CAT(C) — Certified Athletic Therapist

About

Certified Athletic Therapists help prevent, assess and treat injuries linked to sport and physical activity. They work with athletes of all levels, from school teams to professional clubs. They also provide on-field care and guide people through rehabilitation and return to play.

The CAT(C) shows that you have met a national standard of education, hands-on experience and emergency care skills. You do not need it to work in Canada. Still, it can open doors in professional sports, university programs and clinics, and it helps build trust with athletes, coaches and employers.

How to get it

1. Complete an approved education program
   Earn a degree from a university program recognized by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. This program covers anatomy, injury assessment, therapeutic care and rehabilitation.
2. Gain supervised practical experience
   Work with athletes under the guidance of a certified therapist. This hands-on time includes both clinic work and care at sporting events.
3. Hold current emergency care training
   Keep a valid first aid and CPR certification at the level the association requires. Emergency skills are a core part of the role.
4. Pass the certification exams
   Complete the national written and practical exams. Together they test your knowledge and your hands-on skills.
5. Apply for certification
   Send your documents and pay the application fees to the association. Once approved, you can use the CAT(C) title.

The exam

The certification process includes a written exam and a hands-on practical exam. The written part tests your knowledge of injury assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. The practical part checks that you can carry out skills safely and with confidence, including emergency care. Review the association's guide and practise with classmates before you sit the exams.

Careers that mention it

Keeping it

You need to keep your certification active to continue using the CAT(C) title. This usually means paying a regular membership fee, keeping your emergency care training current and completing continuing education. Check the association's current rules so you stay in good standing.