An online associate degree in sports medicine may teach students the basic fundamentals of sports health, nutrition, and sporting injuries. In this two-year program, students may learn the skills needed to advance to a higher degree program, allowing them to achieve athletic training certification. Program coursework may include a few general education requirements alongside major-specific classes including foundations of sports medicine, contemporary health, and exercise physiology.

Graduates may seek entry-level employment or enroll in a baccalaureate degree program. Associate-level graduates may seek employment in sports nutrition, physical health education, school sports programs, fitness programs, and in private physician practices.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 30% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

Curriculum for associate-level sports medicine degree programs may include select general education requirements as well as core sports medicine courses. These classes may teach students how to properly train athletes, prevent injuries by using proper exercise form, and assisting in the treatment of sports-related injuries. Core online sports medicine courses may include the following:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Foundations of Sports Medicine
• Contemporary Health
• Prevention and Management of Sport and Fitness Injuries
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Acute Care of Athletic Injuries

Career Options

Associate-level graduates of online sports medicine programs may explore career opportunities in school sports programs, community college sports programs, fitness programs, sports nutrition, and sports psychology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in athletic training are projected to increase by 30% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Certified Athletic Trainer
• Personal Trainer
• Sports Coach
• Exercise Physiologist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach

Continuing Education

Those who successfully complete an associate degree in sports medicine may have the opportunity to enroll in a four-year baccalaureate program. A bachelor’s degree in sports medicine may prepare students for athletic training certification. Employers may prefer applicants who hold bachelor’s degree at minimum to qualify for upper-level employment in sports medicine.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook