Sports Medicine

The Sports Medicine Program provides comprehensive education and training for individuals pursuing careers in the dynamic field of sports health and injury management. This program is designed for students who aspire to work with athletes and active individuals, ensuring they receive the best care for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.

Through a combination of theoretical coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and state-of-the-art facilities, students gain in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and the latest techniques in sports injury management. Key areas of focus include musculoskeletal injury assessment, therapeutic modalities, exercise prescription, and emergency care for sports-related injuries.

Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue certifications and licensure in various sports medicine-related fields, including athletic training, physical therapy, and exercise science. They are equipped with the skills and expertise to work in a wide range of settings, including professional sports teams, fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, and athletic departments at educational institutions.

The Sports Medicine Program combines scientific rigor with practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make a significant impact in the health and performance of athletes at all levels. The Sports Medicine program is not an accredited athletic training program that leads to an Athletic Training Credential. However, the program will align with the APTA, NATA and CAATE educational guidelines. Students are recommended to have basic English writing and speaking skills, and the ability to perform moderate physical activity before beginning this program.

Total number of student completers is annually.

• 2025-2026: 30
• 2026-2027: 35 
• 2027-2028: 40

The Sports Medicine program is an academic program of study that leads to an associate’s of arts degree. Students completing the Sports Medicine Athletic program gain competencies that align with the mission and educational goals of East Los Angeles College. The goal of the Sports Medicine AA is to prepare students with the necessary education, training, and hands-on experience needed to enter any health care or athletic field, such as medicine, orthopedic, nursing, coaching, physical therapy, pedagogy, and athletic training. This program provides an opportunity for students to learn basic services on health, performance, and safety of any physically active individuals. Specific skills the program prepares students for include: 

1. Develop Comprehensive Knowledge and Skills: Equip students with a thorough understanding of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology, alongside specialized knowledge of sports-related injuries, prevention, and rehabilitation. 
2. Promote Hands-On Clinical Experience Provide real-world, clinical training opportunities through internships, practicum experiences, and partnerships with healthcare providers, ensuring students are prepared to deliver quality care in various sports settings. 
3. Enhance Injury Prevention and Performance Prepare students to design and implement effective injury prevention strategies and performance enhancement programs tailored to athletes across different sports and activity levels.  
4. Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration Encourage collaboration among students, faculty, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, and other healthcare professionals to promote a holistic approach to athlete care and recovery. 
5. Encourage Professional Development and Certification Support students in pursuing industry-recognized certifications (e.g., NATA, ACSM) and provide ongoing opportunities for continuing education and professional growth after program completion. 
6. Cultivate Ethical Practice and Sportsmanship Instill a strong ethical foundation in students, emphasizing integrity, professionalism, and respect for athletes’ physical and mental well-being

This program utilizes courses from recreation, kinesiology, and general education to award an associate degree in sports medicine. The program can be completed in four semesters.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as it applies to injury prevention and care in athletic populations.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with athletes, coaches, peers, and healthcare professionals in clinical and athletic settings.
• Perform basic clinical skills including taping and bracing, break down and set up in athletic training room, and assist in emergency response procedures with ATC.

• Demonstrate ethical behavior, confidentiality, and professionalism in all aspects of athletic training responsibilities.

• Reflect on clinical experiences to identify personal strengths and areas for improvement in preparation for advanced study or professional practice in athletic training.

Sports Medicine AA degree requirements.

Sports Medicine Certificate of Achievement requirements.

1. There are no inventory records that need adjusting. 
2. This is a new program and doesn’t replace any existing programs. 
3. East Los Angeles College currently does not offer any related programs to this proposal.

Below is the list of Community College programs in Los Angeles County that offer a similar program to the one we are proposing. College Programs include : Cerritos college Athletic Training Aide Certificate, College of the Canyons Sports Medicine Certificate, Mt. San Antonio College Athletic Training Aid Certificate, Rio Hondo College Athletic Training Aide Certificate, West Los Angeles College Associate Science – Athletic Training

N/A

N/A