Athletic Training/Sports Medicine

Get an affordable start to a career with an associate degree in athletic training/sports medicine from SMC.

Athletic trainers specialize in health care and wellness, preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses in athletes. They work with coaches, doctors, and physical therapists in a variety of settings.

• About the Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Degree

  Athletic trainers/sports medicine professionals work to keep athletes functioning at their peak performance, helping prevent and treat injuries that may occur during training, practice, or competition. They collaborate daily with physicians and other health professionals as part of a team in a variety of work environments, such as colleges and universities, K-12 schools, hospitals, fitness centers, sports medicine clinics, and for professional sports teams. They may even assist corporations with ergonomics or preventing workplace injuries. Because of the nature of their work, athletic trainers who work with sports teams travel often and frequently work evenings and weekends.

  To become an athletic trainer, you will need at least a bachelor's degree. However, this is a competitive field, and more than 70% of current athletic trainers hold a master's degree.

  SMC provides a great way for you to begin your journey at a much lower cost, while gaining valuable practical experience. As an athletic training/sports medicine student, you’ll study human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and medical terminology. You'll also learn how to develop healthy lifestyles for your athletes. Finally, you’ll apply your skills through hands-on clinical training.

  The Associate in Arts in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine is designed to transfer to four-year institutions toward a bachelor’s degree. 

• What You’ll Learn

  View the full curriculum guide for the Associate in Arts in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine.

• What Can I Do With An Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Degree?

  SMC graduates are well equipped to continue their studies, transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree or master's. Nearly all states also require athletic trainers to hold a license or certification. These requirements vary by state. 

  Athletic training/sports medicine is a dynamic field, with much faster than average projected growth through 2031.

  Careers and Salaries

  Career Option	Salary
  Athletic Trainer	$57,930

   2023 median pay. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics