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The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) oversees the certification process for Certified Athletic Therapists across Canada. This process includes obtaining education at an Accredited Institution, completing First Responder Certification, and upon graduation successfully passing the National Certification Exam. Once certified, Athletic Therapist must complete continuing education credits, and maintain either Basic Life support (certified pre-2019) or First Responder (post 2019) Certification through a recognised organisation such as Canada Red Cross. For complete and up to date information about becoming an Athletic Therapist, please visit the CATA website. the CATA is the only organisation that is able to grant the title of Certified Athletic Therapist or CAT(C). |
CATA Accredited ProgramsThere are currently nine programs in Canada that have been accredited by the CATA to prepare students for the National Certification Exam. Some of these programs are entry-level Bachelors degrees, and others are certificate programs that build on prior education. Acadia University - Nova Scotia Bachelor of Kinesiology - Athletic TherapySheridan College - Ontario Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Athletic Therapy) York University - Ontario Athletic Therapy Certificate Program Concordia University - Quebec Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières - Quebec Maîtrise en thérapie du sport (M.Sc.T.Sp.) University of Winnipeg - Manitoba Bachelor of Science - Athletic Therapy University of Manitoba - Manitoba Mount Royal University - Alberta Camosun College - British Columbia Internationally Trained Athletic TherapistsSince August 3rd, 2021, CATA is a partner in the International Arrangement (IA) with Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), British Association of Sport Rehabilitators (BASRaT) and the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). Individuals who have been granted these designations can apply to the CATA. The CATA has several requirements for internationally trained individuals, including but not limited to successfully passing the National Certification exam. International Therapists are encouraged to visit https://athletictherapy.org/en/becoming-an-athletic-therapist/international-certification/ National Certification ExamThe National Certification Exam is a written exam, held two times per year. Certification Candidates can find information about this exam through their CATA members Portal. Certification MaintenanceCATA monitors its 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:
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