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Job outlook for sports medicine specialists in the United States
Sports medicine specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected sports medicine specialist job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 55,400 new jobs for sports medicine specialists are projected over the next decade.
Sports medicine specialist salaries have increased 1% for sports medicine specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 8,300 sports medicine specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 50,403 active sports medicine specialist job openings in the US.
The average sports medicine specialist salary is $76,238.
Are sports medicine specialist jobs in demand?
Sports medicine specialist job and salary trends over time
Sports medicine specialist jobs over time
Sports medicine specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,300 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,117 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,173 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 28,491 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 26,022 | 0.01% |
Average sports medicine specialist salary over time
Sports medicine specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,238 | $36.65 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $74,387 | $35.76 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $73,132 | $35.16 | --5.0% |
| 2022 | $76,954 | $37.00 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $75,327 | $36.21 | +4.7% |
Sports medicine specialist jobs by state
Most common states for sports medicine specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 125 | 20% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 219 | 16% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 160 | 12% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 107 | 12% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 113 | 11% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 78 | 11% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 62 | 11% |
| 8 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 175 | 10% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 78 | 10% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 650 | 9% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 268 | 9% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 185 | 9% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 174 | 9% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 93 | 9% |
| 15 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 413 | 8% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 282 | 8% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 76 | 8% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 57 | 8% |
| 19 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 445 | 7% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 405 | 7% |
Most common cities for sports medicine specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monterey | 1 | 4% | $88,262 |
| 2 | Rock Island | 1 | 3% | $166,843 |
| 3 | Prescott | 1 | 2% | $67,429 |
| 4 | Antioch | 1 | 1% | $93,605 |
| 5 | Goodyear | 1 | 1% | $64,998 |
| 6 | Hoover | 1 | 1% | $110,725 |
| 7 | Lafayette | 1 | 1% | $86,656 |
| 8 | Mobile | 1 | 1% | $91,430 |
| 9 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $68,854 |
Sports Medicine Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of sports medicine specialist experts
Wichita State University
George Fox University
Western New Mexico University
King's College
William Paterson University
William Paterson University
Methodist University
University of North Alabama
Berklee College of Music
California University of Pennsylvania
University of Delaware
Lasell University
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Welch College
Aurora University
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Utah Valley University
Midwestern State University
What general advice would you give to a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Heidi Bell PhD, CPT, CNG: Acquire the necessary certifications (credible certifications) to complement and enhance your qualifications above and beyond the college degree. I believe it is also important for one to understand where their passion lies and be/become the "expert" in that area. As an exercise physiologist you hold a breadth of knowledge and understanding across a broad spectrum of the human body in relation of health, nutrition, functional movement, physiological responses (aging, exercise, disease...) and more but within this wealth of knowledge find the niche that excites you and begin to specialize in that area(s). Exercise Science/Kinesiology is a very competitive industry and building a strong portfolio that highlights one's unique qualifications compared to the competition will invite a more competitive starting package. Also, be confident, not arrogant but confident in who you are and what you bring to the company.
What will help Sports Medicine Specialists increase their earning potential?
Heidi Bell PhD, CPT, CNG: Remain open to continuing to learn and be adaptive. This industry is always evolving and introducing exciting new approaches and practices to elevate not only the process but one's outcome.
Dr. Imran Kayani
Clinical Exercise PhysiologistWhat general advice would you give to a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The factors that can help you to excel in the respective field are doing additional qualifications like ACSM-CEP certification (American College of Sports Medicine-Clinical Exercise Physiologist), and also keep on updating your knowledge related to the latest advancements by becoming ACSM member and attending in-person seminars and online ACSM modules and webinars.
What Sports Medicine Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The advice to the beginners who want to pursue their careers in the respective field is that they should try to get the proper qualification that is either BS or MS in Exercise Science. Also have a good knowledge of EKG. Take an additional course of EKG in case it is not part of the Curriculum. Also get the BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from AHA (American Heart Association).
What will help Sports Medicine Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Imran Kayani: The important skills that will be required in the next 3-5 years in the respective field are related to AI (Artificial Intelligence) as it is becoming quite widespread in all domains. Also the virtual technology that is managing your work remotely and assisting your patients simultaneously at different locations. There are several organizations that are making the related devices, try to visit them and get the know-how.
What Sports Medicine Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tess Swake PT, DPT, OCS, MTC: Utilization of technology in the clinical setting is the future of Physical Therapy. Previously, you might have only used technology in a research setting, but use of Handheld Dynamometry (HHD), Force Plates and modalities such as Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) will be the standard of practice for objective measures and treatment in the future.
Garrett Peltonen
Assistant Professor of KinesiologyWestern New Mexico University
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What general advice would you give to a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Garrett Peltonen: Kinesiology is broadly defined as the study of human movement. Thus, someone in Kinesiology will work with various populations to increase and improve moment. Populations can range from older adults who want to add exercise to their lives or rehabilatate from an injury, to promoting exercise among children, to maximizing performance in elite athletes.
What Sports Medicine Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Garrett Peltonen: As the American College of Sports Medicine says, "exercise is medicine." Thus, helping people become more active and witnessing improvements in their physical and mental health is extremely rewarding. On the contrary, it is often difficult to overcome the barriers of modern society to increase physical activity. These barriers primarily include a lack of physical activity infrastructure and lack of social support.
What will help Sports Medicine Specialists increase their earning potential?
Garrett Peltonen: As the American College of Sports Medicine says, 'exercise is medicine.' Thus, helping people become more active and witnessing improvements in their physical and mental health is extremely rewarding. On the contrary, it is often difficult to overcome the barriers of modern society to increase physical activity. These barriers primarily include a lack of physical activity infrastructure and lack of social support.
Jan Kretzschmar
ProfessorKing's College
What skills stand out on Sports Medicine Specialist resumes?
Jan Kretzschmar: The ability to motivate and work in a team.
What soft skills should all Sports Medicine Specialists possess?
Jan Kretzschmar: The ability to empathize with patients and make them feel special.
What skills will help Sports Medicine Specialists earn the most?
Jan Kretzschmar: Leadership qualities.
Toni LaSala Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator, Exercise ScienceWilliam Paterson University
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Sports Medicine Specialist resumes?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: For an Exercise Physiologist working in Cardiac Rehab:
-Experience working with clients in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Cardiac rehabilitation
-Knowledge in assessments (subjective and objective) by going over medical history, assess risk factors at rest and during exercise
-Working knowledge of Cardiac Stress Testing
-Develop appropriate individualized exercise programs
-Demonstrate and lead proper exercises to improve patient's health
What soft skills should all Sports Medicine Specialists possess?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: Students need to be compassionate and have great communication skills to be able to speak and listen to patients/clients for a variety of reasons. Some patients/clients like to talk about themselves and just want a listening ear and to hear what they are saying regarding their overall day to day activities as it relates to their health. They also need to communicate with the health care team.
They must possess strong written skills as they need to track all aspects of the patient/client visits.
Knowledge of how to use a computer.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Sports Medicine Specialists?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: -Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science
-Knowledge in reading EKG's,
-Proficient in taking blood pressure
-Measuring pulse oxygen levels and heart rate
-Cardiopulmonary stress testing
-Knowledge in performing appropriate body composition methods
-Knowledge of how to prescribe exercise programming to those with special consideration (e.g., osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, pre and post-transplantation, metabolic disease, lung disorders, cancer, etc.)
-Working directly with patients to assist in lifestyle and behavior change
Toni LaSala Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator, Exercise ScienceWilliam Paterson University
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Sports Medicine Specialist resumes?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: For an Exercise Physiologist working in Cardiac Rehab:
-Experience working with clients in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Cardiac rehabilitation
-Knowledge in assessments (subjective and objective) by going over medical history, assess risk factors at rest and during exercise
-Working knowledge of Cardiac Stress Testing
-Develop appropriate individualized exercise programs
-Demonstrate and lead proper exercises to improve patient's health
What hard/technical skills are most important for Sports Medicine Specialists?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: -Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science
-Knowledge in reading EKG's,
-Proficient in taking blood pressure
-Measuring pulse oxygen levels and heart rate
-Cardiopulmonary stress testing
-Knowledge in performing appropriate body composition methods
-Knowledge of how to prescribe exercise programming to those with special consideration (e.g., osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, pre and post-transplantation, metabolic disease, lung disorders, cancer, etc.)
-Working directly with patients to assist in lifestyle and behavior change
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Sports Medicine Specialists?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: Yes. The fitness industry was hard-hit by the virus. Fitness centers were some of the first businesses to be locked down and last to be allowed to open. In academic settings, sports, including strength and conditioning, were also shut down. This has caused a wave of bankruptcies and closures across the country, especially since many fitness centers were small businesses running on tight margins.
However, as the country claws its way out of the pandemic, there is great hope for the industry.
First, many of the precautions needed for avoiding COVID infection were already being used by fitness centers since our field is well-aware of the dangers of infectious diseases. Purpose built fitness centers are designed with HVAC systems that create more air exchanges than regular commercial buildings and exchange indoor for outdoor air to a greater extent. Fitness centers also are typically diligent about cleaning, even before the pandemic and have simply increased the frequency of cleanings. However, most evidence points to surface transmission as being a minor method of transmission, especially if individuals wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer. (See this article in Nature: Nature )
Simply put, fitness centers may be safter than other business where patrons spend time, such as restaurants, as long as the members use masks and social distance while exercising.
This, however, is small comfort for businesses that went under during the early stages. So right now, employment may be harder to find temporarily. But, for young entrepreneurs, the market may be much more open to new fitness businesses since competition may be diminished. There is an increased opportunity to gain a foothold in the market, especially if business diversify their offerings into areas such as options for home-based video-driven workouts, outdoor areas for fitness and other practices that may be safer for some. New graduates should be looking to develop skills in these areas to be competitive in the marketplace.
What's a day at work look like for a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: The opportunities for graduates in the Kinesiology/Exercise and Sport Science field are many and varied. Graduates may pursue careers in commercial fitness, strength and conditioning in an academic setting, community health education, or pursue graduate degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medicine, Dentistry, or other health-related fields. Therefore, it's difficult to say what a day at work will look like since jobs can be so varied. However, expect that, obviously, more time will be spent on cleaning at the site and more remote work, such as video-based meetings with clients and patients. Skill at using technology has always been important but the recent events have emphasized this. Also, being agile and able to quickly adapt to changing environments is key. There will continue to be changes in procedures and regulation and the ability to "roll with the punches" is important.
What technical skills for a Sports Medicine Specialist stand out to employers?
Grayson Lipford Ph.D.: Although the ability to design and implement training programs that are effective at helping clients and patients reach their goals while simultaneously motivating them to adhere to their program is has always been the crux of what we do, additional technology skills are becoming increasingly important. The ability to market using social media, where most people get fitness information from, for marketing has been implemented for years, but now being able to deliver products and services through a variety of pathways, most involving technology, is a growing area. Communications skills, although not technical, so to speak, are some of the most important "soft-skills" for those in Kinesiology/Exercise and Sport Science to possess.
Dr. Hunter Waldman Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Exercise ScienceUniversity of North Alabama
Kinesiology Department
What Sports Medicine Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Hunter Waldman Ph.D.: I think verbal and written communication is lacking quite a bit in today's college graduate generation. This is coming from someone who was a college graduate just a few years ago, but since my time as an undergraduate and students today, there is a clear inability for a large percentage of students to pick up on social cues, maintain a productive conversation, or write a respectable email. Jobs in our field are competitive and interviews are still conducted in a face-to-face format. Even if you go to work for yourself, let's say as a personal trainer, then you'll still be interacting with people in a personable manner.
Each interaction can be looked at as if you are marketing yourself to that potential client or employer and if communication is a weakness, that is an issue. Therefore, I'd recommend graduates taking a gap year to 1) find a temporary job that puts you into contact (face-to-face or online) with various people throughout the day so that these skills can be sharpened over time and 2) practice! Excellent written and verbal skills are honed through practice. Everyone can improve these skills and practicing, watching YouTube videos from communication experts, or even having someone read over your email or recording you converse can all be helpful tools for the recent graduate student.
What general advice would you give to a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Dr. Hunter Waldman Ph.D.: Stay relevant. I've seen too many graduates find a job and fall into a routine of least resistance. I think the pandemic definitely showed in a lot of jobs, who is needed and who is not. This may sound harsh, but in extreme circumstances, this is how it works. Become efficient at your job and find ways to assist your colleagues or employers in ways that are not necessarily written on your job description. Stay updated with current trends in your field, read the most recent research regarding your area, and identify what you bring to the job that nobody else does and excel at those tasks.
What general advice would you give to a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Adrienne Flight: The advice I would give is to engage as deeply as possible with learning opportunities. Learn as much as you can about how to stay physically safe in a pandemic, how to properly clean instruments, and how to use a variety of music therapy interventions and tools. The skills that students are learning about telehealth will remain important for a long time, so I hope that students and potential employers do not underestimate the value of the experiences students are having throughout this pandemic. The same is true for all we are experiencing and learning about social justice, as these important lessons are critical to the future in the long term.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Sports Medicine Specialists?
Wendy Batts: Unfortunately, the need for healthcare professionals in the exercise and rehabilitative sciences is not going away. This type of care is significant due to the continued increase in obesity rates and musculoskeletal disorders. While it is not great that our society continues to need this type of care, it is good for graduates with expertise in the field, as the demand is there and the ability to help others is paramount now more than ever.
What the pandemic has shown is that everyone can adapt in times of need and move the needle forward in areas that may have needed innovation. For example, as faculty members we were forced to shift to one hundred percent online instruction, which allowed students the chance to still participate in their classrooms and studies when face-to-face instruction was no longer an option. This was also evident in the workplace, as related to client care, as it forced health, fitness, and wellness professionals to adapt to a virtual care model.
What has become clear is there will always be a need for in-person care; however, advances in technology have allowed health professionals the opportunity to continue to see clients with some traditional barriers eliminated, as virtual care models can be delivered from and to essentially anywhere! This is exciting because not only has this created opportunity to continue to make an impact during the pandemic but has highlighted the potential to help even more individuals by leveraging technology and adapting models of care to provide ease of access to patients.
What general advice would you give to a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Adrienne Pinckney PT, DPT, Cert. MDT: Be patient and remain open-minded about the type of setting in which you begin your career. Seek out PT mentorship both in the clinical setting/practice area that you start out working in and in the clinical setting/practice area that you aspire to work in (if it's not the same as where you start your career). Many experienced PTs around the country welcome the opportunity to serve as mentors for the next generation of physical therapists. Use resources, including your former professors of your DPT program, as well as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), to find and reach out to mentors in your desired practice area. Seek to learn something new every day of your PT career for the rest of your lives and be patient with yourselves and with those whom you serve.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Sports Medicine Specialists?
Ron Laham: Yes, I do think there will be an enduring impact on graduates. Most students in the RSCI program work in settings where they have direct patient-client contact (e.g., athletic training, personal training, physical therapy, massage therapy). Obviously, these industries have changed dramatically during COVID, but I think some of these changes will last beyond the pandemic. I think virtual appointments are here to stay - be that personal training, physical therapy, or even physician appointments.
Unfortunately, I also think there may be a time period where we see less opportunities within some industries before industry growth returns. We have seen closures of health clubs and gyms, layoffs and furloughs within athletic departments (as well as outright cuts to athletic programs), and cuts in staffing within clinics. It may take a while for these industries to completely recover, and they may never go back to their pre-pandemic levels. However, the use of technology may also have the effect of reinvigorating the long-term outlook, just in a different manner.
I also believe the health and fitness industry - if done properly - has a chance to promote its importance, post-pandemic. As we know, people with co-morbidities have had the most issues with the coronavirus. It is important for people to understand that some of these issues (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease) can be controlled, and maybe even eliminated, with proper nutrition and exercise. This could increase the need for rehabilitation specialists and personal trainers.
What type of skills will young Sports Medicine Specialists need?
Ron Laham: I think the same skills that have always been relevant will still be important (i.e., strong communication skills, ability to adapt, time management, organizational skills, ability to work in a team). However, I think graduates will have to be more comfortable working virtually. Work on any associated skills that compliment that need. Interacting in a virtual setting requires better communication skills because you miss the nuances of non-verbal communication when face-to-face. Luckily, most should be comfortable with virtual meetings as some classes and meetings have been online during the pandemic.
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Exercise ScienceThe University of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Kinesiology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Sports Medicine Specialists?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: I think it is safe to say the pandemic will have a lasting effect on all of us. We have had to adjust the way we attend class, the way we study, and the way we test. Some of the changes will have a positive impact on future attempts, while some adjustments have helped highlight some aspects that aren't favorable. For graduates who have had their senior year impacted by the pandemic, I think there are some real positives. The recent graduates have had to learn to be more flexible and accommodating, as 2020 was a series of unknowns. The recent graduates have also had to improve their intrinsic motivation and time-management skills, as there wasn't necessarily the daily reminders from the professor in the classroom. I remember telling my students in March when the pandemic first forced us online, "You'll have a story to tell your grandkids one day." Now that we are almost a full year into the pandemic, those words strike even more true.
What type of skills will young Sports Medicine Specialists need?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: New graduates will have to learn to be accommodating and flexible to whatever the world may throw our way. If 2020 has told us nothing else, it is to expect the unexpected. Students from 2020 became graduates by having to be flexible to a new learning environment, accomodating to revised assignments, and learning new technologies along the way. The skills of being adaptable will be needed in virtually all fields for the foreseeable future, and the tribulations that 2020 classrooms endured will make many recent graduates better equipped to be successful.
What experience really stands out on Sports Medicine Specialist resumes?
Dr. Paul Whitehead Ph.D.: At UAH, we have a dedicated research component for all of our seniors, and most of our graduates come away having conducted thesis-caliber work as part of a small research group. More and more, research experience is being valued on resumes and applications. Even if a student never does another research project after they leave our program, I am a firm believer that the two-semester group research experience will make them more successful in their professional goals. They have to learn to comb through the literature and synthesize the material. They have to learn to work well as part of a group. They have to collect and analyze their data. They have to present their findings. Whether they continue in human performance assessment or not, the skills of synthesizing information, strategizing effective group work and management, organizing information, and presenting your work will be present in virtually any professional realm.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Sports Medicine Specialists in the next 5 years?
Anna Rose Robertson Ph.D.: Unfortunately, I think there will be a decrease in the field of Physical Education in the immediate future. With so many schools going virtual or hybrid, it becomes increasingly difficult for school districts to hire teachers when the subject area is seemingly compromised by doing exercise and sport online. However, I think they are hired in slightly different areas. For example, look at Peloton, Mirror, and other interactive workout programs. Someone with appropriate credentials is creating the programs as well as the products. It may look different, but I think there could be an overall increase in hiring in this field. Jobseekers will definitely have to be flexible and creative when it comes to looking for employment. It may not be as obvious as it once was.
Dr. Todd Roach D.C.
Assistant Professor of BiologyAurora University
Department of Biology
What general advice would you give to a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Dr. Todd Roach D.C.: My best advice to new graduates would be not to lose focus. There are a lot of "shiny objects" in healthcare that can be distracting. It doesn't matter if you open your practice or start working for an established tradition; there are many distractions when it comes to attracting and fulfilling patient needs. Find what you are passionate about (i.e., sports rehab, pain control, headaches, etc.) and focus on your message and talents.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Sports Medicine Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Todd Roach D.C.: There has always been a lot of technology in treatment modalities, but I think the most significant advances will be in patient communication and retention. There is so much information available, but it is hard to sort through. As chiropractors, we can do a lot more for patients by addressing lifestyle and nutrition, and in-office treatments. I believe the advances will help patients outside of the office, assist them to "outside" of the office.
What experience really stands out on Sports Medicine Specialist resumes?
Dr. Jeff Lau Ph.D.: I think an employer best answers this question. However, graduates from professional/clinical rehabilitation science programs would be wise to highlight all clinical and internships that emphasize learning experiences with patients. Specialty training with specific populations, cutting edge equipment or training programs, and unique settings can help an applicant stand out.
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUtah Valley University
Department of Exercise Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Sports Medicine Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: Our primary students are going into health related fields, including exercise, fitness, and therapy/medicine. I think what we have seen in the past years will be accelerated, and that is the idea of the nontraditional exercise and therapy approach. It will be fun to see the creativity that will develop as individuals try and get exercise and therapy at home and in nontraditional gym settings. Telemedicine will need to improve and allow individuals to stay healthy on their own time, in their way, and without large groups.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Sports Medicine Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: I am excited to see how the ability to detect movement and health will continue to improve. Activity monitors can do everything from HR to simple EKG measurements. We have sleep tracking and physical activity tracking, and all of these things will need to get better. Wearable sensors that can put out fitness and essential health metrics will be the most crucial trend shortly. AS a part of that is an ability for exercise professions, therapists, and doctors to use these devices to gather data without having to see a patient. A therapist or doctor can get some basic idea of the range of motion of a joint, strength in a muscle, cardiovascular issues, sleep issues, and even essential brain activity.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Sports Medicine Specialists in the next 5 years?
Tyler Standifird Ph.D.: I think medicine, and therapy, and health will increase as we know more about these fields' long-term benefit. Preventative medicine in wellness and healthy living will see a massive increase in the coming years. As the baby boomer generation gets older, we will need great therapists to take them through therapy post-stroke or total joint replacement. But those who are successful in this will be those who think outside of the box. We need graduates in these fields who can forge their path and think of unique and creative ways to engage individuals in healthy living and also therapy and medicine when needed. I think technology will give our graduates the tools, but they will need to use problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills to use those tools to provide results.
What type of skills will young Sports Medicine Specialists need?
Frank Wyatt: Well, using the word "skills" is somewhat misleading. First and foremost, the greatest tool that Exercise Physiologists will have in the coming years is their knowledge base. The field is changing so rapidly that our scientific knowledge of exercise and the human body is broadening at an incredible pace. As it relates to skills, I would say that being able to apply the aforementioned knowledge base will be a skill. The field has become so sophisticated in terms of cellular, molecular, and genetic components that an individual will have to be "skillful" in relaying that information to the application. Lastly, laboratory skills (i.e., blood analysis, metabolic measurements, genetic identification) will be necessary.
How do you envision technology impacting Sports Medicine Specialists in the next 5 years?
Frank Wyatt: Technology is greatly impacting the field of Exercise Physiology. Measurement devices have become incredibly sophisticated and precise. This is actually in conjunction with the direction the field is taking and that being more clinical in nature.