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An Athletic Therapist specializes in the
prevention of athletic and orthopedic injuries while offering
expertise in specialized rehabilitation techniques. Athletic
Therapists design and implement long term programs of posture,
flexibility and total conditioning of an injured individual.
This total approach to injury management helps decrease
potential re-injury and can lead to an overall decrease in the
length of disability. An Athletic
Therapist specializes in injury prevention skills including
musculoskeletal evaluation, equipment selection and fitting,
warm-up and conditioning programs and preventative and
supportive taping.
Certified Athletic Therapists also make use
of the latest rehabilitative techniques including
electrotherapeutic modalities, physical reconditioning and
manual therapy techniques.
To achieve status of Certified Athletic
Therapist, a candidate must first meet the academic
requirements of an Athletic Therapy curriculum leading to a
bachelor's degree or diploma at an accredited post-secondary
institution. The CATA approved curriculum consists of
extensive courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics,
prevention of injuries, rehabilitation of the extremities and
the spine, therapeutic modalities, injury evaluation,
emergency care and many additional complimentary courses.
These now include:
- CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY Montreal, Quebec
Bachelor of Exercise Science/ Specialization in Athletic
Therapy
- SHERIDAN COLLEGE Oakville, Ontario
Diploma in Sports Injury Management
- YORK UNIVERSITY Toronto, Ontario
Bachelor of Physical Education - Athletic Therapy
- UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA Winnipeg, Manitoba
Bachelor Of Science - Athletic Therapy
UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG Winnipeg, Manitoba
Bachelor of Science - Athletic Therapy
- MOUNT ROYAL COLLEGE Calgary, Alberta
Diploma in Sports Injury Management
The CATA requires an internship of at least
1,200 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a
Certified Athletic Therapist. This includes 600 hours of field
experience at athletic events and 600 hours of sports injury
rehabilitation in a clinical setting.
Once these criteria are met, the
certification candidate is qualified for the comprehensive
written exam where a minimum grade of 70 per cent is required
to pass. The final step is an extensive practical exam
covering emergency care, supportive taping and bracing
techniques, injury assessment and rehabilitation. After
successful completion of the exams the candidate receives the
title Certified Athletic Therapist, designated by
the letters CAT(C).
Once certified, there is an annual
maintenance of certification. These continuing educational
credits can be attained through professional development
workshops and courses, teaching, conducting research, serving
on committees, educating the public and continuing to upgrade
athletic therapy skills. |
