So, you're considering taking the plunge into the world of nursing in Germany via the Ausbildung program? Great choice! Nursing is a fulfilling profession, and Germany's vocational training system is second to none for helping you get there. Let's just break it all down in a relaxed manner—what the program is, the career options available to you, how much you can make, the licensing part, what happens next, and where to go for help.
The Ausbildung nursing program is Germany's vocational training route to becoming a registered nurse (or Pflegefachkraft). It's a practical, structured program that combines classroom study with actual practice—learning by doing, with pay to boot! It usually takes around three years to finish, although part-time routes can take a bit longer.
Here's the thing: You will be rotating between a nursing school (Pflegeschule) and a site of practice like a hospital, clinical, or care home. You will learn topics like anatomy, medical ethics, procedures for patient care and safety at school. You will be shadowing professionals in the workplace, helping with patients, and gradually taking more responsibility (e.g., administering medications, taking patients to appointments, comforting patients). The majority of the program is experiential, so you are not memorizing textbooks; rather, you are dealing with real-world situations that reflect everyday life in the medical world.
Who applies? The minimum qualifications are a secondary school diploma (Hauptschulabschluss or better), a pass in the German language exam (usually a B2), and a passion for helping people. Some programs might require a health clearance and a criminal background check (just to ensure you do not pose a risk to individuals in care), but that is about it. The most amazing thing about this hassle is the Ausbildung is usually free, and you earn a stipend during your training (which is usually around €1,000–€1,300/month, depending on the year of your Ausbildung, and the federal state/region).
With your nursing Ausbildung certificate in hand, the world (for the most part Germany) is your oyster! Germany has an ever-growing demand for nurses. With an aging population, job security is almost guaranteed. You can work in many different areas, such as:
- Hospitals: There are many areas of nursing for you to experience, with emergency personnel to surgical wards. Hospitals, offered in many areas, surely present opportunities in a fast-paced and diverse environment.
- Nursing homes: This area is perfect if you enjoy the long-term relationships you build with elderly patients.
- Home Care: Most places have home care available, so you can meet your patients in their homes, one-on-one.
- Clinics or Doctor's office: These locations are not as volatile and can offer better hours than a hospital.
- Specialized care: You can think about specializing in areas such as pediatrics, psychiatry, or intensive care.
Even better, you are not locked into one path. Most nurses start off in general care while later specializing or moving on to other areas, such as palliative care or rehabilitation. The German healthcare system has an outstanding reputation around the world, and so your skills will transfer if you have an interest in working abroad.
Not interested in patient care forever? There are many other options as a nurse, such as healthcare administration, teaching as a nursing school, and medical sales. The nursing Ausbildung provides a strong foundation for whatever direction you would like to pursue in nursing.
Let's discuss salaries. As a newly qualified nurse, you will normally earn between €2,500 and €3,200 gross per month. The amount you get will depend on the location you work in and you collective agreement (Tarifvertrag) if applicable. It is worth noting that larger cities like Munich or Hamburg may offer higher salaries, however, the cost of living would also be higher in these cities. If you take a job in the public sector (for example in a state hospital), you may find you get better benefits like more holidays or pensions.
After several years of work experience your salary may increase to the range of €3,500 to €4,000. Furthermore, if you undertake a specialisation (ICU nurse or anaesthetics nurse) you may be able to get to €4,500 or more. You could expect to earn extra money for overtime, nightshifts and holidays.
You need to be aware that taxes and social contributions will take anywhere from 30% to 40% from your gross pay, but the benefits you receive from the German system (e.g. free healthcare, stability of unemployment benefits) make your net income worthwhile. If you manage your life style you can expect to save a fair amount of your salary, particularly if you end up working in less expensive locations.
At the end of your Ausbildungszeit, you are a Pflegefachkraft, which basically means you are licensed to practice nursing in Germany. Your Ausbildung prepares you for the state exam that you will need to take in order to be licensed in Germany. Remember that the state exam is not some crazy difficult test if you have been paying attention in your classes because it consists of written, oral, and practical tests all geared to prove that you know what you are doing.
Your license is valid for nursing across Germany, and even in some other EU countries, which means you will have more freedom if you want to make a move. If you are from outside the EU, and are looking for recognition of your qualifications in Germany, you may have to have them recognized by German authorities, but the Ausbildungszeit is a straight line to legal health care.
Interested in moving up the ladder? There are advanced qualifications you can pursue, like:
- Specializations: More training in specializations like oncology nursing, geriatrics, or dialysis nursing.
- University Degree or Bachelor’s Degree: Some nurses obtain a nursing degree from a university, which opens opportunities in management and research.
- Advanced Practice: Become a Pflegeexperte in areas such as (i.e. wound care, pain management. )
While it will take time to complete the steps (and sometimes money as well), completing these advanced qualifications can help you advance your career and pay. If you are employed full-time, many employers will cover the costs as long as you commit to them for a certain amount of time.
So, you're a qualified nurse. What happens next? You can likely find a job quickly. Because of Germany's nursing shortage, employers are asking and hoping to hire new graduates. Sure you'll start a general nurse job, but don't be afraid to try lots of different workplace environments to find out what best fits your personality.
If you are motivated, you can think about your next steps:
- Specialize early: If you enter a field like pediatric nursing or surgery, you can be challenged while also earning more.
- Get more education: An education, or advance certifications, can propell you to be in charge of a team and ultimately, a department.
- Work abroad: The German training you received is a golden ticket to work in Switzerland, Scandinavian countries, etc.
- Put down roots: Create a life and settle in Germany, maybe even buy an adorable apartment in a cute small town.
And last, there is lots of lifestyle decisions. Being a nurse is hard work, and there is lots of memories and emotions involved, so work-life balance is important. Some nurses enjoy the busyness of a hospital, and others don't want to deal with chaos and instead, enjoy the work-life balance of outpatient care. It really depends on what makes you happy.
You're not in this alone! Germany has many resources that can help you along your journey:
- Nursing Schools: Nursing schools can provide you with guidance throughout the Ausbildung, often times helping you with employment too.
- Hospitals and Clinics: Many hospitals and clinics have formal mentorship programs for returning nurses.
- Unions: Associations such as the Deutscher Berufsverband für Pflegeberufe (DBfK) offer support, opportunities to network, and advice about contracts.
- Government Programs: Consider checking out make-it-in-germany.com for all the information you need related to visa, training, and settling.
- Language Programs: If you need to brush up on your German, there are many programs such as Goethe-Institut or your local Volkshochschulen that might be exactly what you need.
If you're an international student, Affiniks study abroad can help both with applying to a program, obtaining a visa, and employment.
The Ausbildung nursing program is your pathway to a stable and rewarding career in one of the best health care systems in the world. It is not only a chance to learn how to be a nurse, it's a way to establish a life in Germany with good pay, plenty of jobs, and an ability to make a difference. Of course it will be hard work, and there is a language barrier, but it is worth it. Whether you want to work in a busy hospital, take care of old people, or even teach future nurses, the Ausbildung program will provide you with your chance to succeed. So, take that leap, use our resources available.
1. What to do after a nursing Ausbildung?
After completing your nursing Ausbildung, you can start working as a qualified nurse in hospitals, clinics, or care facilities. You may also pursue further specialization, additional certifications, or higher education like a nursing degree (Pflegestudium).
2. What is the salary of a nurse after Ausbildung in Germany?
The starting salary for a nurse after Ausbildung typically ranges between €2,800 to €3,500 gross per month, depending on the employer and region. With experience and additional qualifications, earnings can increase significantly.
3. Is a nursing Ausbildung worth it?
Yes, nursing Ausbildung is worth it due to high demand, job security, and opportunities for career growth in Germany’s healthcare sector. However, the job can be physically and emotionally demanding, so personal interest in caregiving is important.
4. Can I get a job after Ausbildung in Germany?
Yes, nurses are in high demand in Germany, so job prospects after Ausbildung are excellent. Many graduates secure employment immediately, especially in hospitals, elderly care, or specialized medical facilities.
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