


Prepare to become a leader in the athletic therapy field with our Master of Athletic Therapy (MAT) program.
Our comprehensive curriculum uses the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) Competency Framework and combines academic learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students to challenge the CATA National Certification Examination. Provisionally accredited by CATA, we emphasize inclusive and evidence-based strategies, equipping you to excel in diverse athletic therapy-focused clinical environments.
The Master of Athletic Therapy is the first English-based program of its kind in Canada.
It is a full-time, 24-month (6 term) professional program focused on preparing students to be certified athletic therapists.
This program includes lecture and lab-based course work combined with experiential learning through clinical practicum placements and a Major Research Project.
The five semesters of clinical practicum placements give students the opportunity to apply theoretical and practical knowledge in real life patient-based field and clinical placements under the supervision of athletic therapists and other allied health care professionals; the final clinical placement is built as an immersive placement to foster a transition to practice.
The Major Research Project allows for students to engage in clinically relevant research to enhance their evidence-based practice skills.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours of entry level athletic therapists and to prepare students to challenge the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association National Certification Examination, which is the required certification for Certified Athletic Therapists.
The MAT degree includes:
- Fourteen required half-credit courses
- Clinical Anatomy for Athletic Therapists I and II, Foundations in Athletic Therapy I and II, Therapeutic Modalities, Emergency Management in Athletic Therapy, Musculoskeletal Assessment I and II, Therapeutic Interventions I and II, Professional Practice in Athletic Therapy, Clinical Research in Athletic Therapy, Health and Wellness in Physical Activity, Current Trends in Athletic Therapy
- Five required half-credit clinical practicum placement
- Athletic Therapy Practicum I, 2, 3, and 4, Immersive Athletic Therapy Practicum
- At least 750 hours of total experiential learning through clinical practicum placements in both field and clinical experiences
- Major Research Project
- Courses will be taught by certified Athletic Therapists with extensive experience as an athletic therapist (to bring real world experience into the classroom)
The Department of Kinesiology offers access to state-of-the-art assessment laboratories, cadaver laboratories, and the most technologically advanced visualization system for anatomy education, the Anatomage Table. Brock University is the first comprehensive university in Canada to have an Anatomage table for anatomy classes at the undergraduate and Graduate level. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with state-of-the-art research in areas such as biomechanics, nutrition, mental health, physical literacy, muscle and bone health, and lifespan fitness to study clinically meaningful research questions to contribute to the body of knowledge in improving health and well-being.
Certified Athletic Therapists are experts in injury assessment and rehabilitation and they work with a wide range of patients in settings such as:
- High School, College, University and Professional sports
- Health and Wellness Clinics
- Rehabilitation Clinics
- High Performance Centres
- Sports Medicine
- Military and First Responder
- Entertainment and Arts Industry
- Industrial Organizations
- Research and Education
- Four-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, from an accredited university in Kinesiology, Physical Education, Exercise or Sport Science, Human Kinetics, or equivalent
- Minimum 78% (B+) over the last two years of study
- Completed course work in Human Anatomy (with lab), Human Physiology (with lab), Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Psychology, and Motor Control/Learning with minimum average of 75%.
- Statement of intent, resume/CV, and two letters of recommendation (at least one must be an academic referee)
APPLICATIONS DUE: November 15th; Please note that applications are accepted until the program is full.
Please contact [email protected] for more details.
Entry: May entry only
Funding: Our course-based / professional programs are typically self-funded; students are eligible to apply for internal awards and scholarships. Eligible graduate students can also apply for financial aid through programs such as the Ontario Student Assistant Program (OSAP), or other similar provincial / territorial / international student aid programs.
Congratulations and welcome to the Master of Athletic Therapy Program!
Admission letter
Admission letters are issued by the Faculty of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Master of Professional Kinesiology Program. Admission letters are uploaded to your my.brocku.ca account, ‘Application Status’ section.
Accepting your offer of admission
After receiving your admission letter, you will have 3 weeks to reply to our offer of admission. Please accept or decline our offer through your my.brocku.ca account.
Final Documents
Students accepting their offer of admission will need to provide official documents to finalize their admission. The documents that need to be submitted are listed as “Owing to Finalize Admission” on your my.brocku.ca account in the ‘Document Status’ section. Official final documents can be mailed to:
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Brock University
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1
Canada
To be announced
Do I need to find a supervisor?
The MAT does require a Major Research Project; however, we work with you to match you with a supervisor within the kinesiology department based on your research interests.
Is the program funded?
Our course-based / professional programs are typically self-funded, meaning students are expected to cover the costs of tuition and fees for the duration of their studies. However, full-time MPK applicants are considered for a merit-based entrance scholarship, and are eligible for a variety of other entrance and continuing scholarships. *Please note that our course-based/professional programs are not eligible for Graduate Fellowships administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Eligible graduate students can also apply for financial aid through programs such as the Ontario Student Assistant Program (OSAP), or other similar provincial / territorial / international student aid programs. Students are eligible to apply for scholarships.
Can I complete the program part-time?
The MAT program is only offered full-time.
I do not have an 78% average in my last two years of study, should I still apply?
The entrance averages each year are solely dependent on the current applicant pool. You can still apply with an average less than 78%, but no less than 75% (B-).
What are the program requirements to apply?
Successful completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, from an accredited university in Kinesiology, Physical Education, Exercise or Sport Science, Human Kinetics, or equivalent. Students must have completed course work in Human Anatomy (with lab), Human Physiology (with lab), Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Psychology, and Motor Control/Learning with minimum average of 75%.
What is the cost of tuition for the MAT program?
For current tuition information please visit Student Accounts and Financial Aid – Graduate Tuition.
How do I apply?
The application process is entirely online through Brock University Next Step.
For program specific application information, visit the MAT Graduate Program listing.
Can I mail or fax my application?
Application materials must all be submitted online. Mailed and/or faxed documents will not be accepted.
What is the deadline to apply?
November 15th however applications will be accepted and processed in the order they are received until the program is full.
How many practicums are there? How long is each practicum?
There are five (5) clinical practicum placement courses which incorporate both clinical and field placements with a variety of populations. Each practicum is a minimum of 150 hours in length.
Where can I complete my practicums?
Practicum sites include: High School, College, University, and professional sports, athletic therapy and physiotherapy clinics, high performance settings, health and wellness centres/clinics.
How do I find a practicum position?
Practicum positions are posted on an internal site for MAT students. Students are required to apply to the specific practicum site/community partner and will participate in an interview. Successful applicants are chosen by the community partner.
Please note: Timeline and course descriptions are a draft and may be subject to change.
Course Timeline
Year 1 - Spring |
ATTH 5P01: Clinical Anatomy for Athletic Therapists I |
ATTH 5P03: Foundations in Athletic Therapy I |
ATTH 5P05: Therapeutic Modalities |
Year 1 - Spring |
ATTH 5P02: Clinical Anatomy for Athletic Therapists II |
ATTH 5P04: Foundations in Athletic Therapy II |
ATTH 5P06 Emergency Management in Athletic Therapy |
Year 1 - Fall |
ATTH 5P07: Musculoskeletal Assessment I |
ATTH 5P09: Therapeutic Interventions I |
ATTH 5P11: Professional Practice in Athletic Therapy |
ATTH 5P20: Athletic Therapy Practicum I* |
Year 1 - Winter |
ATTH 5P08: Musculoskeletal Assessment II |
ATTH 5P10: Therapeutic Interventions II |
ATTH 5P21: Athletic Therapy Practicum II* |
Year 2 - Spring |
ATTH 5P12: Clinical Research in Athletic Therapy |
ATTH 5P22: Athletic Therapy Practicum III* |
ATTH 5F90: Major Research Project |
Year 2 - Spring |
ATTH 5P13: Health and Wellness Considerations for Athletic Therapists |
ATTH 5F90: Major Research Project |
Year 2 - Fall |
ATTH 5P14: Current Trends in Athletic Therapy |
ATTH 5P23: Athletic Therapy Practicum IV* |
ATTH 5F90: Major Research Project |
Year 2 - Winter |
ATTH 5P24: Immersive Athletic Therapy Practicum! |
ATTH 5F90: Major Research Project |
*Class also has required placement hours in addition to in-class hours.
! Class is meant for students to be fully immersed in the practicum setting
Course Descriptions
ATTH 5F90
Major Research Project
Completion of a major research project that demonstrates a capacity for independent work. The research project shall be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P12
ATTH 5P01
Clinical Anatomy for Athletic Therapists I
Functional principles of human movement including lower extremity, pelvis, and lumbar spine biomechanics, structure and function of joints, and surface anatomy. Includes introduction to injury assessment as well as palpations, manual muscle testing, goniometry.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
ATTH 5P02
Clinical Anatomy for Athletic Therapists II
Functional principles of human movement including upper extremity, head, neck,
and trunk biomechanics, structure and function of joints, and surface anatomy. Includes
an introduction to injury assessment as well as palpations, manual muscle testing, goniometry.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P01
ATTH 5P03
Foundations in Athletic Therapy I
Introduction to the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association (CATA), the profession, safety in exercise equipment, the sports medicine team, ergonomics, clinical outcome measures, and clinical practice guidelines. Care and prevention of injuries, including introduction to injury assessment and goal setting, recognition and management with taping, wrapping, splinting, bracing, equipment fitting and removal, personal protective equipment.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
ATTH 5P04
Foundations in Athletic Therapy II
Introduction to health advocacy for athletes and self, psychological interactions during sport and physical activity, professional practice, record keeping and electronic medical records (ERM), communication, interprofessional practice, pharmacology, nutrition, and cultural competence.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P03
ATTH 5P05
Therapeutic Modalities
Introduction to therapeutic modalities for pain control and therapeutic interventions for physically active individuals.
Cross-Listing(s): MPKI 5P13
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
ATTH 5P06
Emergency Management in Athletic Therapy
A comprehensive approach to preparing the athletic therapist for emergency situations. Emphasis on emergency action plans, primary and secondary assessment of illness/injury, recognition and care of emergent medical conditions including those that may lead to sudden death, airway management and supplemental oxygen use. Successful completion of this course and the associated First Responder certification exam will lead to First Responder certification.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
ATTH 5P07
Musculoskeletal Assessment I
Focus on clinical presentation of common lower extremity, pelvis, lumbar spine, and abdominal injuries and assessment techniques for diagnosis.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P01, ATTH 5P02, and ATTH 5P06
ATTH 5P08
Musculoskeletal Assessment II
Focus on clinical presentation of common upper extremity, face, head, neck, and trunk injuries and assessment techniques for diagnosis.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P07
ATTH 5P09
Therapeutic Interventions I
Focus on therapeutic interventions for common lower extremity, pelvis, abdominal, and lumbar spine injuries.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P05
ATTH 5P10
Therapeutic Interventions II
Focus on therapeutic interventions for common upper extremity, face, head, neck, and trunk injuries.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P09
ATTH 5P11
Professional Practice in Athletic Therapy
Focuses on mentorship, administration, leadership, and professional responsibilities associated with providing health care in an athletic therapy specific venue and health care facilities that provide health care to athletes and others involved in physical activities.
Cross-Listing(s): MPKI 5P00
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P01 and ATTH 5P02
ATTH 5P12
Clinical Research in Athletic Therapy
Explores research design and statistics commonly used in clinical research to support professional evidence-based practice in athletic training.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
ATTH 5P13
Health and Wellness in Physical Activity
Addresses integrated psychosocial and nutritional topics involving the patient, the health care professional, and response to injury.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P01 and ATTH 5P02
ATTH 5P14
Current Trends in Athletic Therapy
Discussion of current topics in doping, pharmacology, athletic therapy business practices, and interprofessional practice.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P11
ATTH 5P20
Athletic Therapy Practicum I
Application of initial athletic therapy expert, communication, collaboration, and professional skills associated with clinical practice through engaged and supervised clinical education. Two field and two clinic placements must be completed with a minimum of 150 hours each. Weekly meeting also required.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Note: Materials fee required.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P06
ATTH 5P21
Athletic Therapy Practicum II
Application of intermediate athletic therapy expert, communication, collaboration, and
professional skills associated with clinical practice through engaged and supervised clinical
education. Two field and two clinic placements must be completed with a minimum of 150 hours each. Weekly meeting also required.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Note: Materials fee required.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P20
ATTH 5P22
Athletic Therapy Practicum III
Application of intermediate to entry-level athletic therapy expert, communication, collaboration, and professional skills associated with clinical practice through engaged and supervised clinical education. Two field and two clinic placements must be completed with a minimum of 150 hours each. Weekly meeting also required.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Note: Materials fee required.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P21
ATTH 5P23
Athletic Therapy Practicum IV
Application of intermediate to entry-level athletic therapy expert, communication, collaboration, and professional skills associated with clinical practice through engaged and supervised clinical education. Two field and two clinic placements must be completed with a minimum of 150 hours each. Weekly meeting also required.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Note: Materials fee required.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P22
ATTH 5P24
Immersive Athletic Therapy Practicum
Application of entry-level athletic therapy expert, communication, collaboration, and professional skills associated with clinical practice through engaged and supervised clinical education of a minimum of 150 hours.
Restriction: Only open to MAT students.
Note: Materials fee required.
Prerequisite: ATTH 5P23
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