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Starting Early Many of the jobs within sportsmedicine require advanced college degrees, meaning at least six years of study after high school. For a physician or sports psychologist, even more schooling is required, and many people in the overall field do extra study or receive certificates in particular areas. Physical therapists, for example, can be certified as strength and conditioning specialists if they want to help athletes develop their strength and build endurance in the best way possible. But even before entering college, it helps to start thinking about how you can prepare for a job in sports medicine. Keith Steigbigel, a physical therapist who works with both professional Finding Funds for School According to the College Board, in 2013–14, the average cost of a four-year college ranged from just over $18,000 to almost $41,000, depending on the kind of school and where it’s located. Students interested in studying sports medicine can turn to various sources for financial aid, including scholarships given by different organizations. The National Athletic Trainers Association, for example, awards the Jack Cramer Scholarship, named for a pioneer in the field. The American College of Sports Medicine also gives awards to help students meet the cost of a college education.

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C areers O ff T he F ield • Health Careers in Sports