Over the last few years, sports medicine has become a flourishing profession that offers individuals diverse career opportunities. Individuals who strive for a career as a sports medicine physician will normally have a background in a related area such as athletic training, kinesiology, exercise science, or physical therapy. Ohio offers vast opportunities in all levels of athletics, ranging from youth recreational sports to professional sports. Those who wish to work in a more unique setting can also find positions working with fire departments, the military, or industrial warehouses. 

Sports medicine and related fields demand a strict educational background, postgraduate degrees, continuing education courses, certifications/licensures, and may also be regulated by a governing body.

What Can I Expect to Learn in a Sports Medicine Program?

Degree Timetable

Although each degree and degree level can vary in the length of degree completion, most sports medicine-related degrees will take about 4-12 years on average to complete.

Degree Plan of Study

Most sports medicine-related degrees will follow comparable plans of study for students. The main points of focus for students’ courses will be placed on anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, exercise programming, and other similar courses. Some students may need to take advanced courses in some topics throughout their time completing their degree. Schools will normally require students to complete clinical hours and/or internships in different settings in addition to their classes to put their skills to the test in real-life scenarios. 

Once an individual has completed the required classes, clinical experiences, and internships for their respective degree, they will be well-rounded sports medicine professionals with sound knowledge of the human body, how it works, and how it is altered by injury and/or exercise. Graduates of a sports medicine program will also be confident in their ability to evaluate an injury and how to treat it. 

Requirements for Acceptance to Sports Medicine Programs

Each school has the ability to set its own requirements for an individual to gain acceptance to their program, although most will be similar across the board. For example, a bachelor’s degree and minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) will be required for anyone applying for a graduate-level degree. Some schools may require minimum SAT, ACT, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. Most schools may also request a separate application for acceptance to the program in addition to the school-wide application.

Best Exercise Science Programs for Sports Medicine

The University of Akron

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The University of Akron offers 2 areas of concentration for students to choose from when obtaining their B.S. in Exercise Science. The Applied Exercise Physiology concentration is for students who plan to work in a setting that focuses on physical activity and health promotion. The Pre-Professional concentration is designed for students who want to move on to a graduate program in a related health profession. Both concentrations will follow a similar plan of study with specific courses that are individualized toward their area of focus. 

https://www.uakron.edu/sswe/programs/exercise-science

Xavier University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Students enrolled in Xavier University’s program will learn the ins and outs of human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics. They will utilize their knowledge to create and implement exercise programs on the basis of science for individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Students will be prepared to work in a multitude of careers such as strength and conditioning, fitness facilities, or obtaining further education in a related field. 

https://www.xavier.edu/exercise-science/index

University of Cincinnati

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

After completion of the program, students will be prepared to work in the exercise field or work towards a graduate degree. The program concentrates on anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, and other related coursework. Students will have the chance to complete internships in a variety of settings to give them exposure and experience in different career options. 

https://cech.uc.edu/schools/human-services/undergraduate-programs/exercise-science/exercise-science.html

University of Toledo

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

In this 120-credit-hour degree, students will study anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and psychology to prepare themselves to work in a field related to human physical performance. Students will choose from 3 concentrations to tailor their education toward their interests. The Human Performance and Fitness Promotion concentration is for those who want to work on the prevention and treatment side of physical activity. The Pre-Medical Professions concentration is geared toward those who wish to pursue medical school or physician assistant programs. The Pre-Rehabilitation Sciences concentration is the choice for students wishing to move on to graduate or professional degrees in athletic training, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. 

https://catalog.utoledo.edu/undergraduate/health-human-services/exercise-rehabilitation-sciences/bs-exercise-science/#text

Best Kinesiology Programs for Sports Medicine 

The Ohio State University 

Master of Science in Kinesiology 

In this 1.5-2 year program, students will have the ability to choose between 2 specialties. Those who choose the Exercise Physiology specialty should be interested in analyzing literature, research, and applying measurement techniques related to exercise and performance. The Health and Physical Activity Behavior specialty is geared towards those who want to gain the knowledge to design exercise programs to promote a healthy lifestyle as well as gain the skills needed to answer questions related to maintaining exercise programs. 

https://ehe.osu.edu/graduate/kinesiology/health-and-exercise-science/ms-kinesiology

Best Sports Medicine Programs

Cedarville University

Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine 

Designed to prepare students to continue their education in Cedarville’s Master of Athletic Training program, the B.S. in Sports Medicine focuses on anatomy, emergency care, biomechanics, exercise prescription, and other related courses to fulfill the 4-year degree requirements. Students can choose to enroll in the Sports Medicine + M.A.T. option by having their senior year of their B.S. taken in conjunction with their first year of the M.A.T. program. Students who do not wish to pursue their M.A.T. can also complete their senior year solely in the sports medicine program to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and find work in the fitness industry. 

https://www.cedarville.edu/academic-programs/sport-medicine

Marietta College

Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine 

This program is for those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in athletic training. The program focuses on courses related to biology, physics, chemistry, sports medicine, psychology, and others. There are 2 different tracks students can choose from. The 3+2 track is 3 years of undergraduate studies followed by 2 years of graduate studies, this is a much more cost-efficient option for students. The 4+2 track is a traditional track that consists of 4 years of undergraduate studies followed by 2 years of graduate studies. Both tracks allow students to satisfy their major and general education course requirements. Marietta College boasts a 100% acceptance rate to the Marietta College Masters of Athletic Training following the successful completion of the B.S. in Sports Medicine program 

https://www.marietta.edu/program/bs-sports-medicine

Best Athletic Training Programs for Sports Medicine

Miami University-Oxford

Master of Athletic Training

With over 40 years of educating athletic trainers, Miami University-Oxford is one of the oldest programs in Ohio. It is a 52-credit-hour program that takes place over 24 months. Students will have a variety of clinical experiences that may even include collegiate and professional sports. Miami University-Oxford also offers a combined degree program to obtain a B.S. in Kinesiology and an M.S. in Athletic Training. Students will simultaneously work on the beginning of their master’s degree as they are finishing up their bachelor’s degree over 4 to 5 years. 

https://miamioh.edu/ehs/graduate-programs/master-of-athletic-training/index.html

Otterbein University

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Otterbein offers a 3+2 program that consists of 3 years of a liberal arts degree followed by 2 years of graduate studies. There are 2 ways to gain acceptance to the program. Those who are currently enrolled in the Pre-Athletic Training concentration will formally apply at the end of their 3rd undergraduate year. The other option is for those who complete their undergraduate degree at another university/college, these students will need to make sure all of their pre-requisite courses and other requirements are completed prior to admission. Students will be required to complete a variety of clinical experiences that may take place in different levels of sports or clinic settings.

Athletic Training – Master of Science in Athletic Training

Kent State University

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Through its combination of didactic courses and clinical education experiences, Kent State produces professionals who meet the program’s standards to provide safe and top-notch care. Student’s courses over the 2-year program will focus on evidence-based practice, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care, therapeutic intervention, healthcare administration, and more. At the end of their academic journey, students will have the chance to complete and evaluate research while preparing for the Board of Certification exam (BOC).

https://www.kent.edu/ehhs/hs/attr/masters-degree

Ohio University

Master of Science in Athletic Training

As a veteran in educating athletic training professionals since 1972, Ohio University’s 2-year program will enable students to apply their knowledge and skills learned in the program to real-life situations in their careers. Student’s courses are a combination of in-person and online that will focus on anatomy, diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation, and other related topics. Students will be required to complete two 8-week immersive clinical experiences during their second year of the program that take place at a variety of locations.  

https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/ahsw/athletic-training/professional

Best Physical Therapy Programs for Sports Medicine 

Youngstown State University

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Over 8 semesters, students will be prepared to become clinically competent professionals. Youngstown State’s program is one of the most affordable DPT programs in the area and enrolls cohorts of approximately 45 students. Students are required to complete 1 integrated clinical experience while taking classes, as well as 2 full-time clinical experiences to put their skills and knowledge to the test. 

https://ysu.edu/academics/bitonte-college-health-and-human-services/physical-therapy-dpt

Mount St. Joseph University

Doctor of Physical Therapy

In this 117-credit-hour program, students will gain the knowledge and skills to become capable and professional physical therapists. Students’ first year in the program will build the foundation for the student’s initial clinical skills finishing with a short 4-week clinical experience after completion of their courses. The second year will build off of the student’s first year, allowing them to continue working on their skills. The student’s third year will build off of the first two years and finish with 4 full-time clinical internships in a variety of settings after completion of their didactic coursework. The university also offers free electronic textbooks for the program which can be a great benefit for those who are on a budget.

https://www.msj.edu/academics/graduate-programs/doctor-of-physical-therapy/about-the-dpt-program-2/index.html

Walsh University 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

As an intensive 3 year program, Walsh University gives students a solid base by focusing their courses on the science related to sports medicine and the skills needed for decision-making in the field. Students enrolled in the program will be required to conduct research and present it prior to completion of their degree. Walsh University also requires their DPT students to sit for and pass a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of their program to graduate in addition to the licensure exam required to practice in all 50 states. 

https://www.walsh.edu/doctorate-physical-therapy.html

University of Mount Union

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Although the University of Mount Union’s DPT program just got its start in 2016, the students enrolled in the program will be trained to reach clinical, academic, and professional greatness through the program’s focus on student engagement and professional development. Students are allowed to utilize the program’s state-of-the-art labs, clinical spaces, and research areas. The program affords students the opportunity to have a wide variety of clinical experiences across the country. 

https://www.mountunion.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/physical-therapy

What to Expect with a Career in Sports Medicine

Ohio’s growing sports medicine industry offers prospective professionals an assortment of ways to jump-start their careers in the field. Whether it is youth athletics, professional sports teams, or a local fire department, there is a setting perfect for every sports medicine professional. 

Sports medicine-related degrees can vary in salary depending on the specialization, level of degree, and experience. As of August 2023, in Ohio, an exercise science specialist can expect to make between $50,000 and $65,000, an athletic trainer between $48,000 and $59,000, a kinesiologist between $41,000 and $70,000, a physical therapist between $89,000 and $105,000, and a sports medicine physician between $213,000 and $319,000. 

https://www.salary.com

The sports medicine career field is expected to continue to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field to increase another 9-17% by 2031 which makes it an excellent field to break into.