Career · Lesson Plan

Becoming a Sports Therapist

A career-exploration lesson on sports therapists — the professionals who help athletes train, recover from injuries, and perform their best. Students learn the different jobs under this title, where these professionals work, and how to enter the field.

Grades 5–8 Lesson Plan 30–45 minutes Free Lesson

Becoming a sports therapist career lesson illustration

For Teachers

Lesson at a glance

Topic: Career
Grade Level: Grades 5–8
Resource Type: Lesson + Worksheet
Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes
Format: Reading + worksheet
Materials: Printable lesson, worksheet, whiteboard

What Students Learn

Learning objectives

List the jobs that fall under the heading of sports therapist
Describe what each type of sports therapist does
List places where a sports therapist might work
Explain how each role helps athletes train or recover
Explain how a person can become a sports therapist

Materials

What you’ll need

Printed copies of the lesson reading and worksheet (one per student)
Whiteboard or projector for discussion
Optional: internet access for career research

Key Terms

Vocabulary

Sports therapist: A professional who helps athletes train and recover from injuries.
Strength and conditioning coach: Guides training that improves athletic performance.
Personal trainer: Works one-on-one to help someone get fit and stay healthy.
Massage therapist: Treats sore or tight muscles.
Physical therapist: Helps people recover from muscle, joint, nerve, or bone injuries.
Rehabilitation: The process of recovering from an injury.

For Teachers

Lesson plan

Estimated time: one 30–45 minute class period.

Lesson sequence

Introduction (5 min). Ask who helps a professional athlete recover from an injury. Introduce sports therapy.
Read the lesson (12 min). Students read about the roles under ‘sports therapist’ and what each does.
Discussion (10 min). Compare strength coaches, personal trainers, massage therapists, and physical therapists, and where they work.
Worksheet (10 min). Students complete the worksheet; the answer key is included for teacher use.
Wrap-up (3 min). Students pick one role and say who it would help.

Assessment

Assess participation and the completed worksheet.

Discussion

Discussion questions

What different jobs fall under the title ‘sports therapist’?
How does a strength coach’s job differ from a physical therapist’s?
Where might these professionals work?
How do sports therapists help athletes perform their best?
How can a person become a sports therapist?

Printable Lesson & Worksheet