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What major should I do in college?
Right now, I am a gymnast and I'm interested in some type of sports medicin. I'm considering jobs like athletic trainer, physical therapist, and sports nutritionist.
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Chris’s Answer
Michelle had a great suggestion with chiropractor. I would add sports psychologist and orthopedic surgeon under the umbrella of sports medicine. And, Rebecca‘s suggestions are great in terms of narrowing your focus. That’s going to really be what determines what you should major in.
As an athletic trainer, and an assistant professor in an athletic training education program, I may be a bit biased when I say you should become an athletic trainer. Athletic training currently requires an entry-level masters degree. Most students that I teach have a bachelors degree in exercise science and are pursuing a masters degree in athletic training. At the university I teach in, we offer a 3+2 program, meaning that you would pursue undergraduate courses for three years, and graduate courses for two years.
I believe nutritionist and sports psychologist would be bachelors degree only, although I suspect most organizations would be looking for a masters or even PhD rated psychologists. Physical therapy is a three year program, although most schools would offer a 3+3 program. I’m not as familiar with chiropractic studies, but I suspect that it could be at 3+3 as well. An orthopedic surgeon would require a four year undergraduate degree, a medical degree, and residency. You’d have to check with your local medical school programs. I would add physician assistant to your potential career options. This is a masters degree, and you could work with an orthopedic surgeon treating sports injuries.
Narrow your career focus.
Find a minimum of three programs in that career. Compare those programs.
As an athletic trainer, and an assistant professor in an athletic training education program, I may be a bit biased when I say you should become an athletic trainer. Athletic training currently requires an entry-level masters degree. Most students that I teach have a bachelors degree in exercise science and are pursuing a masters degree in athletic training. At the university I teach in, we offer a 3+2 program, meaning that you would pursue undergraduate courses for three years, and graduate courses for two years.
I believe nutritionist and sports psychologist would be bachelors degree only, although I suspect most organizations would be looking for a masters or even PhD rated psychologists. Physical therapy is a three year program, although most schools would offer a 3+3 program. I’m not as familiar with chiropractic studies, but I suspect that it could be at 3+3 as well. An orthopedic surgeon would require a four year undergraduate degree, a medical degree, and residency. You’d have to check with your local medical school programs. I would add physician assistant to your potential career options. This is a masters degree, and you could work with an orthopedic surgeon treating sports injuries.
Chris recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mary Rose !
I am really impressed with your focused career aspirations - they all sound very exciting and a much needed contribution !
I can see why you're having a time choosing among athletic trainer, physical therapist and sports nutritionist. I can make your decision a bit more challenging by suggesting that you also consider becoming a Chiropractor as many chiropractors do sports chiropractic on athletes. So now that I've thrown that into the mix, how about some advice about how to choose which one to pursue.
The first consideration would be to ascertain how long of a college study you will want to go for. A Bachelors, Masters, PhD. Do research on line to see how long schooling takes to have each career. Keep notes. Once you have that situated, choose which state you will want to practice in and consider colleges in that state. You may have to get your certifications or license in the state that you plan to work or practice in. Than, keeping in mind the state you will work in, research what websites are saying the salaries may be and that can narrow it down for you possibly.
Than, think about whether you want your work day to be in a gym or on a sports field or in an office. That can help narrow it down even further. Since you are already active as a gymnast, physical training just may be how you may want to spend your time at work. There are a lot of things to consider including the cost of education and any scholarships for the particular majors mentioned. This will take a bit of reading college program websites and keeping notes so you can compare and make a choice.
I wish you all the best and hope you find it easier to make a choice after getting advice and complete information about the fields of work you are interested in.
I am really impressed with your focused career aspirations - they all sound very exciting and a much needed contribution !
I can see why you're having a time choosing among athletic trainer, physical therapist and sports nutritionist. I can make your decision a bit more challenging by suggesting that you also consider becoming a Chiropractor as many chiropractors do sports chiropractic on athletes. So now that I've thrown that into the mix, how about some advice about how to choose which one to pursue.
The first consideration would be to ascertain how long of a college study you will want to go for. A Bachelors, Masters, PhD. Do research on line to see how long schooling takes to have each career. Keep notes. Once you have that situated, choose which state you will want to practice in and consider colleges in that state. You may have to get your certifications or license in the state that you plan to work or practice in. Than, keeping in mind the state you will work in, research what websites are saying the salaries may be and that can narrow it down for you possibly.
Than, think about whether you want your work day to be in a gym or on a sports field or in an office. That can help narrow it down even further. Since you are already active as a gymnast, physical training just may be how you may want to spend your time at work. There are a lot of things to consider including the cost of education and any scholarships for the particular majors mentioned. This will take a bit of reading college program websites and keeping notes so you can compare and make a choice.
I wish you all the best and hope you find it easier to make a choice after getting advice and complete information about the fields of work you are interested in.
Thank you so much! That is very helpful!
Mary Rose
You are very welcome, Mary Rose !
Michelle M.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that your are interested in sport related careers.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Find out more on these careers
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you have interest
5. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Find out more on these careers
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you have interest
5. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!