University of Applied Sciences degree programme in healthcare and nursing, even without a school-leaving certificate

"The transfer of the "Diploma in Healthcare and Nursing" to the universities of applied sciences has been an outstanding success. Above all, this has ensured international comparability and connectivity as well as good access opportunities for other nursing professions. In times of a shortage of skilled labour, these aspects are essential for making training more attractive," says FHK President Ulrike Prommer.

The transfer of training to universities of applied sciences has created a transparent, permeable system in nursing training. The statement: "You can no longer study nursing without a school-leaving certificate" - is a false statement, but it persists.

The opposite is the case: access to universities of applied sciences for people without a school-leaving certificate but with a relevant professional nursing qualification is a unique feature of this type of university. For example, the universities of applied sciences offer good opportunities to follow on from and gain recognition for other nursing training programmes such as nursing apprenticeships, nursing assistance and specialist nursing assistance.

Practical and application-orientation is a guiding principle in teaching and research at universities of applied sciences. Training on patients and the direct application of acquired knowledge in practice is therefore also a core competence taught at universities of applied sciences in the field of healthcare and nursing.

"This successful path must now be continued and the transfer of the higher healthcare and nursing programmes to the universities of applied sciences completed at the end of the year, as planned," Prommer emphasises.