Getting started with your Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare and Nursing
There are various paths to the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Healthcare and Nursing. In addition to the standard entry path, qualifications such as Nursing Assistant (PA), Certified Nursing Assistant (PFA), or Certified Health and Nursing Professional (DGKP) – depending on the specific requirements – allow for lateral entry or an academic upgrade. Whether you’re starting right after high school or already have professional experience in nursing, you’ll find all the information you need about getting started here, as well as details on the recognition and equivalency of foreign nursing degrees.
Career Change Program Care Assistant (PFA)
There is growing interest in advancing nursing qualifications, both among nursing staff and among employers in hospitals and other care facilities. With your training as a certified nursing assistant (PFA), you can enter the third semester (always starting in the fall) of the full-time Bachelor's Degree Program in Healthcare and Nursing once you have completed the bridging course (for a fee) and passed the corresponding exams. Alternatively, you can enroll in the regular 3-year Program and apply to have various credits from your nursing assistant training recognized. This allows you to continue working as a nursing assistant while you study.
Career Change Program Certified Health and Nursing Professional
The Certificate Program enables licensed nurses to enter the 6th semester of the regular Bachelor’s Degree Program in Healthcare and Nursing. The Upgrade Program involves completing a part-time, fee-based Certificate Program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies (BSc).
→ Requirements and Application
Career Change Program Care Assistant (PA)
With your training as a nursing assistant, you can enter the second semester (in March) of the full-time Bachelor’s Program in “Healthcare and Nursing.” (Subject to approval by the Program Director,) some of the courses you’ve completed as part of your training will be recognized. Any missing exams must be made up before you begin the Program. Upon successful completion of the Program, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) after 2.5 years of study. Alternatively, you have the option to enroll in the regular 3-year program and apply for various course credits from your nursing assistant training. This allows you to continue working as a nursing assistant while pursuing your degree.
→ Requirements and ApplicationNostrification or Recognition of Foreign Degrees as a Certified Registered Nurse (DGKP)
The nostrification process determines whether a foreign educational Program is equivalent to the Austrian Program in Certified Health and Nursing Care (DGKP). If there are significant differences, additional exams or training may be required. These are mandated by the Program Director following an evaluation. Recognition of qualifications from the EU and EEA countries is also handled by our Competence Center.
→ Details on the nostrification process