Best Sports Medicine Colleges in Florida

Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina

If you’re looking for a degree in sports medicine, Florida is one of the best places to search. With an abundance of great programs and schools, you’re sure to find a match that works for you and your needs. On this post, we review the Best Sports Medicine Colleges In Florida, top 10 sports medicine colleges, best athletic training programs in florida, usf sports medicine program, usf sports medicine program and best sports medicine programs in us.

College Learners has put together this list of sports medicine programs in Florida based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics. In addition to providing information about these degrees, we have also included a brief assessment of each school’s educational culture, student population, and campus activities. This should help you choose a school that feels like home. Read on to know more about Best Sports Medicine Colleges In Florida, top 10 sports medicine colleges, best athletic training programs in florida, usf sports medicine program, usf sports medicine program and best sports medicine programs in us.

We’ve also provided links to each school’s website, so you can learn more about their programs and how to apply.

What is Sports Medicine

According to Wikipedia, Sports medicine is known as a branch of medicine that focuses on physical fitness, the treatment, and prevention of sports injuries. Sports and exercise medicine (SEM) as its also called aim is to help people exercise safely and effectively to achieve training goals. Generally, Sports medical professionals or specialists treat a variety of physical conditions, including acute trauma such as fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations.

Additionally, they also treat chronic excessive injuries such as tendinitis, degenerative diseases, and fatigue syndrome.

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine

A bachelor’s in sports medicine or a related field represents the minimum degree you need to work in most sports medicine careers. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can continue your education in a master’s program or look for entry-level positions.

As discussed, there are plenty of good colleges for sports medicine. These sports medicine schools may offer associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degree programs in the field. There are also some universities that offer free online sports medicine courses and/or training programs, but these are more commonly available at the undergraduate level. Below we explore each degree level in more detail.

Associates in Sports Medicine

An associate’s degree in sports medicine prepares students with coursework and hands-on training to continue their education to become a certified athletic trainer. Students in this program will complete courses like health and wellness, sports psychology, and sports nutrition.

Associate degree in sports medicine are usually offered as Associate of Science degrees. These programs may take around 18 to 24 months to complete and are often paired with closely related subjects, such as sports medicine/athletic trainer or sports medicine and fitness technology.

Associate of science degrees typically require students to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours. Like most types of associate degrees, AS degrees are meant to be obtained in two years or less (four semesters of coursework). However, this doesn’t mean that you have to complete the program in two years. Students may participate in clinicals and/or externships and take courses in subjects like:

• Kinesiology
• Exercise physiology
• Human anatomy
• Sports injuries

Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine

Sports medicine bachelor’s degree are usually offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, but some Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs are available. Colleges with sports medicine majors are somewhat unique, as the majority of programs are in kinesiology with a concentration or specialization in sports medicine, or might pair sports medicine with another subject. Students may be encouraged or required to participate in internships and may take courses in:

• Sports ethics
• Sports nutrition
• Sports psychology
• Statistics

The interdisciplinary nature of a bachelor’s degree program in sports medicine prepares students for a variety of careers in fitness, athletics and medicine, such as:

• Certified athletic trainer.
• Athletic coach.
• Personal fitness trainer.
• Physical therapy clinic trainer.
• Strength conditioning coach.
• Rehabilitation specialist.

Masters in Sports Medicine

At the master’s level, students can most commonly pursue a Master of Science (MS) in Sports Medicine and may be able to further specialize in the field in areas like athletic training or strength and conditioning. These degree programs typically provide students with extensive hands-on training through research, clinicals, and laboratory courses. Some of these programs may be available in hybrid formats with online components. Students in an MS in Sports Medicine program may be required to complete a thesis and/or take courses like:

• Research methods
• Performance evaluation
• Injury prevention
• Human movement

PhD in Sports Medicine

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in sports medicine are not as common, but may be offered as PhD programs in kinesiology with a focus or concentration in sports medicine. Some of these degree programs may be completed in as little as 4 years and typically require a dissertation. Coursework can often be tailored to a student’s area of interest and research, but may include subjects such as:

• Biomechanics
• Statistics
• Evidence-based practice
• Research

sports medicine schools near me

University Of South Florida 

Location: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, United States

The University Of South Florida is one of the colleges with sports medicine majors.

This college is a public research university and a member institution of the State University System of Florida.

The University of South Florida Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one year program for individuals who have completed an orthopedic residency and who desire to be exposed to a broad-based experience in the care and prevention of injuries to athletes.

The goal of the USF Athletic Training Program is to prepare graduates for personal and professional success while setting the standard for excellence in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine nationwide.

Best Sports Medicine Colleges In Florida

We begin with Best Sports Medicine Colleges In Florida, then top 10 sports medicine colleges, best athletic training programs in florida, usf sports medicine program, usf sports medicine program and best sports medicine programs in us.

University of Florida

4 Year  •  Gainesville, FL  •  10 reviews

University of Florida is a public university based in Gainesville, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 6,428 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 42%.

#1 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

University of Miami

4 Year  •  Coral Gables, FL  •  10 reviews

University of Miami is a private not-for-profit university based in Coral Gables, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 2,212 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 35%.

#2 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

Florida State University

4 Year  •  Tallahassee, FL  •  7 reviews

Florida State University is a public university based in Tallahassee, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 6,523 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 49%.

#3 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

University of South Florida-Main Campus

4 Year  •  Tampa, FL  •  8 reviews

University of South Florida-Main Campus is a public university based in Tampa, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 4,165 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 45%.

#4 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

University of Central Florida

4 Year  •  Orlando, FL  •  10 reviews

University of Central Florida is a public university based in Orlando, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 6,879 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 49%.

#5 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

University of North Florida

4 Year  •  Jacksonville, FL  •  4 reviews

University of North Florida is a public university based in Jacksonville, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 2,293 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 58%.

#6 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

Nova Southeastern University

4 Year  •  Fort Lauderdale, FL  •  5 reviews

Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit university based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 987 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 58%.

#7 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

top 10 sports medicine colleges

Next, we focus on top 10 sports medicine colleges, best athletic training programs in florida, usf sports medicine program, usf sports medicine program and best sports medicine programs in us.

Best Sports Medicine Colleges

Source: www.collegechoice.net

The best schools for sports medicine may offer undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs in the field and are available throughout the country. Some of the best colleges that offer sports medicine may also be some of the best kinesiology schools, as sports medicine is often offered through kinesiology departments and/or through kinesiology degree programs as a concentration.

These schools may be considered some of the best sports medicine colleges for their affordability, student retention rates, graduate salaries, and/or overall reputation. Each of the institutions in the table above offer top-rated sports medicine programs. In addition to this list, a few schools and programs are outlined in more detail below.

• University of Virginia

The University of Virginia’s 1-year Sports Medicine Fellowship is offered through the School of Orthopedic Surgery in Charlottesville, Virginia and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). In addition to hands-on experience treating athletes from local schools, UV’s Sports Medicine Fellows have access to a variety of academic conferences and research opportunities with University of Virginia faculty, especially in the areas of knee and shoulder reconstruction and hip arthroscopy. Applicants must have completed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

• University of North Carolina

UNC’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship accepts two candidates per year-long program. The ACGME-accredited program partners with the Raleigh Orthopedic Clinic to provide fellows a high volume of diverse training opportunities, focusing on shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee surgeries. Fellows can also expect to dedicate about one day per week to research. The fellowship program is only available to graduates of ACGME-accredited schools who have already completed a residency.

• University of Miami

The University of Miami’s School of Education and Human Development offers an undergraduate minor in Sports Medicine. Students must earn a grade of at least a C in five required courses, totalling 15 credit hours. This program is perfect for students who want to gain experience in the field while they are still earning their bachelor’s degree.

• University of Georgia

The University of Georgia’s two-year Master of Science in Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree who have completed certain science prerequisites during their undergraduate studies. Students work with athletes from the University of Georgia as well as other schools in the area. The university also offers a doctorate-level degree in athletic training.

• Ohio State University

Ohio State has multiple sports medicine programs, including fellowships in both general sports medicine and orthopedic surgery, residencies, and continuing education opportunities. The one-year-long Sports Medicine Fellowships is ACGME accredited, with rotations in primary care, sports medicine, orthopedics, and other related areas. It accepts current residents in fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.

• Utah State University

Bachelor’s and master’s programs in Kinesiology are offered at Utah State, with a Sports Medicine specialization available to master’s students. Undergraduate students complete general education coursework as well as classes in the field of kinesiology. Graduate students receive a more in-depth education in their chosen specialty, including hands-on clinical experience with Utah State athletes for students in the Sports Medicine specialization. Admittance is limited and the program is very competitive.

Degree in Sports Medicine

As discussed, there are plenty of good colleges that offer sports medicine. These sports medicine schools may offer associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degree programs in the field, as well as fellowship-style programs that may require a license or residency experience to apply. There are also some universities that offer online sports medicine courses and/or training programs, but these are more commonly available at the undergraduate level. Below we explore each degree level in more detail.

Associate’s in Sports Medicine

Associate’s degree programs in sports medicine are usually offered as Associate of Science degrees. These programs may take around 18 to 24 months to complete and are often paired with closely related subjects, such as sports medicine/athletic trainer or sports medicine and fitness technology. Students may participate in clinicals and/or externships and take courses in subjects like:

• Kinesiology
• Exercise physiology
• Human anatomy
• Sports injuries

Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine

Sports medicine bachelor degree programs are usually offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, but some Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs are available. Colleges with sports medicine majors are somewhat unique, as the majority of programs are in kinesiology with a concentration or specialization in sports medicine, or degrees that pair sports medicine with another subject. Students may be encouraged or required to participate in internships and may take courses in:

• Sports ethics
• Sports nutrition
• Sports psychology
• Statistics

Master’s in Sports Medicine

At the master’s level, students can most commonly pursue a Master of Science (MS) in Sports Medicine and may be able to further specialize in the field in areas like athletic training or strength and conditioning. These degree programs typically provide students with extensive hands-on training through research, clinicals, and laboratory courses. Some of these programs may be available in hybrid formats with online components. Students in an MS in Sports Medicine program may be required to complete a thesis and/or take courses like:

• Research methods
• Performance evaluation
• Injury prevention
• Human movement

PhD in Sports Medicine

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in sports medicine are not as common, but may be offered as PhD programs in kinesiology with a focus or concentration in sports medicine. Some of these degree programs may be completed in as little as 4 years and typically require a dissertation. Coursework can often be tailored to a student’s area of interest and research, but may include subjects such as:

• Biomechanics
• Statistics
• Evidence-based practice
• Research

best athletic training programs in florida

Next, we consider best athletic training programs in florida, usf sports medicine program, usf sports medicine program and best sports medicine programs in us.

University of Florida

4 Year  •  Gainesville, FL  •  10 reviews

University of Florida is a public university based in Gainesville, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 6,428 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 42%.

#1 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University

4 Year  •  Fort Myers, FL

Florida Gulf Coast University is a public university based in Fort Myers, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 2,626 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 64%.

#8 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

The University of Tampa

4 Year  •  Tampa, FL

The University of Tampa is a private not-for-profit university based in Tampa, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 2,141 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 53%.

#9 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

Florida Southern College

4 Year  •  Lakeland, FL

Florida Southern College is a private not-for-profit university based in Lakeland, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 722 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 51%.

#10 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

The University of West Florida

4 Year  •  Pensacola, FL

The University of West Florida is a public university based in Pensacola, Florida. It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,104 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 49%.

#11 in Best Athletic Training Colleges & Universities in Florida

uSF sports medicine program

More details coming up on usf sports medicine program, usf sports medicine program and best sports medicine programs in us.

Professional Athletic Training

The application cycle for the Class of 2024 is now open!  Priority deadline December 1, 2021.  Final deadline February 15, 2022.

Welcome to the Athletic Training Program at the University of South Florida! We are excited that you have expressed an interest in the profession of Athletic Training, and even more so that you have chosen to be part of our Master’s level Professional program at USF. The move to a Master of Science in Athletic Training further positions our graduates to become integral members of the health care team. You may have many questions about our program, so please refer to the tabs at the left for further information.

Our Athletic Training Program is one of only a few, nationwide, to be anchored within a medical college. It is also the first program of its kind in the country to be housed in a department of orthopedics. For our faculty, staff, students, preceptors and alumni, this innovative program creates intense learning experiences and daily collaboration with the best Athletic Training, Orthopedics, and Primary Care Sports Medicine practitioners. As part of USF Health, our students participate in numerous interprofessional educational opportunities with other health care students and faculty.

The goal of the USF Athletic Training Program is to prepare our graduates for personal and professional success while setting the standard for excellence in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine nationwide. We invite you to explore our website to discover all of the exciting educational opportunities within USF Athletic Training and USF Health.

Sincerely,

Amanda Tritsch, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Program Director, Professional Athletic Training Program
ajtritsch@usf.edu

About Our Program

Program Highlights

• Housed in the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences in the Morsani College of Medicine 
• Formal inter-professional education with students within USF Health, including Physician Assistant, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, and Medical programs 
• Opportunity for greater than 34-weeks of immersive clinical experiences, with 26 required weeks integrated throughout the program  
• All students obtain clinical experiences in the high school, small college, major college, and general medical and rehabilitation clinic settings. Additional opportunities exist within the various professional sports teams in the Tampa Bay region.

Overview

The USF Athletic Training Program is a limited-access program designed to prepare students for a successful career as an athletic trainer, educated and experienced in the management of health care problems associated with the physically active. 

The program is an on-campus intensive and continual 6 semester, 24-month program, with clinical experiences included across the curriculum.  All clinical experiences include immersive periods, where the student has no didactic responsibilities for weeks at a time and is fully integrated into their assigned clinical setting for that rotation.

The USF Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates from our program establish successful careers as athletic trainers in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, and other athletic health care settings.

Mission Statement

The mission of the USF Athletic Training Program is to provide our students with the most comprehensive and progressive foundation that focuses on the integration of evidence based-medicine, development of critical thinking skills, and promotion of diversity and inclusion in order to provide exceptional healthcare to all patients throughout a career in Athletic Training.

Vision

The vision of the USF Athletic Training Program is to be recognized as a leader in the field of Athletic Training by contributing to and advancing the knowledge base of injury prevention, injury recognition, injury management, and inter-professional collaboration.  Through the acquisition of evidence-based information and the use of new techniques and research, USF Athletic Training will serve as a model for community partnerships and innovative program delivery.

History of Athletic Training at USF

While our formal academic model in athletic training education spans more than 15 years, it is important to note that even prior to that, numerous students seeking certification from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATA-BOC) achieved it by way of internships. USF’s formal Athletic Training Student Program was initiated in 1983. The program began with only two interns and grew to include as many as twenty, averaging ten to twelve students per year.

When changes in the Athletic Training profession and academia established a more formalized education preparation, the development of an accredited Athletic Training Program began. The USF Athletic Training Program obtained initial accreditation in October of 2003.

The summer of 2007 marked the start of a new era in our athletic training history. In a bold move to further strengthen its role in Sports Medicine and a buildup of sports safety and orthopedics at USF Health, the program was moved from the College of Education to the Morsani College of Medicine. In January 2021 our Athletic Training Program moved into the medical school’s School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences.

The summer of 2015 marked the next big milestone in the Athletic Training program at USF, in that we admitted our first cohort of Master’s level professional students. The graduating class of 2016 was the last group of students to complete their Athletic Training degree at USF with a Bachelor’s degree.

uSF sports medicine program

Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program

The University of South Florida Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one year program for individuals who have completed an orthopaedic residency and who desire to be exposed to a broad based experience in the care and prevention of injuries to athletes. USF is a Division 1 NCAA institution and a member of the Big East Conference, participating in all sports. The Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at USF Health currently has 3 fellowship trained sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons who share in the responsibility of care. In addition to the office and OR practice, the spectrum of care includes pre-season and post-season physicals, weekly clinics in the athletic training room, and game coverage. Faculty also cover local high school and community events.

The goals of the fellowship are to provide a comprehensive educational, clinical, operative and research training opportunity in orthopaedic sports medicine and to stimulate our trainees to subsequently provide exemplary clinical care and contribute to future improvements in the general field of orthopaedic sports medicine.