How to Become an Athletic Therapist

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The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association oversees the certification process of Certified Athletic Therapists across the country. In addition to completing a Bachelor’s degree, Athletic Therapists must complete the Athletic Therapy program at one of eight CATA-accredited institutions in Canada, including on-field and in-clinic practical training. Certification Candidates must hold a valid First Responder certificate and, after graduating, must successfully pass the National Certification Examination. And it doesn’t stop with certification. An Athletic Therapist must demonstrate they remain up-to-date with current trends and new research in the areas of rehabilitation, orthopedic assessment and emergency care. This is done through professional development, which is why AT’s are required to achieve 21 continuing education credits every three years and maintain a valid BLS in order to continue to be certified by CATA. Once certified, Candidates receive the title Certified Athletic Therapist, designated by the letters CAT(C). 

1. Be enrolled at a accredited institution
2. Hold a valid First Aid and BLS certificate, or CATA approved equivalent
3. Complete the online application for Certification Candidate
4. Anyone wishing to attempt the National Certification Exam must maintain their membership status with the CATA for a minimum of 2 years immediately preceding attempting the CATA NCE. 

To achieve the designation of Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C), a Certification Candidate must:

1. Successfully complete a CATA accredited program and have earned a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
2. Maintain a valid First Responder certificate, or CATA equivalent.
3. Maintain a valid Basic Life Support certificate, or CATA equivalent.
4. Apply for and pass the National Certification Examination. Candidates must attempt the exam within two years of graduating from an accredited institution.
5. Pay annual CATA membership dues and adhere to the Scope of Practice, By-laws, and Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The Board of Certification for Athletic Therapy creates and administers the NCE based on CATA’s Scope of Practice and Competencies in Athletic Therapy.  This process ensures that successful Certification Candidates have demonstrated basic competence in Athletic Therapy and ensures the safety and care of the public when providing athletic therapy services to Canadians.

Written Exam
The written exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. To pass, the certification candidate must achieve a score equal to or higher than the Minimal Passing Level (MPL) calculated for that particular examination.

CATA monitors it’s members annually to ensure they remain up-to-date with current trends and new research in the areas of rehabilitation, orthopedic assessment and emergency care. All Athletic Therapists must annually present documentation demonstrating:

• Continued education; achieve 21 continuing education units every 3 years via courses, conferences, and practice development
• Current and adequate professional liability insurance
• BLS certification

Continuing education courses provided to Certified Athletic Therapists may include any course where knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, knowledge of exercise and advanced exercise and training techniques, and knowledge of emergency care are required. These courses may include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced knowledge and techniques related to traumatic brain injuries
• Visceral manipulation
• Muscle energy techniques
• Kinesio taping
• Myofascial integration and Mysofascial release techniques
• Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization
• Advanced high performance reconditioning
• Craniosacral therapy
• Advanced stretching/flexibility techniques
• Cranial nerve mobilization
• Advanced joint and nervous system mobilization techniques