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7 things to know about sports therapy in Sussex
1. Overview of career range
There is a rich and rewarding variety of work opportunities for sports therapists, which has grown over the last 10 years, both in the UK and internationally. The range of work is very broad and depends upon the sports therapists' working environment and any specialist areas they may develop. The sports therapist will be involved in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions arising from sporting activity within a dedicated sports environment. Sports therapists work autonomously, often as a member of a multi-disciplinary support team for athletes. They may be employed or self-employed and can work alone. The sports therapist may have a range of clients and workplaces, rather than being employed by one organisation. A sports therapist can be employed by a sport and leisure organisation or team as a clinician, or they may choose to open their own sports clinic and work on a self-employed basis. Many therapists combine working in this discipline with other sports-related roles such as athletic and personal training.
2. Factors affecting career choice
Both becoming and being a sports therapist is hard work. A strong interest in sport is necessary and some practical experience of sport as a participant, spectator or official would be expected. From the initial qualification a sports therapist will then be expected to undertake an annual programme of continuing profession development (CPD) which remains for the duration of their professional life. This lifelong learning will involve maintaining, enhancing and broadening their professional and therapeutic knowledge and skills. This ensures that as a practitioner they are engaged in activities that maintain and improve their professional standards and patient care.
3. Entry level qualifications
A wide range of qualifications will be acceptable for entry onto a degree course. An interest in the sciences will be expected of individuals wishing to enter a sports therapy degree.
4. What you can study at undergraduate level
University of Chichester - BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
5. What you can study as postgraduate level
An extensive programme of post registration specialised training opportunities in sports therapy or related subjects exist. These include MSc in
- Sports therapy
- Sports medicine
- Sport & exercise biomechanics
- Sport & exercise physiology
- Rehabilitation science
- Physiotherapy (pre-registration)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Also available are short courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and exhibitions or similar events relevant to sports therapy which promote the understanding of new initiatives.
6. External factors that may affect the sector in Sussex
Practice based learning experience forms an integral component of this programme, reflecting a commitment to embedding vocational experience and employability into the programme. With the increasing emphasis on 'sports for all' and the escalating number of participants at all levels, there is a need for people with a specialist expertise in
- Diagnosis and treatment of injuries
- Prevention of injuries
- Immediate first aid
- Physical rehabilitation
Whilst the sports industry is a growing employment sector and a number of sports therapy opportunities exist within Sussex, competition for these openings is often intense and employers can select from a large volume of applicants. This situation is unlikely to change in the near future and potential entrants to sports therapy will need to realise the importance of developing a very 'employable' profile.
7. Relevant professional institutions and validating bodies
On completing the undergraduate programme an individual will have been deemed as meeting the required levels of competencies and knowledge necessary for full membership of The Society of Sports Therapists. This will confer eligibility for the Society's professional indemnity insurance.
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