It usually takes about eight years of college to become a sports medicine doctor. This includes four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school.
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The Different Types of Sports Medicine Doctors
There are several types of sports medicine doctors, each with their own educational requirements. The most common type of sports medicine doctor is the orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons must complete four years of medical school, followed by a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat their patients.
Some orthopedic surgeons specialize in a particular area of the musculoskeletal system. For example, some focus on the spine, while others may specialize in foot and ankle surgery. Orthopedic surgeons may also specialize in pediatrics, sports medicine, or trauma.
Orthopedic surgeons complete four years of medical school followed by a five-year residency program. They must then pass a written and oral examination to become certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Family Medicine Doctors
Family medicine doctors, also known as family physicians, are primary care doctors who care for people of all ages. They diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, from colds and flu to more serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, family physicians also provide preventive care, including immunizations and screenings for cancer and other diseases. Many family physicians also provide services such as physical exams, well-woman exams, and gynecological care.
Physical Therapists
Much like other types of medicine, sports medicine is a field that has many different subspecialties. One type of sports medicine doctor that you may see if you have an injury is a physical therapist. Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals with injuries, disabilities, and chronic medical conditions.
Most PTs have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy. However, some PTs may have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. PTs must also pass a licensure exam in order to practice.
Physical therapists work with patients to help them regain movement and function after an injury or surgery. They may also work with people who have chronic conditions to help them manage their pain and improve their quality of life.
The Educational Path to Becoming a Sports Medicine Doctor
Sports medicine doctors are required to have a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. In addition, they must complete four years of medical school and a three- to seven-year residency program in sports medicine. Therefore, it typically takes around 11 to 15 years to become a sports medicine doctor.
College
Becoming a sports medicine doctor usually takes at least 8 years of education and training. After completing a 4-year undergraduate degree, you will need to attend medical school for 4 years. Once you have completed medical school, you will then need to complete a 3- to 5-year residency in sports medicine.
Medical School
Medical school is four years long. In your first two years, you will spend most of your time in the classroom and laboratory, where you will take classes such as biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology. You will also have some clinical rotations, which will give you a chance to see patients and learn how to take medical histories and perform physical examinations. In your third and fourth years of medical school, you will complete more clinical rotations in different specialty areas. These rotations will help you decide what type of medicine you want to practice.
Residency
Sports medicine doctors must complete a residency, which is a postgraduate training program. Most programs last four years, but some may last up to five years. During your residency, you will complete rotations in different specialties, such as orthopedics, primary care, and emergency medicine. You will also complete a research project and take an oral examination.
Fellowship
A fellowship is usually a 1-2 year program that allows a doctor to specialize in a certain area. For example, there are fellowships for sports medicine, orthopedics, and surgery. After completing a fellowship, a doctor may choose to work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice.
The Length of Time it Takes to Become a Sports Medicine Doctor
If you’re interested in becoming a sports medicine doctor, you’re probably wondering how many years of college you’ll need to complete. The answer may surprise you. It turns out that you can become a sports medicine doctor with just eight years of college under your belt.
College
It takes about eight years to complete the educational requirements to become a sports medicine doctor. This includes four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and a three-year residency.
Medical School
It will take you a total of at least 11 years to become a sports medicine doctor. This includes four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and three years of residency. You may also choose to do a fellowship, which would add an additional one to three years.
Residency
In order to become a sports medicine doctor, you will first need to complete a residency in either orthopedic surgery or primary care sports medicine. These residencies typically last 4-5 years. After completing your residency, you will then need to obtain a license to practice medicine in your state.
Fellowship
Most sports medicine doctors complete a one- to two-year fellowship after completing their residency. Fellowships provide advanced training in sports medicine and allow doctors to subspecialize in a particular area, such as orthopedic surgery or primary care.