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Requirements of Nurses in Germany
It is visible that the population of developed nations is aging very quickly, which means that the percentage of people above 65 is growing very rapidly in developed nations. For these people, the governments of developed countries have to expand their healthcare system and hire professionals in nursing. As the birth rate declines and the aging population increases, healthcare professionals' demand starts overgrowing.
Germany is one such nation where the aging population is increasing very fast, and it is also among the top 3 countries in the world with a large population above the age of 65 years. This implies that Germany requires new nurses every year, and a study shows that Germany will require around 1.5 lakh new nurses in the next five years.
This demand is applicable for Germany and other developed nations like Japan, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, France, Spain, Belgium, etc. Hence, nursing as a career prospect is a fantastic option, primarily if you pursue it from a foreign country and land a job in a country that has a large aging population.
Nursing in Germany- Ausbildung Course
Unlike many other countries, nursing in Germany is not offered as a degree program in UG or PG. You will have to apply for an apprenticeship called "Ausbildung" in Germany, in a hospital recognized by the Government of Germany.
The most basic prerequisite of pursuing an apprenticeship in a German hospital is that you need to have proficiency in German with at least a B1 level. Language is necessary because most nurses hired in Germany must know German. So, if you want to study nursing in Germany, knowing German is a mandatory requirement for you.
Eligibility for Work & Study Nursing Program
Germany allows students to learn and practice nursing under different rules and restrictions but it has also set a baseline eligibility for such students to practice and they are as follow:
A Pass in Plus Two ( All Streams Accepted)
German Language B1 Level
Below 24 Years
Male & Female Students are Eligible to Apply
One should have passed high school, i.e., Class 12 (10+2) in any subject.
Should have studied Science subject in Class 10 or 12
It would be best if you held a B1 level language proficiency in German.
For some universities, students should hold an equivalent qualification of ‘Abitur,’ which is the university entrance test of Germany.
Stipend During the Course
Approx- 1 Lakh/Month
Structure of Nursing in Germany
As mentioned above, nursing in Germany is pursued as an apprenticeship where candidates have to work and learn simultaneously. After you have been selected to pursue an apprenticeship in nursing, you will have to undergo practical & theoretical training for three years. You will also earn a stipend of around € 1,000 to € 1,200 per month.
German hospitals that offer an apprenticeship for nursing have a partner college or educational institution that takes care of the theoretical learning. This is generally offered by the vocational institutions/ departments of German colleges and universities.
It is a full-time program, and you will have to cover 2,100 hours of classroom lectures at the partner college/ institute and 2,500 hours of hands-on practical exposure at the hospital.
At the end of your three-year apprenticeship, you will have to mandatorily sit for the state examination and clear it to obtain a valid nursing license. Once you obtain that, you can work at healthcare centers, nursing homes, hospitals, OPDs, health insurance firms, old-age homes, and various other places.
Study Nursing in Germany – Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Germany is around € 700 to € 900 per month, including rent, food, and transportation. It is on the lower side as compared to the neighboring countries of Germany.
If you are allotted a hostel bed within the hospital or college, the hostel fee for lodging and food is around € 400 to € 600 per month. Your cost of living in Germany while studying nursing course will be covered in the stipend.
German Nursing Professions Act
As of 2020, the German Nursing Professions Act (Pflegeberufegesetz, PflBG) has been implemented in Germany. This act has the following provisions:
Students who wish to pursue nursing in Germany will not choose a specialization at the beginning of the course.
For the first two years, students will have to pursue a general nursing course.
At the start of the third year, students can either continue with the general training or select a specialization to become either a pediatric nurse or a geriatric nurse.
Some universities in Germany will introduce nursing courses for classroom education for studying nursing.
Study Nursing in Germany – Required Documents
As of 2020, the German Nursing Professions Act (Pflegeberufegesetz, PflBG) has been implemented in Germany. This act has the following provisions:
