A sports therapist treats and prevents injuries in athletes, and you can become one completing a physical therapy program at a community college or university and earning a physical therapist’s license. A professional sports medicine organization’s certification in sports therapy may also be required. Professional sports teams, sports centers, gyms, and private practice are all places where sports therapists work. Continuing education in physical therapy methods and current trends in sports medicine, as well as certifications with state and national boards of physical therapy, are all options for sports therapists looking to advance their careers.
A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in physical therapy or sports therapy from an accredited university, community college, or vocational college is required for sports therapists. A bachelor’s degree in sports medicine, kinesiology, or physical therapy is required for many medical professionals who work in physical or sports therapy. Some colleges also offer associate’s degrees in sports medicine, which prepare students for licensing exams and provide hands-on physical therapy training. Kinesiology, anatomy, musculoskeletal disorders, and sports psychology are among the classes that contribute to sports medicine degrees.
In many places, a master’s degree is required to work as a sports therapist. An individual can become a sports therapist with a master’s degree in sports medicine or physical therapy, which provides more in-depth medical knowledge and practice methods than an undergraduate degree. Depending on the program, advanced degree programs in sports therapy can take anywhere from six to nine semesters to complete.
Sports therapists must also be licensed to practice physical therapy in most states. In most cases, obtaining a license necessitates passing a licensing exam and gaining work experience. Earning certification from a professional organization, such as the American Physical Therapy Association or the Society of Sports Therapists, is another important step toward becoming a sports therapist in the United States. A certain number of hours of clinical practice and a passing score on an examination are required for certification in sports therapy.
It can be beneficial for someone who wants to be a sports therapist to participate in sports during high school or college. A physical therapist must understand how sports-related injuries occur, which injuries are the most common, and how injuries can affect an athlete’s career in order to effectively work with them and treat them. A sports therapist with first-hand experience in sports will be able to better communicate with clients and establish rapport.