Top 15 Sports Medicine Career Options In India In 2023
- Naief Khatri
- Updated Date: August 24, 2023
Table of Contents
Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and illnesses related to sports and exercise. Sports medicine physicians, also known as sports doctors, are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of sports-related injuries, including:
- Musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle tears and tendonitis
- Head and neck injuries, such as concussions and spinal cord injuries
- Heart and lung problems, such as exertional asthma and heat exhaustion
- Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures and tendinitis
Sports medicine physicians may also provide preventive care, such as:
- Injury prevention programs
- Rehabilitation programs
- Nutritional counseling
- Medication management
Why Pursue Sports Medicine Career?
There are numerous compelling reasons to consider a path in sports medicine:
- Passion for Sports: If you have a genuine passion for sports and physical activity, a career in sports medicine allows you to merge your personal interests with your professional journey.
- Positive Healthcare Impact: Sports medicine professionals play a direct role in enhancing athletes’ health and overall well-being. Assisting individuals in recovering from injuries and enhancing their performance can be intrinsically gratifying.
- Diverse Specializations: The realm of sports medicine encompasses a diverse array of specializations, ranging from orthopedics to psychology. This diversity enables you to pinpoint a specific area that resonates with your skills and passions.
- Dynamic Nature: The field is in a state of constant evolution due to ongoing research, technological advancements, and innovative training methods. This dynamic environment ensures continuous learning and development.
- Holistic Care: Sports medicine practitioners consider both the physical and mental facets of an athlete’s health. This comprehensive approach leads to more effective and well-rounded care.
- Direct Engagement with Athletes: Building close relationships with athletes offers a unique chance to witness firsthand the transformative impact of your efforts.
- Preventing Injuries: Contributing to injury prevention through education, specialized training, and guidance enables athletes to enjoy sustained, injury-free careers.
- Versatile Settings: Sports medicine professionals can find opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, and sports teams.
- Sustained Demand: With the enduring global popularity of sports, the demand for skilled sports medicine professionals remains consistently high.
- Elevating Sports Excellence: By assisting athletes in achieving their peak performance, you contribute to the attainment of higher levels of sports excellence and the continual push for human potential.
- Research Endeavors: If research is your interest, sports medicine offers fertile ground to explore novel treatment methods, emerging technologies, and progressive training techniques.
- Global Reach: Sports transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. A sports medicine career could offer opportunities to collaborate with athletes from diverse backgrounds.
- Personal Satisfaction: Witnessing athletes surmount challenges and attain their objectives can provide an immense sense of personal accomplishment.
- Steady Professional Growth: The sports medicine field is poised for continued expansion as greater emphasis is placed on athlete health and performance.
- Interdisciplinary Fusion: Sports medicine seamlessly blends elements of medicine, science, psychology, nutrition, and more. This multidisciplinary approach ensures an intellectually stimulating and diverse professional journey.
Top Sports Medicine Careers In India
Sports medicine is a broad field that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and illnesses in athletes. Sports medicine professionals work with athletes of all ages and skill levels, from youth sports to professional sports.
There are many different careers in sports medicine, each with its own unique set of responsibilities. Some of the top sports medicine careers include:
| Careers | Specialization | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Sports Medicine Physician |
These doctors specialize in treating injuries and illnesses related to sports and physical activity. |
₹522,700 to ₹1,570,900 per year |
|
Orthopedic Surgeon |
Orthopedic surgeons focus on surgical interventions for musculoskeletal injuries, such as fractures, ligament tears, and joint issues common in athletes. |
INR 1.0 lakhs to INR 30.0 lakhs per year |
|
Physical Therapist |
Physical therapists work on rehabilitating athletes by designing personalized exercise and treatment plans to aid recovery and improve performance. |
₹24,200 and ₹60,000 per month |
|
Sports Physical Therapist |
Specializing in sports-related injuries, these therapists tailor rehabilitation programs to address the unique demands of athletes' bodies. |
₹0.4 lakhs to ₹9.0 lakhs per year |
|
Athletic Trainer |
Athletic trainers provide immediate care for injuries during sports events, as well as designing prevention and rehabilitation programs for athletes. |
₹24,200 and ₹60,000 per month |
|
Exercise Physiologist |
These professionals study how exercise affects the body, helping athletes optimize their training and performance through tailored exercise routines. |
₹0.6 lakhs to ₹10.2 lakhs per year |
|
Sports Nutritionist/Dietitian |
Nutritionists in sports medicine create optimal diet plans to fuel athletes' bodies, enhance performance, and aid in recovery. |
₹ 0.4 Lakhs to ₹ 6.0 Lakhs |
|
Sports Psychologist |
Sports psychologists assist athletes in managing stress, anxiety, and performance-related issues, contributing to mental resilience and focus. |
₹6.5 Lakhs per year |
|
Chiropractor |
Chiropractors specialize in spinal health and musculoskeletal alignment, aiding in injury prevention and pain management for athletes. |
INR 771,889 and INR 1,412,872 per year |
|
Podiatrist |
Focusing on foot and ankle health, podiatrists help athletes manage and prevent lower extremity injuries. |
INR 864,700 per year |
|
Biomechanist |
Biomechanists analyze the mechanics of human movement, helping athletes optimize their techniques and prevent injuries. |
INR 15 lakhs to INR 35 lakhs per year |
|
Sports Massage Therapist |
These therapists provide specialized massages to athletes to aid in recovery, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility. |
INR 35,000 per month |
|
Strength and Conditioning Coach |
Working with athletes, these coaches design and oversee training programs to improve strength, endurance, and overall physical performance. |
₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month |
|
Sports Scientist |
Sports scientists conduct research to enhance athletes' performance, analyzing data and developing evidence-based training methods. |
INR 241,606 per year |
|
Sports Medicine Researcher |
Researchers in this field investigate new treatments, technologies, and methodologies to advance sports medicine knowledge and practices. |
₹30,000 per month |
Sports Medicine Career Outlook
The career outlook for sports medicine positions varies depending on a worker’s role, educational level, and industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of athletic trainers will grow by 19% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations in the U.S.
Graduates with a sports medicine bachelor’s degree can pursue a career as an exercise physiologist. These professionals earn a median annual salary of INR 40,78,381.07 and the BLS projects this occupation to grow by 10% from 2018-2028.
Other positions in this field, such as physical therapists and physicians, require a doctoral degree and have much higher earning potential. According to the BLS, physical therapists and team physicians earn median annual salaries of INR 70,00,515.80 and more than INR 1,72,51,000 respectively.
The table below features salaries for a few popular sports medicine careers, as well as salary prospects for professionals with various levels of work experience.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 Months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sports Medicine Physician |
INR 1,44,48,471.68 |
INR 1,49,00,045.56 |
INR 1,54,63,530.96 |
INR 1,61,76,174.26 |
|
Occupational Therapist |
INR 51,24,674.52 |
INR 53,49,215.64 |
INR 58,93,582.85 |
INR 63,02,065.39 |
|
Athletic Trainer |
INR 32,65,374.67 |
INR 33,76,741.82 |
INR 37,75,223.87 |
INR 40,74,292.51 |
Sports Medicine Scope In India
Sports Medicine in India has witnessed remarkable growth in recent times, presenting a plethora of opportunities for medical experts and sports enthusiasts alike. This field seamlessly merges medical knowledge with sports science to address, prevent, and treat sports-related injuries, while also focusing on enhancing athletes’ performance. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the promising scope of Sports Medicine in India:
- Increasing Awareness: The surge in fitness consciousness and interest in sports among the general populace has significantly raised awareness regarding the crucial role of sports medicine in safeguarding against and managing sports-linked injuries.
- Professional Sports Embrace: The burgeoning popularity of professional sports leagues spanning cricket, football, kabaddi, and more has spurred a demand for specialized medical care tailored to athletes’ needs. This encompasses injury prevention, performance optimization, and meticulous rehabilitation.
- Specialized Rehabilitation Centers: Medical institutions and clinics are now establishing dedicated centers solely focused on sports rehabilitation. These centers offer comprehensive services such as physiotherapy, tailored rehabilitation exercises, and expert nutritional guidance.
- Pioneering Sports Science Research: The domain of sports medicine in India is experiencing remarkable strides in sports science research. This includes explorations in biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and performance analysis, contributing significantly to comprehending athletic performance and injury avoidance.
- Psychological Well-being: Acknowledging the psychological aspect of sports performance, the role of sports psychologists is gaining prominence. These professionals collaborate with athletes to bolster mental resilience, address performance anxiety, and enhance concentration—factors that profoundly impact overall performance.
- Nutritional Expertise: Optimal nutrition holds the key to athletes’ performance and recovery. Sports nutritionists are in high demand to curate personalized dietary plans that foster energy levels, muscle recuperation, and holistic well-being.
- Thriving Fitness Industry: India’s wellness and fitness sector is experiencing exponential growth, with a surging number of individuals embracing various forms of physical activity. Sports medicine experts are sought after for guidance on injury prevention and safe workout practices.
- Educational Pathways: Educational institutions and universities are now offering specialized courses and degrees centered around Sports Medicine and its allied fields. This not only elevates the standard of qualified professionals but also significantly propels sports medicine research.
- Sports Extravaganza: India hosts an array of sports events, ranging from local competitions to international tournaments. Sports medicine professionals play a pivotal role in providing medical support during these events, ensuring the well-being of participants.
- Corporate Well-being Initiatives: Corporations are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being initiatives that encompass physical fitness. Sports medicine specialists play a pivotal role in devising fitness plans and addressing work-related musculoskeletal concerns.
Sports Medicine Institutes offering relevant Courses & Degrees
Sports Medicine Institutes:
Sports medicine is a broad field that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and illnesses in athletes. Sports medicine institutes offer a variety of programs and courses to train students for careers in this field.
Here are some of the top sports medicine institutes in India:
| Institute Name | Courses | Fees | Address | Contact No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Indian Institute of Sports Medicine, Chennai |
MD in Sports Medicine, M.Sc. in Sports Medicine, Diploma in Sports Medicine |
INR 81.19 lakhs, INR 25.60 lakhs, INR 47.27 lakhs |
20, Greams Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006 |
+91 44 2822 4800
|
|
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi |
MD in Sports Medicine |
INR 68.20 lakhs |
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029 |
+91 11 2658 5000
|
|
National Institute of Sports, Patiala |
M.Sc. in Sports Medicine |
INR 34.50 lakhs |
Patiala, Punjab 147001 |
+91 175 222 0051
|
|
DY Patil Medical College, Pune |
M.D. in Sports Medicine |
INR 4.63 lakhs |
Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune 411018 |
+91 20 2745 1111
|
|
Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal |
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Sports Medicine |
INR 7.28 lakhs |
Manipal, Karnataka 576104 |
+91 820 258 0200
|
|
SGT University, Gurgaon |
M.Sc. in Sports Medicine |
INR 4.62 lakhs |
Gurgaon, Haryana 122001 |
+91 124 451 9999
|
Sports Medicine Degrees:
Here is the list of various sports medicine degrees that institutes may offer:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine: A foundational degree that provides a comprehensive understanding of sports science, human anatomy, physiology, and injury prevention.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science: This degree focuses on the science of human movement and exercise, preparing students for careers in sports medicine, fitness training, and rehabilitation.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology: Kinesiology degrees delve into the mechanics of human movement, offering a solid foundation for careers in sports medicine, physical therapy, and sports science research.
- Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine: A more specialized degree that often requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, offering advanced knowledge in sports injury assessment, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.
- Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology: This degree emphasizes the physiological responses to exercise and how they impact human health and performance.
- Master’s Degree in Athletic Training: Geared towards becoming a certified athletic trainer, this program covers injury prevention, assessment, emergency care, and rehabilitation for athletes.
- Master’s Degree in Sports Nutrition: Focusing on the nutritional needs of athletes, this degree equips students with the knowledge to create specialized dietary plans for enhanced performance and recovery.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): A doctoral degree preparing individuals to become licensed physical therapists who work with athletes and patients to rehabilitate injuries and improve mobility.
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Sports Medicine Specialization: Medical doctors can specialize in sports medicine, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries and conditions.
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with Sports Medicine Specialization: Similar to the MD, DOs can also specialize in sports medicine, incorporating osteopathic principles into their practice.
- Ph.D. in Exercise Science or Sports Medicine: For those interested in research and academia, a Ph.D. program offers an opportunity to contribute to the field’s knowledge through advanced research and scholarly work.
- Online Certificates in Sports Medicine: Short-term online programs that provide specialized training in specific areas of sports medicine, such as injury prevention, rehabilitation, or performance enhancement.
- Dual Degrees: Some institutions offer combined programs, such as MD/Ph.D., allowing individuals to gain expertise in both medical practice and research within the sports medicine field.
Skills Gained With a Sports Medicine Degree
By engaging in coursework, practical training, and experiential learning, you can refine a diverse range of sought-after abilities that readily translate into various sports medicine vocations. Below, you’ll find an inventory of five prevalent proficiencies that a sports medicine program can furnish you with.
Empathy: Empathy stands as a cornerstone in sports medicine careers. Practitioners must hold genuine compassion for their patients and an innate drive to extend assistance. This attribute nurtures patient confidence and significantly enhances the quality of care provided.
Effective Communication: Proficiency in both oral and written communication empowers sports medicine experts to comprehend patient needs and convey well-crafted treatment strategies. These capabilities also foster professional collaborations and facilitate continuous learning.
Research Acumen: Thriving in sports medicine careers necessitates a keen awareness of the latest breakthroughs and advancements. Students pursuing sports medicine degrees refine their research skills, which prove invaluable in their careers through research papers, projects, and other coursework.
Organizational Prowess: Organizational skills serve as a linchpin for sports medicine professionals juggling numerous patients, deadlines, and critical information. This attribute gains paramount significance for managers overseeing an organization’s finances and personnel.
Physical Dexterity: For physical therapists, who frequently engage in hands-on patient interactions, adept physical dexterity is imperative. This proficiency allows practitioners to guide and support patients without causing discomfort or harm. Internships and supervised mentorships provide sports medicine students with opportunities to fine-tune this vital skill.
Other Career Options In Medicine:
Medical science is a vast field with many different career options. In addition to becoming a doctor, there are many other ways to use your skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world of medicine. Here are a few examples of other career options in medicine:
FAQS
The average salary for a sports medicine professional in India is ₹24 lakhs per year. This can vary depending on the experience, qualifications, and location of the professional.
The average salary for a sports medicine doctor in India is ₹172,51,000 per year.
FNB Sports Medicine after MBBS or Fellow of National Board in Sports Medicine also known as FNB in Sports Medicine is a doctoral fellowship program for doctors in India that they do after completion of their postgraduate medical degree course. The duration of the FNB course is for 2 years.
Consultant Doctor salary in RGCI&RC CRICKET GROUND ranges between ₹ 27.0 Lakhs to ₹ 33.0 Lakhs per year.
Sports Dentistry Salary in india are:
- Senior Dental Surgeon – ₹24.4lakhs per year.
- Consultant Dental Surgeon – ₹23.3lakhs per year.
- Dental Surgeon – ₹17.8lakhs per year.
- Assistant Dental Surgeon – ₹17.6lakhs per year.
- Medical consultant: These doctors diagnose and treat patients who have developed injuries as a result of physical activity. …
- Athletics doctor: They specialise in treating athletes injured in track and field sports.
A doctorate is the terminal sports medicine degree. Many professionals earn this degree to learn about sports medicine best practices and advance into senior management positions.
There are two levels of this course you can either do Bachelors in Sports and Exercise Medicine or then go for an MD in sports medicine, or you can complete the MBBS degree and then go for an MD specialization in sports medicine. The duration of the bachelor’s degree is 3.5 years, and MD is 2 years.
- Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. • Nutrition. • Energy Transfer for physical activity.
- Applied Exercise Physiology. • Body composition. …
- Physiological Basis and Principles of Training and Conditioning. • Principles of endurance and strength training. …
- Sports Psychology. • History and current status of Sports Psychology.
Article Updates:
24/08/2023: General Update
24/08/2023: Interlinking
24/08/2023: FAQS Update
