What is a Master of Science is Sports Medicine?

Sports MedicineIf you would like to work in sports medicine, it is time to consider earning a Master of Science in Sports Medicine to gain the knowledge and educational experience that you need. A Master of Science in Sports Medicine program will prepare you to become a highly skilled and qualified athletic trainer or sports medicine professional through the curriculum that is offered. If you would like to expand your decision making and critical thinking abilities so that you can play a big role in a professional practice or get certified, read on and find out more about Master of Science curriculum and where to find the best programs.

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What is the Curriculum Offered By Master of Science in Sports Medicine Programs?

The coursework that you are required to complete when studying for your Master of Science will be designed to help you develop advanced professional skills while also developing you as a skilled researcher and a talented leader. The required curriculum for sports medicine majors who are taking a graduate program will vary from institution to institution, but most of the well-respected programs have very similar requirements and elective offerings. Here are some of the courses that you will take include:

  • Research methods
  • Sports nutrition
  • Statistics
  • Human anatomy
  • Manual therapy
  • Health science leadership
  • Health behavior
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Advanced evaluation in upper and lower extremity

What Are the Objectives of Master of Science in Sports Medicine Programs?

There are several different professions in sports medicine that you can pursue, and most of the qualifications require you to have a minimum of a master’s degree. The reason that you must have a master’s, is because you need to cover in-depth curriculum with an emphasis on clinically relevant research in the field. The objectives of these programs are meant to prepare and propel you. Once you graduate, you will be a critical thinker who is capable of making decisions independently. You will also promote synthesis, integrate the theories you have learned in your practice, foster research activities, and provide culturally sensitive care. This is why it is so important to choose a quality program.

How to Choose a Quality Master of Science Program Majoring in Sports Medicine

Now that you know what you will learn when you are studying for your Master of Science, the next step is to find the right program that is offered by the right university. The first way to go about finding the best program is to look for a school that has accreditation both regionally and nationally. As you are checking the status of school’s accreditation, be sure to find one with a programmatic accreditation from a professional organization in the field. One respected bodies that offers this credential to graduate programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. You can check for a list of professional and post-professional programs that have a current active status online.

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There is a high demand for sports medicine professionals who are trained and certified. After you have verified that a program is CAATE-accredited, the next step is comparing various details on graduation rates and program offerings. Once you have found a Master of Science program that has a good reputation and also has their accreditation, you can begin to apply for admissions. Be sure to start filling out your application for the Master of Science in Sports Medicine program early, and do not rush the process if the program is very competitive.

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