03/12/2026
As lots of you know, first and foremost I am an Athletic Therapist and these words are exactly why I am in that world!
Athletic trainer is the States name for what we are in Canada, Certified Athletic Therapists. We undergo, at minimum, 4 years of education at an accredited institution, maintain First Responder qualifications, have training in taping/bracing/equipment and equipment removal, educated in identifying acute and chronic injuries, and have to pass National Certifying Exams through our governing body, the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.
While you may find other healthcare practitioners using the term "athletic therapist", this doesn't necessarily mean they are trained as one which can be super deceiving and confusing. This stems from the fact that the trade marked name is Certified Athletic Therapist with the credentials CAT(C). So, if you're ever at an event with an "athletic therapist" on scene, check their credentials :) We're happy to reassure you as to who we are.
Athletic Trainers don’t just respond to injuries.
They prevent them.
They identify risk before it becomes a problem.
They prepare for emergencies before they happen.
They make real-time medical decisions when seconds matter.
Most of that work happens quietly, behind the scenes.
But it’s the reason athletes, teams, and communities can compete safely.
This is what care you can count on actually looks like.
If you’re an AT, what’s one part of your job that people outside the profession don’t always see or understand?
👇 Drop it below.
And if you’re proud to be part of this profession, share this post to help advocate for the work ATs do every day.
