Getting injured during sports, or exercise is inevitable. Therefore, a sports medicine specialist or physician remains top of the list of sports officials. Although their role sounds simple and easy, you can’t be exceptional in your career without getting a degree from any of the Best Sports Medicine Colleges.
Attending any of the best sports medicine colleges will help you study theory and practice, develop research skills, and take part in experiential learning activities to develop comprehensive knowledge.
With a sports medicine degree, you can be trained as a future medical, sports, and science professional while simultaneously preparing to continue on to advanced degrees. Moreso, it will teach you how to get specialized knowledge of the human body and its physical abilities.
Studying at any of the best schools for sports medicine is a great opportunity. And, to save you the stress of choosing which is best for you, this article compiles the 15 best sports medicine colleges in 2024 that offer varieties of degree programs in sports medicine.
You can navigate through the table of contents below to get an overview of all that this post entails.
Table of contents
- What is Sports Medicine?
- What are Sports medicine Majors?
- What are the Benefits of Sports and Exercise Medicine?
- What are the Degrees for Sports Medicine?
- What are the Education and training for Sport Medicine?
- What to Consider before choosing a Sport Medicine College
- What are the Best Colleges for Sports Medicine?
- #1. Southern California University
- #2. The University of Virginia
- #3. Pittsburgh University
- #4. Michigan University
- #5. University of North Carolina
- #6. Stanford University
- #7. University of South Florida
- #8. Ohio State College of Medicine
- #9. Howard University
- #10. Boston University
- #11. Bethel College
- #12. CUNY Queens University
- #13. Brock-port College
- #14. University of Iowa
- #15. College Idaho
- Sources
- Recommendations
What is Sports Medicine?
According to Wikipedia, Sports medicine is known as a branch of medicine that focuses on physical fitness, and the treatment, and prevention of sports injuries.
Generally, Sports medical professionals or specialists treat a variety of physical conditions, including acute trauma such as fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations.
They also treat chronic excessive injuries such as tendinitis, degenerative diseases, and fatigue syndrome.
What are Sports medicine Majors?
Sports medicine primarily focuses on nonsurgical techniques. Most exercise injuries don’t require the help of surgeons.
Sport Medical profession is not only focused on treating injuries or helping injured athletes recover faster, it also helps them improve their performance and achieve maximum benefits.
These they achieve through strength training, sports psychology, nutrition training, and a personalized exercise regimen.
Basically, Sports medicine combines general medical science with specific principles of sports science, exercise physiology, orthopedics, biomechanics, sports nutrition, and even sports psychology.
The sports medicine team is open to several specialties or professionals, including physicians, surgeons, athletics trainers, sports psychologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, coaches, Dietitians and personal trainers.
Check out: University of Florida: Admission, Tuition, Scholarships, Courses, and Ranking
What are the Benefits of Sports and Exercise Medicine?
In sports, the benefits or importance parse of sports medicine cannot be overemphasized.
Sports is one major thing people have been involved in for years now even before the 20th century. As the days pass by, more people get involved in sports or exercise activities either to earn a living or to keep fit.
This is because they have realized the importance of exercise and physical activity for good health.
In the course of these sports and exercise activities, they get injuries like Sprains, strains, Lacerations, fractures, dislocations, and abrasions which causes pain and discomfort.
To help relieve these pains and prevent the occurrence of some of these injuries is where sports Medicine specialist comes play.
And because, sports medicine focuses on all topics related to sports and exercise, from injury prevention to training, it is more important and appropriate than ever.
Other benefits include;
Uses Modern Treatment Options
Sports medicine specialists implore the modern and latest techniques and procedures to restore function in injured areas. These options are easier and faster for recovery.
From state-of-the-art reconstructive surgical techniques to regenerative medicine procedures such as platelet-enriched plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy,
Helps in making one a Better Athlete
Sports medicine professionals often play an important role in developing training programs tailored to an athlete’s individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
These specialists have the knowledge and tools to assess an athlete’s anatomical strengths and weaknesses, make recommendations for training schemes, and identify areas for improvement.
Improved Injury and Prevention of New Injuries
Because Sports medicine physicians or specialists use modernized technique options they tend to have a deep understanding of how athletes use their bodies during training and play.
Thus, they provide patients with expert advice and instructions to avoid injuries and avoid re-injury in a previously damaged area.
Moreso, they help professional athletes and first-timers make important “play-back” decisions by doing physical exercises before participation to ensure that their patients are ready to resume activities.
Specialist Care
Sports medicine physicians are specially trained to care for athletes, fitness professionals, and active people.
They understand the effects of sports and exercise on a patient’s body, such as concussions and recurrent movement injuries, and work closely with orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists to develop treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
What are the Degrees for Sports Medicine?
As discussed, there are many best sports medicine colleges in the world. These sports medical schools may offer associate, bachelor, master, and/or doctoral programs in the field.
There are also several universities that offer online sports medicine courses and/or training programs, but these are usually provided at the undergraduate level. Below, we explore each grade level in more detail.
#1. Associate of Sports Medicine
Associate degree programs in sports medicine are offered as related to degrees.
These programs can last from 18 to 24 months and are often combined with closely related topics such as sports medicine/sports coach or sports medicine and fitness technology. Students may take part in clinics and/or external internships and attend courses in the following subjects:
- Kinesiology
- Exercise physiology
- Human anatomy
- Sports injuries
#2. Bachelor of Sports Medicine
Bachelor of Sports Medicine programs are usually offered as a Bachelor of Science degree, but there are also some Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs.
Colleges that offer sports medicine also offer programs like kinesiology with a concentration or specialization in sports medicine, or they can combine sports medicine with another subject.
As a sports medicine student, you can internships and may attend courses like:
- Sports ethics
- Sports psychology
- Statistics
- Sports nutrition
#3. Master of Sports Medicine
In the Master’s degree, you can pursue a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine and continue to specialize in this area in areas such as sports training or strength training and conditioning.
Basically, going for a master’s degree program will provide you with a wide range of hands-on training through research, clinical, and laboratory courses.
Some of these programs may be available in hybrid formats with online components. As a master’s student, you may be expected to attend the following course;
- Search methods
- Performance evaluation
- Injury prevention
- Human movement
#4. Doctor of Sports Medicine
Doctoral programs in sports medicine are not as common, but they can be offered as doctoral programs in kinesiology that focus on or focus on sports medicine.
Yu can complete some of these degree programs in as little as 4 years and usually require a dissertation.
Coursework can often be tailored to students’ interests and research but may include topics such as:
- Biomechanics
- Statistics
- Evidence is based on practice
- Research
What are the Education and training for Sport Medicine?
If you have a sports Medicine degree, you work in a clinical, academic, or service-oriented environment. In fact, there are many job opportunities in fields related to sports medicine.
Note, Colleges and universities have incorporated sports medicine programs into their curricula.
Although getting a degree can be very tense and hectic, it pays well. The training path for a sports medicine specialist is much more intense and can last from 12 to 13 years.
First, you will need to get a bachelor’s degree with takes 4 years, then attend a medical school for 4 years, get an MD/DO residence which will take you 3 years, and finally go for a sport medicine scholarship which can take you one to two years to complete.
Even if you are a non-medical sports medical professional, you will still need extensive training. For example, a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) will only earn a certificate after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field.
To be certified, you must show the ability to recognize, evaluate, prevent sports, and treat injuries appropriately.
What to Consider before choosing a Sport Medicine College
As a student, before you can think of applying to any college that offers sports Medicine, it is expedient you make extensive research to be sure you have the requirements and criteria.
If you are a student who has chosen a sports medicine program, I advise you to consider the following criteria or factors before choosing your study destination.
Availability of Jobs
First, when choosing a career, you need to consider employment opportunities. The same goes for scholarships. What chances to do you to get employed immediately after graduation.
Where the school is situated
The location of a school can affect the cost of education. For instance, as an international student, you will pay more for tuition than citizens of the state where the school is situated.
So, it is important that when considering the college you will attend, you should look at the distance. To become a public student, you usually need at least one year of permanent residence in the state where the college or university is located.
The practicality
Another aspect is practice. Practical experience is vital in the world of sports medicine. Does the chosen school provide the required experience or is it lacking?
The required Degree
Another aspect is the degree required for a career. Is an associate degree sufficient? Or maybe you need to expand your bachelor’s degree in your field.
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What are the Best Colleges for Sports Medicine?
There are over 100 colleges and universities that offers different degree programs in Sports Medicine and other related courses.
Although the tuition fees for some of these programs are high, what you will stand to gain once you get the certificate is far more than what you will spend in pursuing the program.
There are 100s of colleges that offers this program, let’s look at the best sports medicine colleges in the world that offers top sports Medicine programs.
- University of Southern California
- University of North Carolina
- Stanford University
- The University of Pittsburgh
- Ohio State University
- University of South Florida
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Boston University
- The University of Virginia
- Bethel College
- College of Idaho
- The University of Iowa
- Howard University
- The University of Michigan
#1. Southern California University
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
The first in our list of best sports medicine colleges in the world is the University of Southern California. This is a private research university in Los Angeles, California founded in 1880.
However, this university’s total enrollment is 47,310. It also has 27,500 graduates and professional students under several programs, including business, law, engineering, social work, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and medicine.
The university has various departments including the Department of Athletic Medicine whose aim is to create a fair environment for all athletes at the University of Southern California to receive the best possible medical care for sports-related injuries.
Moreso, it aims at meeting the health care needs of every athlete, both physical and mental.
SCU offers three different sports medicine pathways for students in the Doctor of Chiropractic Program: Sports Medicine Track, Sports Medicine Honors, and the Chiropractic Sports Medicine Residency
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#2. The University of Virginia
Location: PO Box 800793, McKim Hall, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0793
Next on our list of best medical schools for sports medicine is the University of Virginia, is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia.
It is known as one of the best schools for sports medicine that any student can think of considering for pursuing a sports Medicine degree.
Basically, this top sports medicine school aims at providing quality graduate orthopedic education through a structured innovative teaching and evaluation process.
Moreso, it aims at training and nurturing the next generation of orthopedic physicians, who will use medical care decision-making techniques based on outcomes-based evidence when considering diagnostic and therapeutic options of care.
Additionally, the University engages in many areas of clinical research to expand knowledge and treatments related to sports injuries.
The school’s current studies include the areas of anterior cruciate ligament rupture and reconstruction, knee pain, knee and shoulder osteoarthritis, shoulder instability surgeries, and knee cartilage surgery.
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#3. Pittsburgh University
Location: 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
The University of Pittsburgh is among the universities that have one of the best medical schools for sports medicine.
It is a state-related research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with up to 8 sports medicine programs.
This sports medicine school prepares students with clinical education that complements classroom education.
Meanwhile, Graduate students in sports medicine can be eligible for assistantships in the Neuromuscular Research Lab at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine or with the University of Pittsburgh Athletics.
As a graduate student from this school, you may work one-on-one with athletes to examine how diet affects performance, and counsel individuals on nutrition and lifestyle changes for health improvement.
Furthermore, you can help create an appropriate exercise or nutrition regimen for someone with a chronic disease or disability.
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#4. Michigan University
Location: 500 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
Next on our list of colleges that offer sports medicine is Michigan Medicine. This college is a wholly-owned center of academic medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The university is a large institution that accepts 29,245 undergraduate students.
Basically, it includes the U-M School of Medicine with its own group of faculty practices and many research laboratories.
Moreso, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, runs an athletics training program with courses that give students a real hands-on experience.
Interestingly, they offer scholarships that give the student full funding and compare it to the place of residence that best complements their own learning path.
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See Also: University of Florida Acceptance Rate
#5. University of North Carolina
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Next on our list of the best sports medicine colleges is the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC).
This university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,117 is known as a flagship university and major research center.
Basically, the UN Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences is based on the belief that understanding human movement directly implies the quality of life of individuals and society.
However, the school offers four full bachelor’s degrees (in the areas of physical exercise, athletic training, physical professionalism, and sports management) and a few more minors, JTC introduces its students to the intersections of health, sports, fitness, and exercise.
Some programs include; Cardiac rehabilitation,
Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Sports medicine, Entertainment Therapy Specialist, and Strength training and conditioning.
Click the button below to get more information about this best school for sports medicine.
#6. Stanford University
Location: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
Stanford University is another top sports medicine school that should come to your mind when looking for answers to the question “what are the best schools for sports medicine?
This university is the world’s leading research institution and houses the country’s largest athletics conference.
This is because they are committed to excellence in both science and athletics is no more clear than in Stanford University’s Sports Medicine program, where the two go smoothly.
Basically, Stanford University offers intensive 24-month graduate employment through the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) and the Department of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
This unique and top sports medicine program provides unprecedented educational opportunities, not just for a master’s degree, to develop certified sports coaches in advanced and versatile clinics.
Furthermore, at Stanford, the team is at the forefront of sports medicine care, using the latest diagnostics, therapies, and rehabilitation methodologies to enable student-athletes to thrive.
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#7. University of South Florida
Location: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
The University of South Florida is another school on our list of sports medicine colleges in the world.
This college is a public research university and a member institution of the State University System of Florida.
The University of South Florida Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one-year program for individuals who have completed an orthopedic residency and who desire to be exposed to a broad-based experience in the care and prevention of injuries to athletes.
The goal of the USF Athletic Training Program is to prepare graduates for personal and professional success while setting the standard for excellence in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine nationwide.
Click the button below to get more information about this best college for sports medicine.
#8. Ohio State College of Medicine
Location: Athens, OH 45701, United States
Next on our list of best sports medicine colleges is Ohio State College of Medicine.
This college has an innovative curriculum, a world-class faculty, and abundant resources at the renowned Wexner Medical Center, our medical and health students are fully prepared to take on the challenges of an ever-changing field of medicine.
Moreso, Ohio State Medical students also take advantage of state-of-the-art research opportunities and proximity to the university’s major city, and many interdisciplinary opportunities.
Basically, the aim of this University Sports Medicine team is to prevent athletic injuries and the ensuring of the safe return of a competitive student-athlete.
Furthermore, the college has an Athletic Training healthcare that specializes in the clinical diagnosis, emergency treatment, and rehabilitation of the acute, chronic or congenital musculoskeletal system.
#9. Howard University
Location: 2400 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059, United States
This is one of the best sports medicine colleges in the world. This university enrolls over 130,000 in youth, science, and culture.
Basically, Howard offers various academic catalogs with 47, bachelor’s, 41 master’s, and 30 programs.
The University also has 11 research institutions and institutions with over 200 students, including Greek life.
As an applicant, you must submit an ACT or SAT, transcript, and two credentials. Transfers must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
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#10. Boston University
Location: 915 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Boston is next on the list of good sports medicine schools in the world.
With a university degree in physical therapy from Boston University, you are prepared to enroll in any sports medicine graduate or medical program.
Moreso, these programs will help you as an athlete and active individual get more from life by fully taking part in the activities you love, from sports to your careers.
Interestingly, the Boston University Scholarship in Orthopedic Surgery can provide you with an education in all aspects of operations and treatment related to sports medicine.
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#11. Bethel College
Location: 300 E 27th St, North Newton, KS 67117, United States
Next on our list of best colleges for sports medicine is Bethel College.
Bethel College is one college with sports medicine majors for those looking to experience the Christian liberal arts.
Bethel College offers a variety of academic programs across three schools: the Department of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Nursing.
Moreso, Bethel offers several undergraduate and apprenticeship opportunities in the fields of sports medicine and exercise science, including kinesiology and exercise science.
These degrees are also practical programs that encourage work in laboratories and professional connections through internships.
In addition, they will teach you physique, muscle strength and endurance, and cardiovascular health, while learning the following course; First aid and CPR / AED, Applied nutrition,
Athletic training, The psychosocial dimension of kinesiology
Motor learning and Exercise physiology.
#12. CUNY Queens University
Location: 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, United States
Queens College is one of the best colleges for sports medicine with nearly 20,000 students.
Basically, Queens College provides liberal arts education, offering over 80 undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields and subjects, and is one of the leading schools taking part in the CUNY Honors College.
CUNY Queen College offers knowledge of sports medicine, kinesiology, and human movement with nutrition. This program introduces students to cardiovascular health and wellness, healthy eating, and exercise, giving them a career opportunity in the corporate or healthcare industry.
Queens College can help you achieve a program that includes:
Exercise, energy balance and weight control, nutrition, kinesiology, biomechanics, and Physiology of muscle activity.
Click the button below to get more information about this Historically Black University in the world.
#13. Brock-port College
Location: 350 New Campus Dr, Brockport, NY 14420, United States
Brockport College is located in New York City of the same name, part of the New York State University system, and is a liberal arts school.
However, it offers specializations in a variety of fields, from recreational and leisure studies to health sciences, premedication, and exercise sciences.
Like many other colleges with good sports medicine programs on our list, Brockport College offers several undergraduate study opportunities in sports medicine, kinesiology, and exercise science.
These programs at the Department of Kinesiology, Sports Studies and Physical Education introduce students to all aspects of human movement, from psychological to physiological.
Marshall also has dozens of unique options that can help you specialize, including Women in sports, Philosophy of sports, play, and exercise, Obesity in society, Modern Olympics, Sports ethics competitions, Game theories, and Sports in the USA.
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#14. University of Iowa
Location: Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
The University of Iowa is in the southeastern state of Iowa.
As the first state university in Iowa, it was the first state university in the nation to allow students to present creative, rather than academic, research related to dissertation requirements in advanced degree programs.
The state of Iowa also offers several opportunities for students who want to study human movement, sports science, and exercise, including the opportunity to become a certified athletics coach.
This program will teach you the basic concepts of prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation through classes covering everything from drug education to human disease. And you will end up ready to take the Certification Board exam.
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#15. College Idaho
Idaho College is among the best sports medicine colleges. This college is located at the Caldwell School of the Liberal Arts
Idaho College is known for its degrees in health, humanities, social sciences, and science. Idaho College, which offers approximately 25 academic fields of study, is the oldest liberal arts college in the state.
Students at the University of Idaho College can study physical exercise, physical activity, and health sciences.
Moreso, they can make research using the following research methods in kinesiology, Exercise metabolism, Applied Nutrition, Cardiac and pulmonary physiology, Human physiology of the environment, and Sports science.
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Sources
- https://www.sportsmedicinecolleges.net/top-10-sports-medicine-colleges/
- https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-sports-medicine-degrees/
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/careers/healthcare/sports-medicine/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_medicine
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