Athletic Training & Sports Medicine in Colorado
Colorado's Athletic Training & Sports Medicine pathway prepares students for careers in sports medicine, athletic training support, and rehabilitation. Colorado's sports culture and active lifestyle create opportunities in this field.
Students develop knowledge of athletic injuries, first aid and emergency care, treatment modalities, rehabilitation principles, and sports performance. They gain experience through athletic training partnerships and observation.
Graduates pursue athletic training technician roles or continue in athletic training or sports medicine professional education. Growing emphasis on athlete health ensures demand.
Athletic Training & Sports Medicine at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Colorado's athletic training standards align with NATA standards and sports medicine best practices. Standards cover injury prevention, assessment, and treatment.
Students complete assessments through injury assessment practice, treatment modality understanding, and rehabilitation planning. Assessment includes first aid and CPR certification.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Athletic Injuries and First Aid |
| Assessment and Treatment Modalities |
| Rehabilitation and Sports Performance |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Athletic Training Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $36,570 - $64,320
Athletic Trainer
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,760 - $71,190
Strength and Conditioning Coach
ExperiencedSalary range: $36,570 - $64,320
Sports Medicine Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $67,420 - $126,750
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with athletic programs, sports medicine clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and youth sports organizations throughout Colorado.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Colorado CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Colorado Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Colorado's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Colorado standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Colorado
General Health Science
Colorado's General Health Science pathway provides foundational preparation for diverse healthcare careers. Colorado's healthcare sector, with major medical centers and hospitals, creates strong demand for healthcare professionals. Students develop competency in healthcare fundamentals, medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, health information systems, and healthcare professions. They gain experience through healthcare lab work and facility partnerships. Graduates pursue careers in various healthcare roles or continue in healthcare education programs. Many progress to nursing, medical assistant, or specialized healthcare roles. Strong healthcare demand ensures good career prospects.
Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public SafetyNursing Assistant/Aide
Colorado's Nursing Assistant pathway provides foundational preparation for careers in patient care and healthcare support roles. Colorado's healthcare sector, with major medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, creates strong demand for qualified nursing assistants. Students develop competency in patient care basics, communication, hygiene assistance, safety procedures, HIPAA compliance, and healthcare fundamentals. They gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Graduates work as nursing assistants or patient care technicians in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings. Many pursue CNA certification and progress toward Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse roles. Strong demand ensures good career prospects.
Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public SafetyReady to Build Athletic Training & Sports Medicine Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Athletic Training & Sports Medicine in Colorado.