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After the 2020 reform, vocational training in Germany’s healthcare and nursing sector underwent a radical change, as nursing and care programs were unified into a new standardized vocational pathway known as:
“Generalisierte Pflegeausbildung”
or: general nursing vocational training.
This reform aimed to improve the quality of qualification and broaden career opportunities for graduates, both within Germany and across European Union countries.
What is Pflegeausbildung after 2020?
It is a unified 3-year vocational training program that combines three specializations that were previously separate:
-
elderly care nursing (Altenpflege)
-
pediatric nursing (Kinderkrankenpflege)
-
general nursing in hospitals (Krankenpflege)
Now, graduates qualify as a comprehensive nurse under the title:
Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann
How does the training work?
| Component | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Practical training (Praxis) | in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home care… |
| Theoretical education (Theorie) | in nursing schools (Pflegeschule) |
| Duration | 3 years (can be shortened for those with prior qualifications) |
| Rotation model | alternating between theory phases and practical phases |
Program content:
| Study areas | Topics |
|---|---|
| Nursing science | assessing cases, creating care plans, documentation |
| Basic medicine | anatomy, diseases, medications |
| Psychology and sociology | working with older people, psychological support |
| Law and ethics | care law, patient rights |
| Multidisciplinary teamwork | collaboration with doctors, therapists, and family |
How much is the salary during training?
| Year | Average monthly gross salary (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | about €1,190 – €1,250 |
| Year 2 | about €1,250 – €1,320 |
| Year 3 | about €1,330 – €1,400 |
(Varies by institution and federal state; considered among the highest-paid Ausbildung programs.)
Graduation certificate:
After passing the final theoretical and practical exams, the trainee receives the certificate:
State-recognized Pflegefachfrau/Pflegefachmann
It is recognized in Germany and the European Union.
Job opportunities after graduation:
| Field | Examples of jobs |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | emergency, surgery, internal medicine, intensive care |
| Elderly care homes | Altenpflegeheim, home-care services |
| Home nursing | Pflege zuhause / Ambulante Pflege |
| Child or disability care centers | Einrichtungen für Behinderte |
| Working in Europe | because the certificate is EU-wide standardized |
Advantages of the new system:
-
unified qualification usable in multiple fields
-
flexibility to move between specializations during one’s career
-
higher training quality and broader skill set
-
EU recognition of the qualification
-
possibility to specialize later in one of the three tracks
Who can apply?
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Age | no upper age limit – adults can apply too |
| Education | Realschule or an equivalent certificate |
| German language | B2 level is often required, especially for non-native speakers |
| Prior qualifications (e.g., nurse in your country) | may be recognized or entry possible via an adaptation program |
Important note:
For applicants with a migration background, training in this sector is an excellent integration opportunity, thanks to the high demand for nursing staff and strong government support for qualification in this field.
ـ* The writers and editors team at the website strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always refer to the competent authorities to obtain confirmed information.
