To become a sports therapist, one must obtain a physical therapy license and certification from a professional sports medicine organization. Education includes an undergraduate or associate degree in physical therapy or sports therapy, with an advanced degree being beneficial. Licensing and certification exams are required, and playing sports can provide valuable knowledge.
A sports therapist works with athletes to treat and prevent injuries, and you can become a sports therapist by training in physical therapy at a community college or university and earning a physical therapist license. A certification in sports therapy from a professional sports medicine organization may also be required. Many sports therapists work for professional sports teams, sports centers, gyms, or in private practice. Career advancement for sports therapists includes continuing education in physical therapy methods and current trends in sports medicine, as well as certifications with state and national physical therapy boards.
Education for sports therapists includes an undergraduate or associate degree in physical therapy or sports therapy from an accredited university, community, or professional college. Many medical professionals who do physical or sports therapy earn a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine, kinesiology, or physical therapy. Some colleges also offer associate degrees in sports medicine that prepare students for a licensing exam and offer hands-on training in physical therapy. Classes that contribute to sports medicine degrees include those that focus on kinesiology, anatomy, musculoskeletal disorders, and sport psychology.
In many places, an advanced degree is an important part of becoming a sports therapist. A master’s degree in sports medicine or physical therapy can help an individual become a sports therapist by providing more in-depth medical knowledge and methods of practice than an undergraduate degree. Advanced degree programs in sports therapy typically take six to nine semesters to complete, depending on the program.
Most states also require sports therapists to be licensed to practice physical therapy. Obtaining a license usually requires completing a licensing exam and gaining professional experience. Another important step towards becoming a sports therapist is to obtain certification from a professional organization; for example, the American Physical Therapy Association and the Society of Sports Therapists are the leading organizations in the United States. Sports therapy certifications require a certain number of clinical practice hours as well as a passing score on an exam.
It may be helpful for someone who wants to become a sports therapist to play some form of sport during their high school or college career. To work effectively with athletes and treat sport-related injuries, a physical therapist needs to understand how these injuries happen, which injuries are most common, and how injuries can affect an athletic career. Having first-hand knowledge of the sport will also allow a sports therapist to better converse with clients and build rapport.
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