Sports Medicine

You can become either an athletic trainer or a physician that specializes in sport medicine.

Duties and Responsibilities

Athletic Trainer:

• Apply objects to help prevent injuries such as bandages or braces.
• Evaluate injuries.
• Provide first aid to those that get injured.
• Develop programs for athletes that are injured.
• Plan programs to prevent injuries or illnesses in athletes.
• Keep records and reports on injuries and treatment programs.

Physician specializing in Sports Medicine:

• Help heal athletic injuries
• Perform surgical or non-surgical procedures
• Examine patients
• Diagnose conditions or injuries
• Give patient medication to heal
• Monitor the patient’s recovery
• Adjust treatment plan based on the patient’s response

Salary: Athletic Trainer- $44,670 per year, Sports Medicine Physician- $162,778

Educational Requirements:

Athletic trainer- Bachelor’s degree and become licensed or certified,

Sports Medicine Physician- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree and after that attend Medical School to earn Medical Degree. After receiving M.D you must perform a residency program that lasts 2-7 years after that you must become licensed by taking an exam.

Demand for Profession: Sports Medicine Physician- 18% from 2012-2022 (Faster than average), Athletic trainer- 21% from 2014-2024 (Much faster than average)

Reflection: I would not like to become one because the job doesn’t interest me.