Sports Medicine

Students begin with a structured “Boot Camp” to build:

• Time management
• Study strategies
• Professional communication
• Critical thinking

They then progress into:

• Healthcare fundamentals & medical terminology
• Anatomy & physiology
• Emergency care (CPR, First Aid, trauma response)
• Injury prevention & basic rehabilitation
• Mental health in healthcare
• Legal & ethical practices

Certifications include:

• CPR / First Aid
• Stop the Bleed
• Mental Health First Aid
• OSHA 10 (Healthcare)
• HIPAA & Bloodborne Pathogens

Students deepen their expertise through:

• Advanced injury assessment & rehabilitation
• Strength & conditioning program design
• Sports performance training
• Wellness coaching & fitness assessment
• Clinical observation & real-world application

Advanced Certifications include:

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NFHS Coaching Certifications
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

One of the most powerful advantages of our program is the opportunity to earn the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), a nationally recognized, industry-respected credential that is on par with certifications earned by college students and fitness professionals.

The NASM-CPT prepares students to:

• Design individualized exercise programs
• Conduct fitness and movement assessments
• Work with diverse populations, including special populations
• Apply evidence-based training using industry-standard models

This certification is accredited and widely recognized by employers across:

• Commercial gyms
• Private training studios
• Sports performance facilities
• Wellness and rehabilitation settings

Earning a NASM-CPT certification opens the door to immediate employment opportunities, even while students are still in college.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor:

• Employment for fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow ~12% from 2024–2034, faster than average for all careers
• The field continues to expand due to increased focus on health, wellness, and preventative care

Salary Outlook

• Median salary for personal trainers: ~$46,000/year
• Typical range: $35,000–$75,000+ depending on experience and setting
• Estimated starting salary for new NASM-CPT professionals:
  Approximately $38,000–$44,000 annually

Many trainers also earn:

• Hourly rates
• Commission
• Private client income

This creates strong potential for income growth and flexible career paths.

Students who earn their NASM-CPT gain a unique advantage:

College Admissions Advantage

• Demonstrates career focus and advanced preparation
• Shows ability to complete industry-level certification
• Strengthens applications for programs in:
  • Kinesiology
  • Exercise Science
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Athletic Training

Employment During College

• Work part-time as a certified personal trainer
• Gain real-world experience in healthcare and fitness settings
• Build professional networks and client relationships early
• Graduate college with both a degree and years of experience

Most students wait until college (or even after) to earn certifications like NASM-CPT.

Our students:

·         Graduate high school already certified

·         Enter college with experience

·         Begin earning income in their field earlier
 

This is not just preparation.

This is acceleration.

Real-World Learning

Students don’t just learn, they practice:

• Emergency response skills
• Orthopedic assessments
• Taping, rehabilitation, and movement analysis
• Strength and conditioning techniques

Work-Based Learning

Opportunities may include:

• Clinical observations
• Internships & externships
• Industry site visits
• Career exploration experiences

Leadership Development

Students can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining:

• Leadership experience
• Competition opportunities
• Community involvement

This is a college-preparatory program with high expectations.

Students are expected to:

• Manage time independently
• Complete pre-reading and ongoing study
• Write and research using APA format
• Collaborate professionally with peers
• Engage fully in hands-on labs and discussions

Coursework is intentionally rigorous. Students are consistently pushed into their growth zone.

Students will benefit from entering the program with:

• ELA: ~2 credits (11th-grade reading level)
• Math: Algebra & Geometry
• Science: Biology and/or Physical Science

These skills help students succeed in:

• College-level coursework
• Industry certification exams
• Technical reading and writing

(Not required, but strongly encouraged for success)

Students are trained to meet real healthcare industry standards, including:

• Professional dress and conduct
• Safety and hygiene protocols
• Team collaboration and communication
• Compassionate, patient-centered care

This program emphasizes:

Professionalism, responsibility, and accountability every day

Graduates are prepared for:

• Entry-level employment in health and fitness
• Associate or bachelor’s degree programs
• Advanced study in medical and rehabilitation fields

Common next steps include:

• Athletic Training
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Kinesiology
• Exercise Science
• Pre-Med

Instructor: Jenn Mackenzie

Phone: 206-631- 7378

Email:jennifer.mackenzie@highlineschools.org