Rapid return to activities with a sports medicine approach
Expert prevention, management, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.
What is a certified athletic therapist?
A certified athletic therapist (CAT(C)) is a healthcare practitioner skilled in the immediate and long-term care of musculoskeletal injuries. Whether the injury occurred on the sports field, at work, or during daily life, our goal is to optimize your ability to perform at your best.
We use the sports medicine model of rehabilitation, an active approach that focuses on a rapid and safe return to work or play, rather than just pain relief.
The road to recovery
Our rehabilitation process is rigorous and individualized:
Identifying the root biomechanical cause of the injury.
Hands-on work to mobilize joints and release tissue.
Specific exercise prescriptions for strength, flexibility, and cardio.
Prophylactic taping and education to prevent re-injury.
Rigorous training & certification
Becoming a CAT(C) is one of the most stringent credentialing processes in the Canadian healthcare system.
Step 1: Accredited academic curriculum
Candidates must complete a specialized curriculum at one of only 10 accredited institutions in Canada. In Quebec, this rigorous training is offered at:
- Concordia University: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with Specialization in Athletic Therapy (4-year program).
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières: DESS in Athletic Therapy (graduate program for kinesiologists).
Our intensive training covers:
- Assessment & management of musculoskeletal conditions
- Advanced human anatomy & physiology
- Biomechanics & exercise physiology
- Emergency care & first responder skills
- Therapeutic electrical modalities
- Injury prevention & prophylactic support (taping)
- Strength & conditioning design
- Nutrition & research statistics
Step 2: Sports first responder certification
Every therapist must complete and maintain the Sports First Responder (SFR) course to handle on-field emergencies.
Step 3: The national certification exam
After graduating and completing their first responder certification, candidates must pass the National Certification Exam administered by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. This comprehensive theoretical and practical exam is the final gatekeeper to ensuring only the most qualified professionals earn the CAT(C) credential.
Step 4: Ongoing excellence
To remain a member in good standing with the Corporation des thérapeutes du sport du Québec and Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, we must advance our skillsets through regular continuing education and maintain valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications.
Professional associations
