Becoming a Certified Athletic Therapist

To achieve the status of a Certified Athletic Therapist, a candidate must first meet the academic requirements of an Athletic Therapy curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree or diploma at an accredited post secondary institution. The approved curriculum from the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) consists of extensive courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, prevention of injuries, rehabilitation of the extremities and the spine, therapeutic modalities, injury evaluation, emergency care and many additional complimentary courses. There are seven CATA approved schools across Canada. They are:

This program is accredited as both Category I (post-degree students) and Category II (formal collaboration with the University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, University of Regina and Trinity Western University).

The CATA requires an internship of at least 1,200 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a Certified Athletic Therapist. This includes 600 hours of field experience at athletic events and 600 hours of injury rehabilitation in a clinical setting.

Once these criteria are met, the certification candidate is then eligible to write a national exam consisting of written and practical components. After successful completion of the exams the candidate receives the title Certified Athletic Therapist in Canada, designated by the letters CAT(C).

Once certified, there is an annual maintenance of certification is required to ensure members are current in a variety of concepts related to the field of Athletic Therapy and Sport Medicine. These continuing educational credits can be obtained through professional development workshops and courses, teaching, conducting research, serving on committees, educating the public and continuing to upgrade athletic therapy skills.