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For the psychologists who do end up working for a team, the issue of time management arises. Traveling with a team or having to be on call can cut into their own time for family or relaxation. As with other positions in sports medicine, the salaries for psychologists can vary widely. Working at a university, they might earn between $60,000 and $100,000. In a private practice, the salary depends on how many clients the doctor can attract and how much those clients can afford to pay. Whether you choose to become a physical therapist, sports doctor, or sports psychologist, you will have the chance to be part of what you are passionate about: sports. But you have to make sure you consider that just because you are part of the sports world, does not mean that it’s all fun and games. Especially for people in health careers in sports, the pressure can be significant. Athletes want to get back on the field, while team managers can put pressure on medical people to do their work faster. It’s an important part of your job as the health professional to put the needs of the athlete—your patient—above the needs of the team. Once you put on the coat of a health professional, you leave your cap with your favorite team logo behind.

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