Ask any CATA member, and they’ll tell you athletic therapy is a rewarding and challenging career! Trained and skilled in treating injuries of both professional athletes as well as everyday active Canadians, athletic therapists bring an expert level of knowledge to their work with clients. A Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)) rehabilitates orthopedic injures by focusing on taking an active approach, which reduces further injuries and speeds up recovery time. Plus, seeing clients recover and restore their abilities is so worthwhile.
Although many athletes will be familiar with athletic therapists, CAT(C)s can be found in a variety of different spaces. So whether you’re looking to find the help of an athletic therapist or are curious about the direction a career may take you, here are some settings where athletic therapists work:
- College, university and professional sports teams: Helping athletes of all skill levels, athletic therapists who work with sports teams have the opportunity to work closely with a variety of sports and provide elite level care. These professionals are the experts in front-line injury diagnosis, returning athletes to competition and maximizing their performance potential as fast as possible after an injury.
- Private Practices and Clinics: Working in a clinic allows ATs to help a variety of clientele with different lifestyles — and different needs. Requiring extensive education and expertise in order to assess and treat injuries of all types, ATs working in clinics can help with rehabilitation, recovery or conditioning for anyone who is looking for improved physical performance.
- Research and Education: In a field where you are constantly learning new techniques and advancements, research and education is an inspiring area of focus for athletic therapists. From developing methods and tools for preventing and treating injury to advancing the field itself, many athletic therapists discover their passion in this setting.
- Healthcare: Athletic therapists can work in a healthcare setting to help mitigate, assess and treat musculoskeletal injuries that occur outside of sports. Individuals are often referred to athletic therapists by other healthcare professionals including orthopedic surgeons, family physicians, paramedical professionals, and case managers for motor vehicle and workplace accidents.
- Highly Physical Careers: Some highly physical or otherwise demanding careers may even keep an athletic therapist on staff to help assess, diagnose and treat injuries that occur at work and to maintain employees’ physical condition. Trades, entertainers and first responders are just a few of the careers an athletic therapist can support. For those who rely on the optimal performance of their bodies for their own career, working with an athletic therapist simply makes sense.
CATA supports Athletic Therapists on their career path
With accreditation given to select institutions across Canada, those interested in athletic therapy can access accepted Athletic Therapy curriculums. After their training, athletic therapists will take the National Certification Examination to be recognized as CAT(C).
CAT(C)s are supported by CATA in the pursuit of their career. From ensuring a quality education is delivered across Canada to providing different job opportunities through postings on our website and in the monthly newsletter, CAT(C)s can trust CATA to offer help at every career stage.
CATA ensures Athletic Therapists are trained and certified
CATA oversees the certification process of Certified Athletic Therapists across the country. In order to be certified as an Athletic Therapists in Canada, a potential candidate must:
- Successfully complete a CATA accredited program and have earned a Bachelor’s degree
- Obtain a valid First Responder certificate, or CATA equivalent.
- Maintain valid BLS (Basic Life Support) certificate, or CATA approved equivalents
- Apply for and pass the CATA National Certification Examination.
- Maintain status with CATA and the Regional Chapter and adhere to the Scope of Practice, By-laws, and Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Learning doesn’t stop at certification
After CATA grants certification to an athletic therapist, they are required to remain up to date with current trends and new research in the field by completing continuing education units. Courses, conferences and practice development all demonstrate CAT(C)s are in tune with the latest developments and possess the techniques, knowledge areas and skills athletic therapists need to provide expert-level care to clients. Professional development is a critical part of being an excellent athletic therapist, and CATA provides many opportunities for CAT(C)s to achieve this requirement and remain competent and capable throughout their careers.
CATA hopes to support the advancements and growth of athletic therapists through advocacy, education, and research.
Interested in learning more?
CATA’s website provides great information for anyone interested in becoming an athletic therapist or exploring options in their career. Members have access to job postings through the members portal and through exclusive content in our monthly newsletter and email updates.
Looking for an athletic therapist for yourself or your team? We can help you find someone practicing near you with the right focus.
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