What is Sports Medicine and Exercise Science?
SPORTS MEDICINE is the field of
medicine dealing with injuries sustained in athletic endeavors and/or illnesses
impacting sport performance. Sports medicine focuses not only on the diagnosis
and treatment of diseases and injuries related to sports, but also on
injury/disease prevention and management. The goal of sports medicine is to
assist the athlete in achieving both optimal health and peak performance.
Historically, sports medicine was provided by the
“team physician” who worked primarily with college, professional, and other
elite caliber athletes. Today, sports medicine involves a comprehensive team of
health care professionals trained in a variety of backgrounds such as athletic
training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, physical therapy, nursing, sport
psychology, and nutrition. Additionally, sports medicine is available to
individuals participating at all performance levels ranging from the
recreational to the professional athlete.
EXERCISE SCIENCE
is the study of physiological and functional adaptations to
movement. Most colleges and universities provide specific curriculum and/or
academic majors in the exercise sciences. Undergraduate programs are typically
broad based and include general study in biology, chemistry, biochemistry,
anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and fitness
programming. Graduate level programs typically provide systematic study in
specific areas of exercise physiology with an emphasis on research.
Career opportunities for individuals graduating with
degrees in exercise science are numerous. Common career tracks range from the
research scientist to the exercise practitioner in fitness and/or clinical
settings. In addition, other disciplines find it helpful to include coursework
in the exercise sciences. It is very common for individuals studying in the
exercise sciences to work in the field of sports medicine. What Can I Do With a
Degree in Sports Medicine or Exercise Science? The list below is just a sampling
of career opportunities available in sports medicine and exercise science.
Typical job responsibilities as well as educational requirements are included.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Sports Medicine or Exercise
Science?
The list below is just a sampling of career opportunities
available in sports medicine and exercise science. Typical
job responsibilities as well as educational requirements
are included.
GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR
A group exercise instructor leads exercise sessions for a group
of participants. The group may be heterogeneous — for example, individuals with
different fitness levels, medical concerns and ages; or the group may be
homogeneous — for example, individuals who have similar characteristics such as
those with arthritis, older adults who are frail, or women who are pregnant.
Examples of group exercise instruction include land-or water-based general
classes, dance/step aerobics, chair aerobics, and cycling. Group exercise
instructors can be employed in a variety of settings including commercial
fitness centers, employee fitness programs, and hospitals. Minimal requirements
should be an undergraduate degree in a health-related field and a recognized
certification.
ATHLETIC TRAINER
Athletic trainers work with team physicians, exercise
physiologists, physical therapists, and coaches in the care and prevention of
illness and injuries related to sport and exercise. An undergraduate degree from
an accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs (CAAHEP) is required to sit for the National Athletic
Trainers’ Association (NATA) certification examination beginning in the year
2004. In most states licensure is required. One of the requirements for
licensure is to successfully pass the NATA certification examination. Athletic
trainers typically work with athletes at the high school, college, or
professional level. They are also employed in sports medicine clinics.
BIOMECHANIST
Biomechanics is the study and explanation of the laws of physics
as applied to physical activity, exercise, and sport. However, employee fitness
centers are becoming more clinically based in terms of exercise training for all
types of clients, including those with cardiac, Sports Medicine is the field of
medicine concerned with injuries sustained in athletic endeavors, including
their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Biomechanics can be used to explain
how muscles, bones, and joints are injured under certain conditions, and to
improve performance using motion analysis techniques. Biomechanists are
typically employed in research settings and clinical sites, but future growth
appears to be in industrial ergonomic settings. Minimal requirement is a
master’s degree.
CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION SPECIALIST
Clinical exercise physiologists, nurses, physical therapists, and
respiratory therapists are most often employed in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
programs. These clinicians are typically responsible for providing exercise
education regarding disease management, lifestyle modification, and psychosocial
support to patients with cardiac and/or pulmonary disease. Clinical settings
generally include hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medically supervised
fitness centers. An undergraduate degree in one or more of the disciplines noted
above is required, however, advanced degrees with specialty certification (
e.g., American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Specialist® certification)
improves opportunities for employment.
DIETITIAN / SPORTS NUTRITIONIST
Dietetics is the study of nutrient intake and how foods are
digested and metabolized in order to provide the necessary energy to fuel
muscular activity. Dietitians also study dietary patterns in order to maximize
performance and prevent disease and improve health. To become a registered
dietitian, you must complete an undergraduate degree in dietetics, complete a
nine-month American Dietetics Association (ADA)-approved internship and pass the
ADA certification examination. Additional specialized training is necessary.
Dietitians can be employed in a variety of settings including hospitals,
clinics, sports complexes, school systems, and public health facilities.
EMPLOYEE FITNESS DIRECTOR
Employee fitness programs are common in the workplace, especially
in the corporate, commercial, and hospital setting. Along with conducting
exercise programs and supervising all fitness staff, the employee fitness
director may also be trained as a wellness specialist to provide broad-based
health promotion and wellness education programs. These may include stress
management and nutrition education programs. Traditionally, workplace exercise
programs have been for healthy individuals only. pulmonary, or musculoskeletal
problems. An undergraduate degree is typically required to work with special
population clients. It is also recommended to obtain a recognized certification,
such as the ACSM Health/Fitness InstructorSM.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
An exercise physiologist studies the acute and chronic
physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity. They
can apply this knowledge to improve or maintain health, fitness, or performance.
Traditionally, exercise physiologists worked and studied only with athletes to
improve performance. Today, however, exercise physiologists also work and study
in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to increase health, fitness, and
quality of life in the general population. For example, an exercise physiologist
may work as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, a personal trainer, or
direct an employee fitness program. At least an undergraduate degree is
required. It is also recommended to obtain a recognized certification, such as
one from the American College of Sports Medicine.
MEDICAL DOCTOR
A medical doctor is highly trained in the art and science of the
diagnosis and treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. Medical
schools require a minimum of four years after a basic college degree. Beyond
medical school there are many specialties to choose from in order to be part of
a sports medicine or exercise science team, including primary care sports
medicine, orthopedic surgery, or cardiology. Each specialty has three to five
years of internship and residency training and perhaps an additional one to two
years of fellowship training. Most medical doctors are employed in clinics or
hospitals.
OCCUPATIONAL PHYSIOLOGIST
Occupational physiologists work with many different professionals
to improve the performance of workers by enhancing their health and occupational
abilities, preventing or rehabilitating workplace injuries, and redesigning the
work environment to fit the worker. They may also develop and administer
pre-employment physical capacity tests to determine if the worker is fit to
perform the job. An advanced degree beyond the undergraduate level is typically
required, and it is helpful to be certified by the Board of Certification in
Professional Ergonomics.
PERSONAL TRAINER
A personal trainer typically works oneon- one with an individual
and is generrole is to develop and supervise specific conditioning programs to
increase athletic performance such as speed, ally paid by the hour or exercise
session. The exercise session can take place at the client’s home, the trainer’s
place of employment or business, or at a third-party fitness facility. A
personal trainer should have a strong background in anatomy and kinesiology as a
large part of this job deals with muscular strength and endurance training. At
least an undergraduate degree and recognized certification, such as the American
College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness InstructorSM, is recommended.
PHYSICAL / OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
The physical therapist helps people recover from injuries or
diseases of the muscles, joints, nerves, or bones. The occupational therapist
works more with fine motor skills and dexterity. Both therapists use various
physical modalities and exercise, focusing on movement dysfunction. There are
many areas of specialization in physical therapy including cardiopulmonary
rehabilitation, sports medicine, and biomechanics. Most physical and
occupational therapy schools require two to three years after a four-year
undergraduate degree. After formal training, one must pass a national
examination to become a licensed physical or occupational therapist.
Professionals interested in continuing their education in this field may want to
consider the ACSM Health/Fitness InstructorSM certification along with the
national examination. Most employment opportunities are in hospitals and
clinics.
RESEARCHER
Researchers conduct studies from either a basic or applied
scientist’s perspective. Basic researchers usually conduct studies with a focus
on the cellular and molecular levels, such as how organ systems work, adapt or
respond to various factors. Sometimes this is referred to as bench research,
especially if animal models are used. Applied researchers usually conduct
studies with a focus on more practical questions that appear to be more
applicable for immediate use, such as ways to increase athletic performance or
how to improve health and reduce disease. Either career requires getting a
terminal degree, such as a Ph.D., which involves at least four to five years
beyond the undergraduate level. Most researchers are employed by universities
and hospitals.
STRENGTH (SPORT) AND CONDITIONING COACH
Sport teams at the high school, college, and professional levels
employ strength and conditioning coaches. Their agility, strength, endurance,
flexibility, and power. Positions usually require a master’s degree and
certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
TEACHER
Teachers can be employed at the elementary through college level.
If you desire to teach physical education or coach at the elementary or
secondary level, an undergraduate degree is required and you must be certified
in the state where you teach. With a master’s degree you may be able to teach at
a college, junior college, or university, especially if coupled with practical
experience. However, these opportunities are limited. In higher education, it is
customary to hire those with a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D., which is four
to five years beyond the undergraduate level. Teachers at the college or
university level are often expected to conduct research.
As you can tell from the sampling of careers listed
above, there is a diversity of career opportunities, fields of study, and
specialty areas in sports medicine and exercise science. Most undergraduate
degrees in sports medicine or exercise science require a strong background in
the basic sciences which will prepare you for graduate level work or
professional school should you choose to pursue an advanced degree. Check with
schools that interest you to identify the specific requirements for admission to
graduate or professional degree programs.
What Starting Salary Can I Expect?
With an undergraduate degree
and no experience, you may find that starting annual salaries vary widely, with
some starting in the $25,000-$35,000 range. Understand that starting salaries
for sports medicine and exercise science professionals are so varied because of
factors such as experience, geographic location, employment setting, and market
demand. Other factors, such as advanced degrees, professional licensure, and
certification will influence pay scales. A good way to gauge what salary you can
expect is to speak with professionals who currently work in your field of
interest.
Attaining a Career in Sports Medicine or
Exercise Science
Now that you know a little more about sports medicine and
exercise science, how do you know whether a career in this profession is for
you? Answering the questions and following the advice provided below may be
helpful in making your decision. Exercise Science is the study of movement and
the associated functional responses and adaptations.
Assess Your Interests
Do you participate in and enjoy exercise? Are you interested in
any of the specialty areas, career opportunities, or fields of study mentioned
in the previous section such as medicine, rehabilitation, teaching, research, or
fitness? Have you enjoyed classes in high school or college such as physical
fitness, biology, health and wellness, and nutrition? Do you enjoy reading
health and wellness magazines or journals in medicine, health, and fitness? Do
you enjoy helping and working with people? When you read job opportunities in
the classifieds do you get excited about the possibility of working in sports
medicine/exercise settings?
Determine Your Career Goals
Where do you see yourself in five years? Are you willing to
commit to the necessary education, academic training and professional
preparation that are required? Can you afford higher education costs? Will you
enjoy taking courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, and math?
How about courses such as exercise physiology, nutrition, behavior modification,
kinesiology, and exercise prescription? Do the colleges and universities that
are of interest to you offer the coursework and preparation that will help you
to achieve your goals? Have you talked to people who currently work in your
field of interest including college professors who teach in sports medicine or
exercise science programs? Ask your teachers or guidance counselors to invite
sports medicine or exercise science professionals to your school’s career fairs.
Have you volunteered or observed in sports medicine or exercise science
settings? If not, ask your teachers, guidance counselors, parents, relatives, or
friends to arrange opportunities for you to spend some time with sports medicine
and exercise science professionals.
Get an Education
Most degree programs in sports medicine and exercise science have
an “introduction to the profession” survey course. They are usually open to any
student enrolled at the institution and can be taken during the freshman year.
The course will provide you with a great deal of information about the field as
well as educate you on the coursework, specific degree requirements, and
specialty areas that are provided at your school. More than likely, you will be
required to volunteer and observe at various sports medicine and exercise
science facilities in your area.
Get Certified
There are many organizations that offer certifications in
exercise science. You will want to determine which one best fits your needs and
educational background. While a college degree is generally the most desired
type of formal training and experience, some employers also require a
certification documenting a specific foundation in exercise science knowledge,
skills, and abilities. ACSM certifications and registry credentials show
employers that you have passed one of the most rigorous and up-to-date
health/fitness and clinical exercise testing and programming examinations that
attests to your reliability and credibility as an exercise science professional.
Getting Started
Sports medicine and exercise science offer exciting career opportunities. If you
are interested in pursuing a career in these areas, you are strongly encouraged
to obtain as much information as you can about the profession. We hope this
information provided you with enough information to get you started. We wish you
the best of luck as you prepare for your future.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT American College of
Sports Medicine P.O. Box 1440 • Indianapolis, IN 46206-1440 USA Tel.: (317)
637-9200 • Web Site: http://www.acsm.org
This brochure is a product of the American
College of Sports Medicine and was produced and reviewed by the
Communications and Public Information Committee with assistance from the
Committee on Certification and Registry Boards. |
Permission to reprint this American College of Sports Medicine brochure
contingent upon the article being reprinted in-total and without alteration, and
with the printing of the following citation on each page or Web screen:
“Reprinted with permission of the American College of Sports Medicine, “Careers
in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science,” January 2003,
http://www.acsm.org.” |
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