FAQ

The program consists of 63 quarter credits: 35 quarter credits (31 credits required core courses, four credits elective) are from the sports medicine core courses in the master’s program and 28 quarter credits come from courses within the concentration.

Students completing practicum experiences at our local sites may have specific requirements for involvement. Our participation at local high school athletic programs currently requires annual registration, background checks and acceptance of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) directives by our staff and students.

These regulations require that students participating in UWS practicum courses pay a fee to the sponsoring school district to cover these expenses prior to entering practicum courses. These fees will vary dependent upon governmental organizational fee structures. Currently the fees are $80 per student but these fees are subject to change without notice. These fees are financial-aid eligible, and students should contact the office of financial aid for more information.

The master's in sports medicine program at UWS takes the safety of patients and the broader community seriously. To ensure this, students in the program are required to undergo background checks. For participation in practicum experiences at Oregon high school athletic programs, students need to register annually, undergo criminal background checks, and comply with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) directives. The background check process is facilitated by the university's approved partner, Advanced Reporting. Upon receiving a conditional offer of acceptance to UWS, students will be sent a link to complete this background check procedure. It's important to note that fees associated with the registration and background checks may vary each year, and these costs are the responsibility of the student. These fees are financial aid eligible since they are essential for the practicum course sequence.

Yes, graduates who also hold a current doctor of chiropractic license are eligible to sit for the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) exam with the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. Students will also be prepared to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) exam by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as specialty credentials with National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Sports medicine graduates also meet the educational requirements of the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS) to obtain the ICCSP Diploma.

1. Integrate basic sciences information underpinning sports performance and athletic injuries into diagnosis, management and prognosis assessment of athletes. 2. Integrate the principles of performance enhancement into the evaluation and management of athletes. 3. Effectively and efficiently evaluate athletes using best practices strategies to establish differential diagnoses and diagnoses for the purpose of planning treatment and performance enhancement programs for athletes. 4. Effectively and efficiently manage conditions affecting athletes using evidence- supported treatment and management strategies. 5. Evaluate, identify and implement specific nutritional plans and prescriptions to enhance healing and performance needs of athletes. 6. Identify and apply taping, supportive bracing and appliances to prevent injury, to enhance injury healing and to enhance athletic performance of athletes. 7. Perform emergency management and triage of injured athletes on and off the field of competition. 8. Evaluate and manage the needs of athletes from common special populations. 9. Demonstrate knowledge and use of highly ethical and professional practice behaviors.

The MS in sports medicine is designed for health care providers seeking specialization to better work with athletes and active populations. This education and degree allow for opportunities in the sports industry and enhances a provider’s skills, knowledge, and marketability to athletic populations, supplementing their already existing base skills and knowledge of musculoskeletal care. The skills gained in the program will also allow graduates to better integrate with sports medicine healthcare teams and providers. The MS in sports medicine degree is designed for first-professional degree holders to build upon already existing knowledge of core sports medicine content areas. Please note, that the MS in sports medicine program does NOT grant professional licensure or professional certification of any kind at a state, provincial, or national level. Students and graduates of the sports medicine program are advised to contact their local, state, provincial, or national governing entity to determine what skills and scope-of-practice requirements are legal under the student or provider’s scope of practice.

The program is delivered online consisting of various synchronous and asynchronous methods. Synchronous videoconference meetings are offered in each course, however options are available for students who may not be able to attend due to their schedules. An extended weekend in-person laboratory session also occurs once in the middle of the program.

Required textbooks vary by course and instructor. The list of required textbooks can be found here: https://www.uws.edu/textbooks-by-program/

Students will need to have access to a reliable computer, proficient computer skills and a dependable connection to the internet. Students will also need to acquire various tape and other supplies for asynchronous or synchronous practice sessions.

Students will have the opportunity select among a pool of electives to meet the requirement of two elective courses. See academic catalog for current elective offerings.

Two years for concurrent chiropractic students; two to three additional courses per quarter for six quarters. Students starting in 6th quarter can finish the DC, MS together in 11th quarter. Two years for non-concurrent DC students, with 2-3 courses per quarter.

Students will need to come to Portland once per program for an extended weekend during the middle of the program. This weekend will cover lab content from several different courses.

For students local to the Portland, Oregon area: Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on and observational experiences working in various professional practice and sports settings that are arranged through UWS. This includes area sports teams, events, schools, universities or clinics. Student-initiated practicum experiences will be evaluated for approval by UWS. For students not local to Portland, Oregon: Students are able to arrange their own practicum opportunities, with approval and direction from UWS. These vary greatly from profession to profession and state to state. Specific questions should be directed to the UWS sports medicine program director.

Students are encouraged to pursue local opportunities for practicum experiences at qualified clinical locations. The site evaluation process requires the potential candidate to submit an application to be reviewed by the program director. Other requirements for the site supervisor are: 1. Three years clinical experience. 2. Minimum of 30% patient load is caring for athletes. A formal treating relationship with organized athletics teams is desired. 3. Rehabilitation area and equipment for sports related injuries. 4. Acceptable levels of malpractice insurance. 5. Currently licensed and in good standing in the state or province. 6. Standards of patient care meet or exceed all ethical and professional standards.

Classes are delivered in an online hybrid format. This means that didactic material is online and labs/hands-on are in the classroom. You will be required to come to campus once over a long weekend in the middle of your program. Dates will be announced.

Courses are taught by expert instructors who have extensive backgrounds in sports medicine, and hands-on experience in treating athletes of all levels. Our faculty come from a wide range of professional and clinical backgrounds. The list of faculty can be found here: https://www.uws.edu/about-uws/directory/?cn-s=&cn-cat=34