You can complete a sports medicine degree online from the comfort of your home without disrupting your existing responsibilities. If you have considered it, this blog post will guide you through the necessary steps you need to take to enroll in an online sports medicine program.
Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that treats and prevents injuries in athletes. It also explores the effects of sports, exercise, and movement on different people. A sports medicine physician can actually administer treatment to anyone but their focus is mainly on athletes because, during hands-on training, students gain practical experience by working with physicians that treat athletes.
To break into this field, you can either take an undergraduate sports medicine program like a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Therapy, Kinesiology, or a related program. However, an undergraduate degree will only equip you with foundational skills and knowledge which will prepare you for entry-level roles.
If you want to get a much higher role and earn higher in the sports medicine field, then you should consider getting a graduate degree like a master’s or doctorate. There are colleges for sports medicine that specifically train and prepare students to become licensed sports medicine doctors.
To earn a degree in sports medicine, you can choose to complete the program either in full-time or part-time option. The program is offered on-campus which is the traditional track and also the online format that allows you to learn from the comfort of your home using just your PC or tablet. This blog post is focused on sports medicine degree programs offered online.
Yes, you can take a sports medicine degree program online and still gain the same skills, knowledge, and qualifications as the traditional track. This track is the best option for working professionals who want to advance their careers in sports medicine or switch to a career in sports medicine. Studying for an online degree comes with flexibility and convenience, as well as saving money on transportation and living costs since you will be studying from your home.
What Is An Online Sports Medicine Degree
An online sports medicine degree is an undergraduate or graduate sports medicine degree program that allows you to complete coursework online instead of the on-campus traditional method. In an online sports medicine degree, students take courses in biomechanics, biology, exercise science, physiology, kinesiology, psychology, nutrition, and clinical exercise online.
Hands-on practical is part of the curriculum for any sports medicine program, this is to give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on how to handle and treat patients when they set out on their own. As an online student in an online sports medicine degree program, you can’t take a “hands-on practical” online, it must be face-to-face.
In that case, online students will take their practical training with a sports medicine physician, athletic trainer, or professional fitness instructor nearby.
Is There Any Place Where An Online Sports Medicine Degree Is Not Valid?
An online sports medicine degree is just as valid anywhere as one gotten on campus and this is because there is no difference between them. Also, a sports medicine degree gotten online has no indication nor shows that is gotten online. So, an employer or client cannot even know if you got your degree online, well, except if you tell them.
6 Steps To Obtain A Sports Medicine Degree Online
To pursue a career in sports medicine, it is worth noting that the least qualification you need is a bachelor’s degree. To obtain a sports medicine degree online, there are certain things you need to know and fortunately, this blog post is here to give you guidance. Also, when it has to do with obtaining a sports medicine degree online, you should expect fewer schools to offer them.
Without any further ado, let’s get started.
Step 1: Find A Proper School
Finding a proper school for an academic program is usually the first step in any academic pursuit doesn’t matter whether the program is online or on-campus. Finding a proper school simply means applying to an online college whose goals, objectives, and interest aligns with yours.
So, ensure that the sports medicine online degree program offered by your preferred institution suits your demand. The program schedule, as set by the college, has to meet with yours or can be modified to meet your schedule and other plans.
Step 2: Apply To Established Colleges
These days, it is not hard to find colleges that offer online programs, from undergraduate and graduate degree programs to professional certification courses. However, there are some colleges that are best at offering online courses over other colleges and this is where your research skills need to come in.
Search for colleges that are best at offering online sports medicine degrees or one with a reputation for offering online degree programs and apply to them. And most importantly, do ensure they are accredited.
Step 3: Limit Your Options
Following steps 1 & 2, means you must have made a long list of colleges to obtain a sports medicine degree online. Truth be told, you cannot apply to all the colleges because it costs too much as you will have to pay an application fee for each application you submit and you won’t be able to create a strong application.
Thus, you have to limit your options to, at most 2, then apply to them. Limiting your options on colleges to apply for an online sports medicine degree program allows you to spend quality time and resources on creating an outstanding admission application, which increases your chances of acceptance.
Step 4: Enroll In The School
Well, now you have two of your best college options, it is now time to enroll as a student by submitting your application. Some of the requirements for an online sports medicine degree include academic transcripts, standardized test scores like SAT/ACT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, etc., statement of purpose, essay, government issues ID, proof of experience, and so on.
Note that sports medicine programs are competitive thus you have to spend time creating a strong admission application. Fortunately, it is not a very popular field as well, so, there’s mostly enough room for lots of students.
Step 5: Get Tools For Online Learning
Online education is different from on-campus and the major difference is that students in an online program learn completely online from the comfort of their homes. To make this possible, students learn via online learning platforms which make use of recorded and live classes to teach students the skills and knowledge they need to excel in that field.
To engage in this learning style, students need to have a computer or PC or a tablet with a stable Wi-Fi connection. Students also need to get certain applications or software like Google Sheets, Google Docs, and other online learning tools.
Step 6: Graduate From The Program and Take The Licensure Examination
One thing that every medical discipline has in common is that graduates must take a licensure examination to get their license and start practicing. Sports medicine and its related programs are no different either. When you graduate from a sports medicine program and want to enter the workforce, you must sit for a licensure exam.
Whether you got your degree online or offline, you must take a licensure examination when you complete a sports medicine degree program. To qualify for the licensure exam, your program must meet the state licensure requirement where you want to practice and you must have graduated from the program.
Passing the licensure exam earns you a license to practice in that state and that’s how you obtain a sports medicine degree online and also become a licensed practicing sports medicine physician or professional fitness coach.
And there you have the steps to obtain a sports medicine degree online with all of the secrets and tips laid bare. Another helpful tip would be to apply for financial aid options like FAFSA and other scholarship options.
7 Best Sports Medicine Degree Online Programs
Here, you will find options on where to pursue an online sports medicine degree program from which you will make your choice.
- B.S./B.A. in Health & Human Performance – Eastern Oregon University
- Online Master’s in Exercise Science and Wellness – Liberty University
- Online B.S. in Exercise Science – Pennsylvania Western University
- Master’s of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion – Florida Atlantic University
- Master of Science in Sports Conditioning & Performance – Southern Utah University
- Associate of Science in Kinesiology and Human Performance – State University of New York (SUNY)
- Doctorate in Athletic Training – Arizona State University
1. B.S./B.A. in Health & Human Performance – Eastern Oregon University
Eastern Oregon University offers an online undergraduate degree program in Health and Human Performance that prepares one for a career in the health & fitness industry or graduate studies in sports medicine. The program is one of the best online as it offers pathways in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science giving students the option to choose the one that suits them best.
Another perk of the program is the cost. The tuition is cheap and recognized as one of the most economical exercise science degrees online. The total credit hours is 180 which takes 4 years to complete and the cost per credit is $278.
2. Online Master’s in Exercise Science and Wellness – Liberty University
Liberty University has a reputation in online education, most of its programs are offered online to give everyone an equal opportunity for a world-class education. At Liberty Online, you can take an online Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Wellness which prepares you for roles within the field of sports medicine.
One of the perks of this program is the short time it takes to complete the program, unlike a traditional master’s degree that takes 2 years to complete, this one takes as little as 12 months to complete. The total estimated cost for the program is $20,695 and it can be as low as $8,857 if you are in the military.
3. Online B.S. in Exercise Science – Pennsylvania Western University
High school graduates who want to explore the world of online education and still earn a reputable degree can consider the online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science offered by Pennsylvania Western University. High school graduates with a passion for health, wellness, and fitness may also consider this program and study their way into a professional path.
This program is one among the 30 wellness and fitness programs in the US to be accredited by NASM. The B.S. is 100% online and takes only 36 months to complete. In this short time, students are prepared with skills and certifications to be job ready to enter the workforce.
4. Master’s of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion – Florida Atlantic University
Professional fitness and exercise coaches looking to take their career forward by getting bigger roles and higher pay may consider getting a graduate degree related to their field. Florida Atlantic University is offering an online Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion program that is designed to fit into your schedule and not give up your current job to earn the degree.
The degree has two concentrations in Exercise Physiology and Health Promotion, you can go for the option that sits best with you. The program is 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 12-18 months. One of the perks of this program is that you get to work alongside experts in the field and gain first-hand skills and knowledge in a range of areas.
5. Master of Science in Sports Conditioning & Performance – Southern Utah University
This program is best suited for those with an undergraduate degree working in fitness centers looking to gain expert skills and get better opportunities in their field. The program is offered online, so you don’t have to quit your job while studying for your degree. Since it is online, learning is self-paced and you can complete it on your own time.
One of the perks of this program is that when you complete it, you will become a professional at designing safe and effective exercise and conditioning programs for all kinds of clients including world-class athletes. To gain hands-on practical skills, students are required to attend clinical workshops on campus for only 2 weeks.
6. Associate of Science in Kinesiology and Human Performance – State University of New York (SUNY)
An associate degree is best for those who do not want to spend up to 4 years pursuing a bachelor’s degree or those who want to quickly enter the workforce. Whichever of these categories you fall under, an Associate of Science in Kinesiology and Human Performance might just be good for you. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge to enter an in-demand field where you will treat and prevent injuries for athletes.
The program is 100% online, thus, you won’t have to give up on other responsibilities as courses are designed to fit your schedule and learn at your own pace. At the end of the program, you can either transfer into a 4-year program or enter the workforce.
7. Doctorate in Athletic Training – Arizona State University
Last but not least is the Ph.D. in Athletic Training offered by Arizona State University. This program offers professionals in the field of sports medicine the opportunity to advance their careers, gain advanced skills and knowledge, and be at the highest point in the field. The program equips graduates with leadership skills, clinical decision-making, rehabilitation, and many more.
From this list, you can make a decision on where you want to study for an online sports medicine program and for whichever degree. As I mentioned earlier, limit your options to the best two of your choice and apply for them.
How long is a sports medicine degree online program?
The length of an online sports medicine degree program depends on the program you want to go for. An online master’s in sports medicine can take 12-18 months to complete while a bachelor’s degree can take 3 years to complete.