How To Become A Sports Medicine Physician

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Sports Medicine Physicians

Sports Medicine Physicians diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.

Salary
$218850
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Doctoral degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



Table of contents
  1. Summary
  2. Steps to become one
  3. Popular degree levels
  4. How long does it take

Summary

Degree Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree
License or certification Required
Duration to become one 13 years
Difficulty to become one Very Hard

Sports Medicine Doctors need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree and a Medical degree. Aspiring Sports Medicine Doctors often major in Biology and other basic sciences before earning a Medical Doctor (MD) or Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

To practice in the United States, Sports Medicine Doctors need to earn a medical license in the state where they plan on working.


Sports Medicine Physicians Requirements

Step 1: Take Science Every Year of High School

Most states only require high school students to complete two to three years of science, including biology and chemistry. Taking additional courses, such as physics and anatomy, can prepare students for a medical career.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Sports Medicine Doctors need a Medical degree and most medical programs require three years of undergraduate study. However, most students choose to complete all four years and earn a Bachelor’s degree. No specific major is required but medical programs often have prerequisite courses, including biology and chemistry, which are also common majors for aspiring Sports Medicine Doctors.

Step 3: Pass the MCAT

Students are required to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) one year before attending medical school. A high score on the MCAT increases a student’s chances of getting into a medical program.

The MCAT is a standardized test designed to help medical colleges review applications and select students for their programs. The test is divided into four parts. The first part focuses on the biological and biochemical foundations of living systems. The second part covers the chemical and physical foundations of biological systems. The third part assesses your knowledge of psychology, social, and biological foundations. The final part covers critical analysis and reasoning skills.

Step 4: Earn a Medical Degree

Sports Medicine Doctors need a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Both options typically take four years to complete.

While Sports Medicine Doctors can choose either type of Medical degree, most choose to earn a DO degree. Osteopathic medicine focuses on the musculoskeletal system and preventative medicine, which are essential areas of study for Sports Medicine Doctors.

Students typically apply to medical school during their senior year of undergraduate studies. However, some students also choose to take a year off between earning a Bachelor’s degree and attending medical school.

Sports Medicine Doctors receive the same training provided to other aspiring Physicians. The first two years of medical school focus on building knowledge of medical practices. Students mostly learn in classrooms and laboratories. During the third year of medical school, students often begin receiving training through clinical rotations at nearby hospitals and clinics.

Step 5: Take the First Two Parts of the USMLE

As with other Doctors, Sports Medicine Doctors need to obtain a medical license. The licensing process involves a series of exams called the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

There are three exams and students take the first one after the first year of medical school. The second exam is taken during the fourth year of medical school. The final exam is taken at the end of the first year of residency training.

The first exam assesses your knowledge and application of basic sciences for providing medical care. The second step of the USMLE assesses whether you are ready to provide medical care under supervision.

Step 6: Complete a Residency Program

After finishing medical school, Sports Medicine Doctors need to complete a residency training program. Residency programs last three years and provide additional supervised training while preparing Doctors to work without supervision.

Sports Medicine Doctors may choose from several different types of residency programs, including Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Family Medicine. All three options provide suitable training for this field.

Step 7: Complete a Fellowship Program

Most medical fields provide optional fellowship programs for those who want to specialize in a subfield of their discipline. However, a one-year fellowship program is mandatory for Sports Medicine Doctors. Sports Medicine is a subspecialty of the medical field, requiring certification through the completion of a fellowship.

After completing a fellowship in Sports Medicine, you receive a Certification of Added Qualification (CAQ) in your chosen subspecialty. Fellowships are often completed at hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, or the athletic departments at universities and colleges.

Step 8: Obtain a Medical License

The last step is to obtain a medical license in the state where you plan on practicing Sports Medicine. The requirements vary by state. However, most states require the completion of the steps described and a background check.

Sports Medicine Doctors should review the specific requirements from their state’s licensing board. Some states may require applicants to take an additional exam before earning a license.

What degree do most Sports Medicine Physicians have

Doctoral degree

We did a survey to ask other Sports Medicine Physicians what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.

Doctoral degree
50.95%

Post-Doctoral Training
49.05%

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

How long does it take

13 years

Sports Medicine Doctors need a Bachelor’s degree and a Medical degree, which may take a total of eight years. College is followed by a three-year residency program and a two-year fellowship.


Learn more about Sports Medicine Physicians

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