Most sports medicine programs begin with several core classes in science, math and communication arts. Students need to master these foundational courses before they can begin to study sports medicine in more depth. Biology and chemistry often make up the core science classes, and some programs also require physics. Calculus and pre-calculus usually fulfill the math component, while literature and composition courses are also typically taken at the beginning of a sports medicine program.
Courses in general anatomy and physiology form another crucial component of a sports medicine program, and most schools require several credit hours in these areas. In addition to these, some classes may be focused on particular parts of the body, such as the upper or lower extremities. Injury care and prevention is another required area of study, and so are pathophysiology and pharmacology classes so students can learn what happens after injury and how medication can be used in treatment. Some schools also require a course in medical terminology to familiarize students with the vocabulary they’ll hear in later courses and in the field after they graduate.
Exercise and fitness classes make up another part of the sports medicine program, with classes in athletic training, kinesiology and exercise physiology. These classes look at how exercise is performed and the body’s response to it, as well as how to create individualized exercise programs. As a key part of health and fitness, nutrition is also usually studied in a sports medicine program to show how diet can impact performance.
One of the best ways to learn is through hands-on experience, especially in the health care profession. That is why sports medicine programs also require clinical practice in different types of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, training facilities and other places where students can observe and assist medical professionals and athletic trainers. The length of the clinical experience depends on the program, but most students can expect to spend anywhere from several weeks to several months rotating among facilities to gain the necessary skills and experience.