Exploring Careers in Sports Medicine Ameera N. Teal MS, CSCS, EP Master Wellness, LLC /ameeranteal [email protected] Overview What is Sports Medicine The Allied Health Network Sports Medicine Professions linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] What is Sports Medicine? A division of medicine that diagnoses, treats, and prevents injuries resulting from or related to physical and athletic activities. This medical network is lead by physicians and supported by allied health professionals. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Careers in Sports Medicine Goals, Duties, and Responsibilities § Sports medicine professionals continually learn and relearn the best treatment and prevention practices. § A single profession cannot address all the needs of the patient/athlete. § The collective goal is to ensure that the patient/athlete functions at the highest level possible. CONTINUING EDUCATION TEAMWORK HEALTH & FITNESS All roles require post-secondary Sports medicine professionals Success is measured not in games training as well as continuing rarely ever work independently. won but the level of performance education in order to be Most work in a team setting. each patient/athlete is able to successful. Patient/athlete care is a sustain in order to remain active collaborative effort. and healthy. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Careers in Sports Medicine Notable Qualities of a Sports Medicine Professional COLLABORATIVE HONORABLE Work willingly and well with Exemplars of health and others. fitness. RELATABLE FLEXIBLE Their ability to find similarities with Able to adapt in unforeseen others helps foster understanding. circumstances. SELF-AWARE THOROUGH Possess a high emotional Accuracy and precision are intelligence. paramount in every task. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Careers in Sports Medicine The Allied Health Network Sports Scientist (MS, PhD, CPSS) Psychologist (Psy.D, CMPC) Strength & Conditioning Coach Exercise Physiologist (CSCS, TSAC-F, CSPS) (EP, CEP) Physician (MD/DO) Sports Dietitian Nutritionist Physical Therapist (RDN, CSSD) (DPT) TREATMENT PERFORMANCE Athletic Trainer Personal Trainer (LAT, ATC) (CPT) linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Physician Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine SKILLS Analytical/ Problem Solving Communication Motivation Sports medicine doctors include primary care physicians who focus on non-operative treatments and orthopedic surgeons who specialize in operative QUALIFICATIONS treatments of physical activity and sports related § 4 YR undergraduate degree injuries. § 4 YR medical degree § 2-3 YR residency program Physicians must choose a primary specialty (family medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, § 1 YR fellowship training pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation) and § Sports Medicine Certificate Examination become licensed before pursuing a sports medicine subspecialty. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Sports Psychologist Doctor of Psychology, Certified Mental Performance Consultant SKILLS Analytical/ Critical Thinking Mental Conditioning Stress Management Sports psychologists implement cognitive and behavioral skills training for performance enhancement through counseling and clinical interventions. QUALIFICATIONS § 4 YR undergraduate degree Sports psychologists assist athletes and coaches § 4 YR doctorate degree alike in helping cope with the intense pressure that § 1500- 6,000 hours supervised experience accompanies competition as well as teambuilding § Examination for Professional Practice in and leadership skills. Psychology Practice (EPPP) § Certified Mental Performance Consultant Exam linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Physical Therapist Doctor of Physical Therapy SKILLS High Work Ethic/ Commitment Level Interpersonal Skills Patience Physical Therapists examine, diagnose, and treat individuals with medical issues or health-related conditions that limit one’s movement ability and hinder activities of daily living. QUALIFICATIONS § 4 YR undergraduate degree Physical therapists use a multitude of modalities in § 3 YR graduate degree addition to manual procedures to oversee an § National Physical Therapy Exam patient/athletes’ rehabilitation. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Athletic Trainer Licensed Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer SKILLS Critical Thinking Detail-Oriented Stress Management Athletic Trainers administer and oversee the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries to athletes. Athletic Trainers are on site first responders to athletic injury. QUALIFICATIONS § Graduate degree required after Fall 2022 Athletic Trainers also educate the public on how to § CPR/AED reduce the risk for incurring an athletic injury during § Board of Certification Exam play. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Sports Scientist Certified Performance & Sport Scientist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist SKILLS Analytical/ Critical Thinking Leadership Writing/ Communication Sports scientists conduct research that examines how an athlete responds to training and and shares QUALIFICATIONS methods on how to improve health to enhance athletic performance. § 4 YR undergraduate degree § Lab and field research experience Sports scientists are exercise professionals seeking to § Team and individual athlete development focus on producing original research regarding athletic § Qualifying Exam (CPSS 2021) development. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Sports Dietitian/ Sports Nutritionist Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics SKILLS Creative Negotiation/ Motivation Sports dietitians and nutritionists provide individual and Time Management group/team nutrition counseling to enhance athletic performance. Sports dietitians and nutritionists make QUALIFICATIONS recommendations on athlete’s dietary habits based on § Graduate degree after 2024 body composition and energy balance. They track the § 1200 hours of supervised practice In outcomes of their recommendations through food logs Coordinated Program or Dietetic internship and athlete feedback. and Didactic Program in Dietetics § Commission on Dietetic Registration Exam § 2000 hours of sports dietetics experience § CSSD exam linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator, Certified Special Population Specialist SKILLS High Energy Interpersonal Skills Strength and conditioning coaches apply scientific Detail Oriented/ Instructional knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of injury prevention through improved athleticism. The National Strength & Conditioning Association also QUALIFICATIONS offers certificates in tactical strength & conditioning § 4 YR undergraduate degree (TSAC-F), strength training for special populations § First Aid CPR/AED (CSPS) and personal training (CPT). § Qualifying exam linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Exercise Physiologist Certified Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist SKILLS Analytical Interpersonal Skills Exercise physiologists use exercise prescription and Communication health behavior interventions to promote physical activity for individuals with chronic diseases or conditions. QUALIFICATIONS Most people who need the help of exercise § 4 YR undergraduate degree physiologists are sedentary. Exercise physiologists are § First Aid CPR/AED usually staffed in hospital and outpatient rehab § 600-1200 hands on clinical experience (CEP) settings. Their work focuses primarily on helping § Qualifying exam individuals with medical conditions develop an active lifestyle. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Personal Trainer Certified Personal Trainer SKILLS High Energy Interpersonal Skills Communication Personal trainers are fitness professionals that work 1-on-1 with individuals to improve overall health. Although in recent years personal training has become a popular line of work, a certification from an accredited program is necessary to QUALIFICATIONS practice in the professional setting. § GED/ High School Diploma § First Aid CPR/AED Notable organizations with accredited programs include § Qualifying exam • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) • American Council on Exercise (ACE) • National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) • National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Takeaways Key Points for Consideration 01 All professionals work together to ensure the client/athlete remains healthy and active. 02 All professionals maintain their position through continuing education. 03 All professionals require validation through certification, licensure, and insurance. 04 All education and certification programs are accredited through third party organizations. linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected] Helpful Links Questions? American College of Sports Medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist • ACSM Certifications • Careers in Dietetics • Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics • Dietitian Accredited Programs Directory Athletic Training • Licensure and Professional Regulation of Dietitians • How to Become an Athletic Trainer • Sports Dietitian Job Description • Strategic Alliance Degree Statement Sports Medicine Physician • Sports Medicine Certification Exam FAQ National Strength & Conditioning Association • What is a Sports Medicine Specialist • Certification Overview Sports Psychology • Become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant Personal Training • What is Sport Psychology • What is Accreditation Sports Science Organizations • Catapult Technology Physical Therapy • Gatorade Sports Science Institute • Becoming a PT • Nike Sport Research Lab linkedin: /ameeranteal | e: [email protected].