Online Sports Medicine Courses and Training Programs

Courses in sports medicine are available online on a limited basis; they can typically be found for continuing-education credits or as part of campus-based undergraduate degree programs. Standalone and refresher courses are more readily available online than complete programs due to the hands-on nature of the training.

Overview of Online Sports Medicine Courses

Sports medicine providers work with athletes for the prevention, treatment and care of sports-related injuries. They may act as coaches, fitness consultants, athletic trainers or physicians who have had additional medical training. Online courses in this field are rare; most courses are geared toward fulfilling the continuing education requirements of working professionals. These classes may review specific topics, or they may be presented as workshops conducted online with live interaction and demonstration.
Online training programs typically award a bachelor's degree for completion. They maybe hybrid programs that require some on-campus participation or they may be entirely online save for internship or practical experiences. Generally, relevant courses are part of related degree programs, such as those devoted to sports and health sciences.

Course Requirements

Students need a computer with Internet-access and a streaming media player. Courses are usually presented in asynchronous format, meaning that students do not have a set time for instruction and can complete coursework on their own schedule. Some schools present courses using specialized teaching software, such as Angel. Web bulletin boards and e-mail are used for interaction with classmates and instructors. Courses may require the use of various software, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Reader.
In courses with lab requirements, students receive supervised practical experience; these may require some travel. Lab courses are generally taken toward the end of a degree program. Study guides, textbooks and other materials may be required for separate purchase or available with enrollment.

List of Online Sports Medicine Courses

Introductory Sports Medicine Course

This course covers the basic causes, treatments and prevention of sports injuries. Diagrams and interactive websites are used to thoroughly illustrate the anatomy of the injured area. Students also learn to recognize categories of injuries based on type of sport or athlete.

Rehabilitation Course

This class offers a comprehensive study of physical, nutritional and therapeutic methods of injury recovery. Lessons also address the life cycle of injuries in stages with appropriate strategies for each stage.

Exercise Programming Course

Students learn about the role of exercise in prevention, maintenance and recovery from injury. They learn specific exercise routines and physical fitness tests, such as joint flexibility.

Kinesiology Course

This course studies the relationship between an athlete's performance and the body's muscle movements. Technology used to study human motion in sports is introduced. Instructors also discuss taping techniques, which are used to enhance athletic performance.