Sports physical therapy, also known as sports medicine, provides an important function in the daily lives of all athletes, and can be a gratifying career choice for those who wish to help athletes reach their full potential. A sports physical therapist provides protection, evaluation, and treatment for athletes. They are also called in to assess and improve the overall performance of athletes by using their knowledge of physical therapy and the human body. Here are 3 steps to starting you on the path to a successful career in sports physical therapy:
† Decide which branch of sports physical therapy you would like to pursue.
There are a few different avenues of focus. An athletic trainer or athletic therapist specializes in the care and prevention of injury. Athletic therapists generally are the first on the field for injury assessment and treatment. A team physician works with the medical team and oversees the athlete's care. Sports counselors examine possible trouble spots for professional players. These experts will advise workouts and practices which are devised to prevent injury. Some choose to focus on research, often choosing to publish articles in sports medicine periodicals. These types of content articles can include the research they are executing, crucial commentaries, brand new diagnostic procedures as well as other topics about the field.
* Ally yourself with professional sports medicine organizations.
There are a variety of professional organizations that can help you find a job by networking with colleagues in order to stay abreast of cutting edge medical advancements. In the United States, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), and the American Medical Association (AMA) are all well acknowledged professional organizations. Don't underestimate the importance of these organizations for getting ahead in the Sports Physical Therapy career.
* Acquire the correct degrees and certifications from a physical therapy college.
The next step is to pursue a degree from one of many accredited physical therapy schools. Sports therapists require a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a physical therapy school, though taking the time to acquire a master's degree will probably give you an advantage in the workplace. Check out a college search website to find the best school for you. After acquiring the degree, there are extra requirements based on the state that you would like to practice in. Check your local state government for more information on these requirements.
There are also a few certifications available to pursue after acquiring your degree from a physical therapy college. The CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), (PES) Performance Enhancement Specialist, and CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist) are all certifications offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. These certifications are further specialized fields within the sports physical therapy umbrella, and are helpful if a person wants to focus more specifically in one area of sports medicine.
