Role:
Sports medicine physicians diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity. They work with athletes and active people to help them recover from injuries, improve performance, and maintain long-term health.

High School Preparation:
• AP Biology or Honors Biology
• AP Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
• Physics
• Pre-Calculus or AP Calculus
• Statistics (recommended for research skills)
• Anatomy or sports medicine electives if available
• Join sports teams or athletic clubs
• Volunteer at hospitals or clinics
• Shadow physicians or healthcare professionals if possible

College Preparation (Pre-Med Track):
Students typically earn a 4-year Bachelor's degree. While any major is allowed, many choose Biology, Chemistry, Kinesiology, or Neuroscience. Common required courses include:
• General Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics or Statistics
• Psychology or Sociology

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test):
The MCAT is a standardized exam required for admission to medical school in the United States. It tests knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning.

Medical School:
Medical school typically lasts 4 years: • Years 1-2: classroom learning (anatomy, physiology, pathology) • Years 3-4: clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics

Residency Training:
After medical school, physicians complete residency training (usually 3 years) in fields such as Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Emergency Medicine.

Sports Medicine Fellowship:
Many physicians then complete a 1-year fellowship focused specifically on sports medicine injuries and athlete care.

Role:
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They perform surgeries such as ligament reconstruction, fracture repair, and joint replacement.

High School Preparation:
• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• Physics
• AP Calculus or Statistics
• Anatomy or sports medicine electives
• Participate in sports or leadership activities
• Shadow orthopedic doctors or physical therapists

College (Pre-Med Path):
Students complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree with the same medical school prerequisites: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and math. They must also take the MCAT exam before applying to medical school.

Medical School:
4 years of medical training covering anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine.

Orthopedic Surgery Residency:
Orthopedic residency lasts about 5 years and provides intensive surgical training in musculoskeletal injuries.

Optional Fellowship:
Some surgeons pursue an additional 1-year fellowship specializing in areas like: • Sports orthopedics • Spine surgery • Joint reconstruction

Role:
Physical therapists help patients restore movement and reduce pain after injury, surgery, or illness. They work with athletes and non-athletes to improve mobility, strength, and functional movement.

High School Preparation:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Algebra II / Pre-Calculus
• Anatomy & Physiology electives
• Volunteer at rehabilitation clinics
• Shadow physical therapists in multiple environments

College Degree:
Students typically earn a Bachelor’s degree in: • Kinesiology • Exercise Science • Biology Prerequisites for graduate programs usually include anatomy, physiology, physics, statistics, and psychology.

DPT Program (Doctor of Physical Therapy):
The DPT is a graduate degree that usually takes 3 years and includes clinical rotations working with real patients.

Licensure Exam:
Graduates must pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) to become licensed physical therapists.

Role:
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, evaluating, and treating injuries in physically active individuals and athletes.

High School Preparation:
• Biology and Chemistry
• Sports medicine electives
• Volunteer with school athletic trainers
• Participate in sports teams

College Degree:
Students attend a CAATE-accredited athletic training program. Many major in Athletic Training, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science.

Certification:
Graduates must pass the BOC (Board of Certification) exam to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).

Role:
Strength and conditioning coaches design training programs to improve speed, strength, endurance, and athletic performance while reducing injury risk.

High School Preparation:
• Biology and Physics
• Health or sports science classes
• Learn lifting technique (squat, hinge, push, pull)
• Assist coaches or train younger athletes

College Degree:
Most coaches study Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Sports Science.

Professional Certifications:
• CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) – National Strength and Conditioning Association
• CSCCa certification for collegiate coaches

Role:
Exercise physiologists study how the body responds to physical activity and design exercise programs to improve health, recovery, and athletic performance.

High School Preparation:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Math and statistics

College Degree:
Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Physiology.

Professional Certifications:
• ACSM-EP (Exercise Physiologist)
• ACSM-CEP (Clinical Exercise Physiologist)

Role:
Personal trainers work with individuals to improve fitness, strength, endurance, and overall health.

High School Preparation:
• Health science classes
• Learn exercise safety and biomechanics
• Gain coaching experience

Certifications:
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE Personal Trainer Certification
• CPR/AED certification required

Role:
Sports psychologists help athletes improve performance and mental wellbeing using psychological strategies such as goal setting, visualization, confidence building, and stress management.

High School Preparation:
• Psychology classes
• Biology
• Communication or public speaking
• Leadership roles in sports teams

College Degree:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Sports Psychology.

Graduate School:
Most sports psychologists complete a Master’s or Doctorate in psychology.

Professional Certification:
CMPC (Certified Mental Performance Consultant) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.