The 10 Best Colleges for Sports Medicine
Are you passionate about entering the dynamic field of sports medicine? This captivating healthcare sector specializes in restoring function and mobility to injured individuals while excelling in preventing injuries and illnesses in physically active people. Contrary to common belief, sports medicine specialists don’t exclusively work with professional athletes but also cater to individuals of all ages engaged in various physical activities.
Sports medicine is not a standalone medical specialty; rather, most practitioners are certified in fields like family medicine, internal medicine, or emergency medicine, obtaining additional training specific to sports medicine. Some even have surgical training, especially in orthopedic surgery.
For those aspiring to join the sports medicine realm, choosing the right educational institution is crucial. Here’s a list of 10 outstanding sports medicine colleges in the US, known for their cutting-edge curricula, esteemed faculty, hands-on clinical experiences, and favorable career outcomes.
Logan University (Chesterfield, MO)
- Offers a Master’s in Athletic Training with a focus on proactive and evidence-based care.
- Emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, with 80-90% of the program spent in the field.
- Two annual start dates for smaller class sizes and quicker program initiation.
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
- School of Kinesiology provides an Athletic Training graduate program.
- Boasts a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and rigorous coursework.
- Impressive 94% pass rate on the Board of Certification Examination.
Boston University (Boston, MA)
- Master of Science in Athletic Training at Sargent College.
- Two-year program with a strong focus on clinical experiences.
- Collaborates with renowned physicians and world-class researchers.
McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA)
- Offers a sports medicine major with a 90% acceptance rate into professional schools.
- Equips students with knowledge on preventing and treating athletic injuries.
Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX)
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
- Competitive admission with valuable clinical experience in hospital and athletic settings.
University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA)
- Bachelor of Arts in athletic training and rehabilitation studies with a focus on pre-health professions.
- Excellent foundation for the Master of Athletic Training at the same school.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN)
- Offers primary care sports medicine education, practice, and research.
- Provides sports medicine courses to medical students and residents.
- Faculty members serve as team physicians at various levels.
University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
- BSEd in Exercise and Sport Science with high placement rates in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.
- Ranked 7th by the National Academy of Kinesiology.
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
- Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy offers a Master of Science in Biokinesiology with a Sports Science emphasis.
- Focuses on biomechanics, physiology, and neurology of movement for sports performance.
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition conducts cutting-edge research.
Offers various programs, including Bachelor and Master of Science in Sports Medicine and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science.
Choosing the right sports medicine college is a crucial step toward a fulfilling career in this dynamic field. Consider these institutions for their outstanding programs and opportunities.
