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what would be the best major to be a physical therapist in sports medicine and how long would it be
#physical-therapist I am a lifeguard also interested in sports and helping people #athletic-training
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Doc’s Answer
Physical therapy is a rapidly growing field Nathalie.
To become a physical therapist, You must complete an accredited physical therapy program, many of which culminate in a doctorate degree, and earn state licensing. A residency program in sports medicine can train physical therapists to specialize in helping athletes, including preventing and treating injuries, and even enhancing performance.
SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICAL THERAPY EDUCATION IS 8 YEARS
Sports physical therapists help rehabilitate athletes who have sustained physical injuries. They diagnose problems and evaluate patient progress throughout a treatment plan. Work can be physically demanding; physical therapists often stand for long periods and assist patients within the process of therapy.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
BACHELOR'S DEGREE – 4 YEARS – Related bachelor's degree programs for undergraduates include pre-physical therapy, athletic training, biology or health science. As an undergraduate, students take courses that fulfill requirements to enroll in physical therapy graduate school, such as biology, chemistry, physics and physiology. A degree program in physical therapist assisting can also prepare students for a graduate degree program.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION – 3 YEARS – A post-graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is also required and qualifies the graduate to practice as a general physical therapist. Doctor of physical therapy programs usually take 3 years to complete with some providing a specialization track in sports medicine. Physical therapists must be licensed and that requirements may vary from state to state. Typical requirements include completion of an accredited degree program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam.
RESIDENCY – 1 YEAR –Physical therapists can specialize in sports medicine and acquire clinical experience in the field through a residency in sports physical therapy. Residents are practicing physical therapists who wish to expand their competencies in sports medicine. The programs typically last about a year and teach participants to prevent, assess and treat sports injuries.
SALARY – The median annual salary for physical therapists is $89,000, your earnings may depend on the industry and the state you work in Nathalie.
Hope this was Helpful Nathalie
To become a physical therapist, You must complete an accredited physical therapy program, many of which culminate in a doctorate degree, and earn state licensing. A residency program in sports medicine can train physical therapists to specialize in helping athletes, including preventing and treating injuries, and even enhancing performance.
SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICAL THERAPY EDUCATION IS 8 YEARS
Sports physical therapists help rehabilitate athletes who have sustained physical injuries. They diagnose problems and evaluate patient progress throughout a treatment plan. Work can be physically demanding; physical therapists often stand for long periods and assist patients within the process of therapy.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
BACHELOR'S DEGREE – 4 YEARS – Related bachelor's degree programs for undergraduates include pre-physical therapy, athletic training, biology or health science. As an undergraduate, students take courses that fulfill requirements to enroll in physical therapy graduate school, such as biology, chemistry, physics and physiology. A degree program in physical therapist assisting can also prepare students for a graduate degree program.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION – 3 YEARS – A post-graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is also required and qualifies the graduate to practice as a general physical therapist. Doctor of physical therapy programs usually take 3 years to complete with some providing a specialization track in sports medicine. Physical therapists must be licensed and that requirements may vary from state to state. Typical requirements include completion of an accredited degree program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam.
RESIDENCY – 1 YEAR –Physical therapists can specialize in sports medicine and acquire clinical experience in the field through a residency in sports physical therapy. Residents are practicing physical therapists who wish to expand their competencies in sports medicine. The programs typically last about a year and teach participants to prevent, assess and treat sports injuries.
SALARY – The median annual salary for physical therapists is $89,000, your earnings may depend on the industry and the state you work in Nathalie.
Hope this was Helpful Nathalie
Thank You Dexter. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” — Muhammad Ali
Doc Frick
thank you dexter
Nathalie
Your Welcome Nathalie, It was my Pleasure.
Doc Frick
Thank You Aun. “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Doc Frick
Thank you for your support Syed. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
Doc Frick
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
I am one year out of PT school so my perspective is fairly fresh and I have significant sports experience. Choose athletic training as an undergraduate degree. It is critical if you want to work in sports. There are 1 year residencies after PT school that can get you a sports specialty, but they aren’t required or really even as heavily favored as an ATC. Having an ATC and DPT is required to work with most sports teams and sports internships offered during PT school won’t even take someone without an ATC background. Another plus is that an athletic trainer is a 4 year degree and can get you an actual job. You could have part-time work during PT school, work during any summer or gap year you took, or if you somehow didn’t get into PT school on your first try. Good luck!
thank you Ryan
Nathalie
I went to school with the current Director of Medical Operations / Head Athletic Trainer for the St. Louis Cardinals. He got a degree in Athletic Training then worked in Florida at the Baseball Summer Training camps. Later he went and got a Masters in Physical Therapy.
This just backs up exactly what Ryan stated above.
Tamara Wooldridge
Updated
Syed’s Answer
Hi Nathalie,
You should consider a major in Kinesiology or Athletic Training. These are typically 4 year degrees
You should consider a major in Kinesiology or Athletic Training. These are typically 4 year degrees
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Nathalie,
Optimal Major for Pursuing a Career in Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
To excel as a physical therapist in sports medicine, the ideal major is a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). This post-baccalaureate degree typically spans 3 years. However, earning a bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biology, or Health Sciences prior to enrolling in a DPT program can be advantageous.
Exercise Science
Securing an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science lays a robust foundation in comprehending human movement, anatomy, physiology, and exercise prescription. This knowledge is vital for a physical therapist in sports medicine, where understanding exercise mechanics and the body's response to physical activity is key.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is centered on the study of human movement and its application to various domains, including physical therapy, athletic training, and sports medicine. A bachelor's degree in Kinesiology imparts a solid understanding of biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology, and sport psychology, which can be beneficial for aspiring physical therapists working with athletes.
Biology
A Biology degree imparts a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions, growth, and evolution. This background can be advantageous for physical therapists as they need a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Additionally, knowledge in genetics or biochemistry can be beneficial when treating patients with specific conditions or injuries.
Health Sciences
A Health Sciences degree encompasses various aspects of health promotion, disease prevention, healthcare systems, and public health policies. This interdisciplinary field merges biological, environmental, sociological, and behavioral knowledge to better comprehend health and healthcare delivery. This background can equip aspiring physical therapists with a holistic view on patient care and well-being.
Educational Requirements for Sports Medicine Physical Therapists
To become a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine, you need to secure the following degrees and certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a bachelor's degree in one of the fields mentioned above (Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biology, or Health Sciences) or another relevant field as an undergraduate. This degree typically spans 4 years.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The DPT program typically spans 3 years and includes coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical reasoning. It also includes clinical practice under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
Clinical Residency or Fellowship: Complete an optional post-DPT residency or fellowship program specializing in sports medicine to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in this area. These programs typically span 1-2 years and offer additional clinical experience working with athletes at various levels (professional, collegiate, high school).
Board Certification: After earning your DPT degree and gaining experience through residency or fellowship programs (optional), consider securing board certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). The Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) certification acknowledges physical therapists with advanced knowledge and expertise in sports medicine. To earn this certification, you must pass a stringent examination demonstrating your proficiency in this area.
State Licensure: To practice as a physical therapist in any state within the US, you must secure licensure by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Additionally, states may have specific requirements for continuing education or additional examinations to maintain licensure.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Optimal Major for Pursuing a Career in Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
To excel as a physical therapist in sports medicine, the ideal major is a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). This post-baccalaureate degree typically spans 3 years. However, earning a bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biology, or Health Sciences prior to enrolling in a DPT program can be advantageous.
Exercise Science
Securing an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science lays a robust foundation in comprehending human movement, anatomy, physiology, and exercise prescription. This knowledge is vital for a physical therapist in sports medicine, where understanding exercise mechanics and the body's response to physical activity is key.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is centered on the study of human movement and its application to various domains, including physical therapy, athletic training, and sports medicine. A bachelor's degree in Kinesiology imparts a solid understanding of biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology, and sport psychology, which can be beneficial for aspiring physical therapists working with athletes.
Biology
A Biology degree imparts a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions, growth, and evolution. This background can be advantageous for physical therapists as they need a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Additionally, knowledge in genetics or biochemistry can be beneficial when treating patients with specific conditions or injuries.
Health Sciences
A Health Sciences degree encompasses various aspects of health promotion, disease prevention, healthcare systems, and public health policies. This interdisciplinary field merges biological, environmental, sociological, and behavioral knowledge to better comprehend health and healthcare delivery. This background can equip aspiring physical therapists with a holistic view on patient care and well-being.
Educational Requirements for Sports Medicine Physical Therapists
To become a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine, you need to secure the following degrees and certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a bachelor's degree in one of the fields mentioned above (Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biology, or Health Sciences) or another relevant field as an undergraduate. This degree typically spans 4 years.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The DPT program typically spans 3 years and includes coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical reasoning. It also includes clinical practice under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
Clinical Residency or Fellowship: Complete an optional post-DPT residency or fellowship program specializing in sports medicine to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in this area. These programs typically span 1-2 years and offer additional clinical experience working with athletes at various levels (professional, collegiate, high school).
Board Certification: After earning your DPT degree and gaining experience through residency or fellowship programs (optional), consider securing board certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). The Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) certification acknowledges physical therapists with advanced knowledge and expertise in sports medicine. To earn this certification, you must pass a stringent examination demonstrating your proficiency in this area.
State Licensure: To practice as a physical therapist in any state within the US, you must secure licensure by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Additionally, states may have specific requirements for continuing education or additional examinations to maintain licensure.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hi Nathalie! First of all, good for you for checking out this question early so you can be prepared for what you need to do in college and beyond. Ryan's response is very helpful above per sports med but I would add a couple of other considerations. As a PT professor for 20 years, serving many years on admission boards, I recommend that no matter what your undergrad degree major is, that you make sure you meet the prerequisites of the PT schools you are intending to apply to. So, first, identify several PT schools that you want to apply to then go into the school's on-line catalog and see what each particular school requires for admission to PT school. For example, some schools may require a microbiology course or an advanced chemistry but others may not. Just be sure that you use your undergrad elective credits to take any courses outside of those required by your major that you may need to meet the PT prerequisites. And always apply to more than one PT school!
Study hard and good luck...
Study hard and good luck...