Critical high school courses to consider if I want to go into Sports Medicine?

Hi all! I'm seriously considering sports medicine as a career path. What high school courses would be the most beneficial for me?

Optimization for a career in sports medicine begins in high school, with a focus on science and health-related courses. Here's a general order of priority to help guide you:

1. Science Courses: Strive to take as many science-related classes as possible to provide a firm grounding in this field. Chemistry and Biology are particularly critical as they form the foundation of understanding human anatomy and metabolic processes. Both courses combine discipline-specific content with lab skills that can be applied in sports medicine.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) science courses: If your school offers them, taking AP classes like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics is a good idea. This can help with the rigor of your course load and show colleges your inclination towards and proficiency in science.

3. Health Science Classes: This isn't available in all high schools, but is worth mentioning. Some schools offer classes related to health sciences or anatomy that would provide further exposure to the kinds of topics you will study more extensively later on in a sports medicine career.

4. Mathematics: Solidify your math skills by taking Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus at a minimum. Some high schools even offer Statistics which could also be useful.

5. Physical Education Classes: These classes might not seem as academically rigorous, but they'll provide you with hands-on knowledge about physical activity, nutrition, and basic injury prevention. It's also a great way to demonstrate your interest in physical health and wellness.

Lastly, in addition to your core classes, consider joining related extracurricular activities such as sports teams, student athletic training programs, or health-oriented clubs. Your holistic involvement in this field can reflect positively in eventual college applications.