Final answer:
To pursue a career in sports medicine, students need to take foundational courses like biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as specialized classes such as anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition. For advanced positions like orthopedists or physical therapists, a master's degree or doctorate is needed, often with a specialization in sports injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classes for a Career in Sports Medicine
To enter the field of sports medicine, a student needs to take an array of courses. Primarily these include basic science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics. These foundational subjects create a strong platform for understanding the human body and its responses to physical activity and injury.
Additionally, courses such as anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and nutrition are crucial. Knowledge of chemistry, for instance, is integral given that athletic trainers need to understand the action of drugs which may include compounds like esters, amines, or amides. After completing a degree, athletic trainers may work in environments like high schools, colleges, or other institutions where there is an athletics program.
For those aiming higher like becoming an orthopedist specializing in sports medicine or a physical therapist (PT), advanced education is necessary. PTs usually require a master's degree or doctorate, signifying advanced expertise, often with a specialization in sports injuries. These professionals are tasked with the rehabilitation process post-injury, and their work can range from prescribing exercises to aiding in recovery post-surgery.