knowledge needed for those careers. The Sport and Exercise Psychology path is intended for students wishing to become exercise psychologists, exercise specialists, or mental performance consultants.
Accreditation
Best Physical Therapy Programs for Sports Medicine
University of Texas at El Paso
Doctor of Physical Therapy
With UTEP’s geographical location, graduates of the program are enabled to become highly skilled professionals who have the ability to provide culturally proficient care to those living in the U.S. – Mexico border area as well as across the globe. UTEP became the pioneer of including Spanish language training in its curriculum. This CAPTE program takes place over 9 consecutive semesters and includes 4 full-time clinical experiences that may occur within or outside of the El Paso region.
Accreditation
Baylor University
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Baylor’s DPT program integrates hands-on laboratory courses, online learning modules, and clinical education experiences to produce talented physical therapists. The program spans over 6 consecutive semesters including 31 weeks of full-time clinical experiences in a variety of settings. Baylor also has a great opportunity for interested students called the Army Baylor University Doctoral Program (DPT), where students can be recruited to be trained to serve as physical therapists in the military as well as serving as active-duty officers.
Accreditation
Hardin-Simmons University
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Hardin-Simmons University prides itself on a 100% employment rate after graduation since the program was launched 27 years ago, which is why it is one of the leading programs in the state of Texas. Prospective students also have the opportunity to enroll in the Biology to DPT fast-track program. This program allows students to earn their bachelor of science in biology and DPT in 5 ½ years. Another interesting program Hardin-Simmons offers is the HSU PT Ministries which established a program to provide pro bono health care to members of the community who otherwise may not have access to physical therapy.
Accreditation
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Doctor of Physical Therapy
As a degree that spans over 9 consecutive semesters, students can feel confident in their knowledge and abilities learned in each course. Students in their first year will be taught topics that encompass anatomy, pathology, physiology, neuroscience, research, and clinical foundations and can later apply that knowledge to their second year to be able to focus on the whole patient in terms of examination, evaluation, and intervention of injuries. Later in their education career in UT Health’s DPT program, students will be required to complete multiple clinical rotations in different settings to get hands-on experience and put what they have learned to the test.
Accreditation
What to Expect With a Career in Sports Medicine
With Texas’s robust sports environment, individuals with sports medicine-related degrees should have endless career opportunities. Sports medicine professionals can choose between recreational/youth athletics, secondary school athletics, college athletics, professional athletics, and roles in non-traditional settings such as the military or industrial warehouse.
Sports medicine professionals in Texas can expect to find varying salaries depending on their area of focus, experience, and level of degree. As of August 2023, in the state of Texas, a kinesiology professional can expect to make between $70,000 and $99,000, an athletic trainer between $44,000 and $59,000, an exercise science specialist between $45,000 and $72,000, a physical therapist between $83,000 and $110,000, and a sports medicine physician between $180,000 and $380,000.
Careers in the sports medicine field are currently flourishing and expected to continue to grow between 3-15% in the next few years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This ensures great job security for those pursuing a sports medicine-related degree.