Education · 1 of 5

The path

There is no short version. Twelve years after high school is the fast route.

1. 1

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, but you must finish the premedical science courses and keep a high GPA. Then sit the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

2. 2

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of classroom science, two years of hospital rotations, leading to an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).

3. 3

   Residency

   3 to 5 years

   Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation takes 3 to 4 years. Orthopedic surgery takes 5.

4. 4

   Sports medicine fellowship

   1 year

   One extra year of accredited training in musculoskeletal injury, concussion, ultrasound guided injections and team coverage.

5. 5

   License and board certification

   After fellowship

   A state medical license, board certification in your base specialty, then a CAQ (Certificate of Added Qualification) in sports medicine.