Athletic Therapy is a modern and progressive health care profession that specializes in prevention, emergency care, assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries (muscles, joints, ligaments, bones).

Following a Sport Medicine Model of care, an Athletic Therapist utilizes contemporary rehabilitation methods including manual therapies, therapeutic modalities, corrective exercise, physical reconditioning, taping and bracing in order to accelerate an individual’s return to pre-injury status.

Athletic Therapists however, work in a variety of settings including with professional, high school, university/collegiate and amateur sports, in sport medicine clinics, fitness centers, insurance companies, and as orthopaedic bracing specialists.

The scope of practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist is based on a foundation of intensive training in the human musculoskeletal system, exercise physiology, biomechanics and emergency care.

The certification process for an Athletic Therapist involves completion of a Bachelors Degree program at one of seven accredited post secondary institutions in Canada. Candidates also must complete 1200 hours of on-field and clinical practical training and obtain a First Responder Certification.

Therapists must demonstrate on-going training in rehabilitation, orthopedic assessment and emergency care by acquiring approved continuing education credits through courses, conferences and practice development.

Certified Athletic Therapists are designated in Canada by the letters CAT(C).