Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Studies

Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Studies

Interested in athletic training? Start your path at Southwestern Michigan College.

Athletic trainers (ATs) are vital health care professionals and essential members of today’s health care teams. They are highly skilled in the prevention of injury and illness, as well as the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergency, acute, and chronic conditions. ATs can be found everywhere—from athletic sidelines and military bases to warehouse floors, performance venues, clinics, and hospitals—providing a safer approach to work, life, and sport.

• Why Begin at SMC?

  Southwestern Michigan College offers an affordable, high-quality starting point for students pursuing a career in athletic training or sports medicine. At SMC, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience while building a strong academic foundation at a significantly lower cost.

  As an Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Studies student at SMC, you’ll study human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and medical terminology. You’ll also learn how to promote healthy lifestyles for patients and apply your knowledge through meaningful clinical experiences.

  The SMC Associate in Arts in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Studies is specifically designed to transfer to four-year institutions, helping you move confidently toward this dynamic healthcare field.  Athletic Training is a professional field that requires completion of a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Visit the National Athletic Trainers Association, Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer, and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education websites for more information.

   

• What You’ll Learn

  View the full curriculum guide for the Associate in Arts in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Studies.

• What Can I Do With An Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Studies Degree?

  SMC graduates are well equipped to continue their studies, transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree or master's. Nearly all states also require athletic trainers to hold a license or certification. These requirements vary by state. 

  Athletic training/sports medicine is a dynamic field, with much faster than average projected growth through 2034.

  Careers and Salaries

  Career Option	Salary
  Athletic Trainer	$60,250

   2024 median pay. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics