Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine

Our Clinic

Physical Therapy

Athletic Training

Educational Resources

Careers In Sports Medicine

Sports medicine refers to many different areas of exercise and sports science that relate both to performance and care of injury. Within sports medicine are areas of specialization such as clinical medicine, orthopaedics, exercise physiology, biomechanics, physical therapy, athletic training, sports nutrition, sports psychology, and more.

Many schools and universities have programs in sports medicine, and many professionals use the title of sports medicine. Nevertheless, the term sports medicine is vague and has multiple meanings. Many professionals, in fact use the term sports medicine, when in reality they are either a team physician, orthopaedic surgeon, exercise physiologist, biomechanist, physical therapist, athletic trainers, or others. 

Therefore, studying sports medicine means the study of one of these fields which combine medical principles and sciences with sport ans physical performance.  The main question, then, is not how and where to study sports medicine, but which of these fields of study interest you.  


Physicians

Physicians  can provide sports medicine coverage and services. In order to become a physician one must graduate from college and attend medical school.  After finishing medical school a residency needs to be completed. The specialties that perform sports medicine are orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, family practice, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine.  Other specialties can also provide sports medicine services but less so than the ones listed. 

Physician Assistants

Physicians Assistants (PA), are often involved in sports medicine In order to become a physician assistant one must attend PA school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. www.aapa.org

Certified Athletic Trainers

Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) provide direct sports medicine coverage to athletes. They work to enhance the quality of healthcare for athletes and those engaged in physical activity. To become a certified athletic trainer, one must obtain a bachelor’s degree at a university with an accredited curriculum in athletic training. Certified athletic trainers can work with professional, highschool, and college athletics as well as medical clinics. www.nata.org

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists (PT) provide services aimed at preventing the onset or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from an injury or other causes. The physical therapist rehabilitates patients after surgery as well. Physical therapists treat patients of all ages who have functional conditions resulting from back and neck injuries, sprains/strains, fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida. 

The minimum educational requirement is a post baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program. The majority of programs offer a master’sdegree, but a growing number of programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Currently, approximately 200 colleges and universities nationwide offer a professional education program in physical therapy. www.apta.org

Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant works under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others.

Physical therapist assistants must complete a two-year education program, typically offered through a community or junior college. Candidates receive an associate’s degree upon graduation. The course of study usually includes one year of general education and one year technical courses on physical therapy procedures and clinical experiences. There are 251 accredited physical therapist assistant education programs throughout the country.
http://www.apta.org

Exercise Physiology

Exercise Physiology is the identification of physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity, the comprehensive delivery of treatment services concerned with the analysis, improvement, and maintenance of health and fitness, rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities, and the professional guidance and counsel of athletes and others interested in athletics sports training, and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise.www.asep.org

Sports Psychology

Sports Psychology is the study of behavioral factors that influence and are influenced by participation and performance in sport, exercise, and physical activity. Sport psychology professional are interested in how participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity may enhance personal development and well-being throughout the life span. www.appliedsportpsych.org 

Biomechanics

Biomechanists study and understand human movement, especially as it relates to applied sports movement. Individuals generally need a master’s degree or Ph.D.www.asbweb.org

Nutritionist

A nutritionist is someone who plans meals in accordance with medical, nutritional, and other needs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and physician offices. Nutritionists can affiliate themselves with professional and collegiate teams. A bachelors degree is required in one of the following: dietetics, food and nutrition, food service management or a related field. Most states require licensure or certification.  
www.asbweb.org,  www.eatright.org, www.sportsnutritionsociety.org

Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs. Registrants for the certification exam must have a bachelor’s degree. College seniors can take the exam but must concurrently be enrolled in an accredited institution. www.nsca-cc.org

Chiropractor

Chiropractor (DC) adjusts skeletal imbalances through spinal manipulation, massage, and ultrasound therapy. A doctor of chiropractic degree is necessary to practice in this field. One must obtain a bachelor’s degree in with a concentration in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Chiropractic school is a 4 year degree program.http://www.acatoday.org