Athletic & Exercise Therapy, Bachelor's Degree

The prevention, assessment, treatment and management of injuries and hypokinetic diseases.

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A student looks on as an athletic therapist does a demonstration on another student

Program at a glance

Credential

Degree

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Yes

Area of study

Sport & Exercise

Length

4 years

Info Sessions

Sessions are led by faculty, have all your questions answered.
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Two exclusive disciplines in one comprehensive program.

Accredited by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, this unique program addresses the design and application of conditioning and rehabilitation programs that enable injured and diseased individuals to return to activity. The program provides knowledge and advanced skills in athletic and exercise therapy, exercise science and business skills to operate a successful practice.

CATA Logo

Is Athletic & Exercise Therapy right for you?

If you are passionate about helping others through prevention and rehabilitation of injury and disease to return to activity, the Bachelor of Athletic & Exercise Therapy program may be right for you.

Our innovative program is built upon an understanding of the Canadian health care system, culture and society to enhance services to clients, and the research skills necessary to stay current of the advancements in the field of athletic and exercise therapy.

Through extensive clinical and fieldwork experiences, our intensive and immersive degree will provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and prerequisites necessary to seek designation as a Certified Athletic Therapist and Clinical Exercise Physiologists™.

Certified Athletic Therapists assess and treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions in order to promote optimal healing and safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.

Clinical Exercise Physiologists™ conduct fitness and health assessments, prescribe exercise programs and provide fitness and health counselling for healthy and/or clients with chronic disease.

Athletic & Exercise Therapy Clinic

As a senior student, you'll have the opportunity to work at Camosun's on-campus clinic offering both a state of the art applied learning environment for Camosun students, and exemplary services to its clientele.

As a student

This program is delivered at the Interurban campus. As an Athletic & Exercise Therapy student, you will become an integral part of the Centre for Sport & Exercise Education (CSEE) throughout your program.

Placements

Placements will begin in your second year of the program through a field placement with a high school team. In your third year, your placement will be working with sports teams.

In your fourth year, you will participate in clinical placements in the community, and at our on-campus Athletic and Exercise Therapy Clinic.

After graduation

Certifications

Graduates of the Bachelor of Athletic & Exercise Therapy meet the requirements to pursue the following designations and certifications:

Career opportunities

Athletic therapists tend to work with the physically active population (athletes and recreationally active populations) and exercise therapists tend to work with those individuals who have conditions and diseases which have been the result of an inactive lifestyle (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity).

Employment settings for athletic and exercise therapists are many, including:

  • Athletic and exercise therapy clinics
  • Multi-disciplinary clinics
  • Professional sports teams
  • Sport medicine clinics
  • Community based rehabilitation programs
  • Occupational and industrial settings
  • Academic institutions
  • Physician offices
  • Hospitals

Further study

Graduates may pursue post-graduate education in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medicine programs as well as variety of other post-graduate programs.

Some of our graduates have gone on to pursue graduate studies at McMaster University, University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, and University of Western States.

World Federation Athletic Training and Therapy Logo

World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT) is a global organization formed under the leadership of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). This group formalized common practice standards in order for Athletic Training and Therapy to become recognized as an essential part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams worldwide.

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

What to expect

Four years at Camosun can prepare you for a fulfilling and high-demand career in Athletic Therapy and/or Exercise Therapy.

The Bachelor of Athletic & Exercise Therapy is a four-year program located on the Interurban campus. The program includes a minimum of 1,200 clinical and fieldwork hours.

Year 1

You'll cover the basics of human anatomy, psychology and health. You'll also be introduced to a range of sport and fitness activities. 

Year 2

You'll do your first two practical placements in a team setting. You'll start learning about injury prevention and treatment, as well as health maintenance. You will have an opportunity to seek certification as a First Responder.

Year 3

You'll begin to learn about injury assessment and rehabilitation. You'll also be introduced to the concepts of health and fitness promotion. In addition to classroom learning, direct patient care will be a part of your daily regimen. You will continue to apply your skills in the team setting.

Year 4

All of your theoretical and clinical knowledge comes together. In your final clinical placements, you'll have greater independence and responsibility, and be able to demonstrate the concepts of manual therapy, research methods, and ergonomics.

     

    Still in high school?

    We have dual-credit courses available here at Camosun.

    A rewarding career

    Athletic/exercise therapists in BC earn a median annual salary* of $52,140 depending on employer and seniority.

    *2021 Job Bank Wage Rate Data

    Tuition and fees

    Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

    Estimated tuition

    Tuition estimates are for the entire program

    Athletic & Exercise Therapy, Bachelor's Degree

    $25,000 (domestic)
    $65,730 (international)

    Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

    For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees

    Student fees

    In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees

    Financial assistance

    You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

    Financial Aid & Awards 

    Admission requirements

    One of:

    • C+ in English 12 
    • C in English 12 Camosun Alternative   

    One of:

    • C+ in Anatomy and Physiology 12 
    • C+ in Anatomy and Physiology 12 Camosun Alternative  

    One of:

    • C in Chemistry 11   
    • C in Chemistry 11 Camosun Alternative   

    And one of:

    • C+ in Math 11 
    • C+ in MATH 073 
    • C+ in MATH 075 
    • C+ in MATH 077 

    Note: Acceptance to the Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy Program is based on the cumulative grade point average (GPA) for the above four courses. The minimum cumulative GPA to qualify for consideration is a "B" grade or equivalent.

    When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

    For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...

    Ready to get started?

    Apply now

    Check our current program availability.

    Missing admission requirements?

    You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

    Need help applying?

    Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

    Contact us

    If you have admissions questions contact us today!

    If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Athletic & Exercise Therapy classes contact sported@camosun.ca.

    Faculty

    Our faculty are knowledgeable professionals who work in a wide range of athletic and exercise therapy fields. Collectively, they bring a wealth of real-world experience gained from working with organizations such as the Montreal Canadiens, Rugby Canada, Ringette Canada, and the Canadian Forces; as well as with teams that participated in the Salt Lake Winter Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan-Am Games, and the Vancouver Paralympic Games. 

    Please see our continuing faculty below. For a full list of our faculty, please visit our CSEE contact page.

    Faculty/staff profile

    Jennifer Gow Program Leader, Athletic & Exercise Therapy

    Jennifer Gow

    Program Leader, Athletic & Exercise Therapy

    gowj@camosun.ca
    250-370-4732
    PISE 212E
    Full bio

    AET Clinic - Jamie and Skeleton

    Learn more

    For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar. 

    Contact information

    Centre for Sport and Exercise Education

    Campus location

    Pacific Institute for Sport Education Building (PISE) 306

    Location link

    Interurban campus

    250-370-4700

    sported@camosun.ca


     

    Admissions questions: