If you have a passion for sport and want to help others improve their physical performance, a career as an athletic trainer could be exactly the right thing for you. But how do you actually become an athletic trainer? In this article, you learn everything you need to know to successfully start out in this exciting profession in Switzerland – whether you prefer a university education or alternative educational paths.
What does an athletic trainer do?
As an athletic trainer, you work closely with athletes and teams to improve their physical fitness, strength, speed and endurance. Your goal is to maximise your clients' performance through targeted training methods and to prevent injuries. In doing so, you develop individual training plans and accompany your athletes on the way to their sporting goals. Your work includes both team training and 1:1 sessions or small-group training and can contain content on performance enhancement as well as on the rehabilitation of injuries. Depending on the level at which you work, you can be part of a team and collaborate closely with a head coach, physiotherapists, doctors as well as other professional groups. The everyday work is exciting and varied and can, depending on the sports in which you support athletes, take place both outdoors and indoors.
What requirements must you bring?
To become an athletic trainer, there are several paths. But first of all, you must enjoy sport and contact with people. You can complete a sound education in the field of sports science, physiotherapy or a similar discipline at a university or university of applied sciences.
In addition to the university education, various private educational institutions, such as the update Akademie, offer specialised courses that prepare you optimally for the profession of athletic trainer. The Athletic Trainer course of the update Akademie, like the Sports Nutrition Coach course, is practice-oriented and convey to you the necessary knowledge and skills to get started directly in practice. In addition, the digitalised content on the modern learning platform offers you an excellent opportunity to learn at any time, from anywhere and at your own pace. Such courses are ideal for career changers or sports enthusiasts who want to train further in a targeted way, without having to take the route via a degree from the outset.
Would you like to become an athletic trainer?
Discover the recognised and flexible Athletikcoach training and qualify as a competent athletic trainer.
Career prospects and working environment
As an athletic trainer, you can work in various areas: whether in sports clubs, fitness studios or as a self-employed trainer. The need for qualified athletic trainers is growing steadily, especially in Switzerland, where sport enjoys a high status. With the right training – whether university or alternative – many doors are open to you.
Tips for getting started
Networking is essential: make contacts with other sports professionals and train yourself continuously in order to stay up to date. The combination of expertise, practical experience and a good network opens many doors for you in the sports industry.
Conclusion
The path to becoming an athletic trainer requires commitment and passion, but offers you exciting opportunities in the sports industry. Whether you decide on a university education or an alternative educational path is up to you. What is important is that you pursue a clear objective and acquire the necessary qualifications. Start now and become part of a growing community of sports experts in Switzerland!
