Becoming an Athletic Therapist

Becoming an Athletic Therapist

Step 1  : Complete a post-secondary Athletic Therapy recognized degree program.

One must enroll and complete an accredited Athletic Therapy curriculum offered in one of the 8 accredited post-secondary institutions across Canada.

In Quebec, Concordia University, in Montreal, and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) each offer a valid academic curriculum. Concordia University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with a Specialization in Athletic Therapy a DESS in Athletic Therapy. This program is a four-year undergraduate degree program taught in English.

UQTR offers a one-year DESS in Athletic Therapy in French. However, candidates willing to apply to the DESS must be graduated from the UQTR Kinesiology undergrad program.

Becoming an Athletic Therapic

The students receive intensive practical and theoretical training in:

  • Assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions
  • Emergency care and first responder skills
  • Injury prevention and prophylactic support techniques
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Therapeutic electrical modalities
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Exercise physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Nutrition
  • Statistics and research design

Although the faculties and composition may vary across accredited institutions and provinces, the curriculum remains the same and is enforced by the Program Accreditation Committee of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.

Step 2  : Complete the Sports First Responder Course.

Step 3  : Pass the National Certification Exam

Once a student completes their degree program and received their Sports First Responder Certification, the candidate is eligible to apply to attempt the National Certification exam, developed and administered by the Certification Board of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.

The exam process is one of the most stringent in the Canadian healthcare system. The exam is a theoretical examination process.

Upon successful completion of the exam, the certification candidate becomes a certified athletic therapist who is a member of the CTSQ and the CATA.

To remain a practicing member in good standing within these associations, each certified member must maintain a valid CPR and/or Sports First Responder certification, pay their annual membership dues, and advance their skillsets by participating in various continuing education opportunities on a regular basis.