The new nursing apprenticeships: 5 facts worth knowing
Nursing training in Germany is being reformed: Starting in 2023, a new Nursing Professions Act will come into force, merging the current three training programs in nursing, geriatric nursing and pediatric nursing into one generalist training program. But what does that mean for prospective caregivers? Here are the top five things you need to know about the new nursing education program:
1. Generalist training

The new nursing training is generalist in nature: This means that trainees will learn all areas of nursing, from caring for young patients to caring for the very elderly. This should allow them to be more flexible in their deployment and have a broader base for their careers.
2. Choice of focus in the final year
Despite the generalist orientation, there will be the option of choosing a focus in the final year of training. Trainees will be able to choose whether to deepen their practical training in geriatric care, nursing or pediatric care.
3. Duration and course of training
The new nursing training lasts three years and is dual: this means that trainees alternate between practical assignments in facilities such as nursing homes or hospitals and theoretical instruction in vocational school. The field of psychiatry will also be integrated into the training program.
4. Promotion of the training
In order to attract more people to the nursing profession and make training more attractive, a training allowance will be introduced, among other things. The possibility of educational loans and bonuses should also make training easier for interested parties.
5. Transitional arrangements for those already in training
A transitional arrangement applies to training that has already begun: anyone who has started training in nursing in 2020 or 2021 can still complete it under the old model. For all those starting in 2022 or later, the new model will then apply.

The 5 most important facts about the new nursing training
Nursing training in Germany will be reorganized from 2020 in order to improve the quality of training and thus also the care of patients. Here are the five most important things to know about the new nursing training program:
- 1. There is generalized training for all nursing professions. This means that there will no longer be separate training programs for geriatric care, nursing and pediatric care.
- 2. The training lasts 3 years and includes both theoretical and practical training content.
- 3. There will be school-based training, but also the possibility to complete the training in a company.
- 4. There will be a final examination consisting of a written, practical and oral part.
- 5. After successful completion of the training, there is a possibility to specialize in a certain field of study.
The new regulations for nursing training are an important step towards improving patient care in Germany. However, it is also important that employers and educational institutions take their responsibility to guarantee high quality training.

The 5 most important facts about the new nursing training
The new nursing training is generalist and thus covers all areas of nursing, regardless of age groups, illnesses or areas of care. This will provide a broad and solid education, giving future nurses a broad base for their work.
Specialized hands-on training is also provided in all areas of nursing, allowing trainees to gain a wide range of practical experience while still in training. In this way, you will learn to plan, implement and evaluate nursing and medical measures.
The new nursing training program also focuses on interprofessional cooperation and communication. Trainees learn to work in a team and coordinate with other professional groups such as doctors, therapists and social workers. This promotes a better understanding of each other and thus also better cooperation in everyday working life.
- The training is generalist and covers all areas of nursing care
- Trainees already gain a wide range of practical experience during training
- Focus on interprofessional collaboration and communication
- The new nursing training is modular and includes both theoretical and practical content
- Upon successful completion, graduates receive a state-recognized degree and can work in all areas of nursing care
Due to the modular structure of the training, trainees can also set their individual focus and thus specialize in specific areas of care. After successful completion, they receive a state-recognized qualification and can work in all areas of nursing care.
5 important things to know about the new nursing training
Nursing education has been reformed and is now divided into theoretical and practical instruction. The theoretical part of the training takes place at the vocational school and includes subjects such as anatomy, nursing sciences and communication. The practical part is carried out in various nursing facilities, where students can apply what they have learned in practice.
During the training, the prospective nurses must complete a total of 2.Complete 100 hours in practical nursing care. It also includes caring for patients and performing nursing procedures under supervision.
After completing their training, nurses can choose different areas of work, such as hospitals, nursing homes or outpatient care services. Further training to become a specialist nurse or manager of a nursing facility is also possible.
- There is a greater focus on teaching social skills and intercultural competence.
- The training can also be completed on a dual basis, in cooperation with an employer or a facility.
- The exam consists of a written and a practical part.
The new regulations for training as a nurse were introduced to ensure a higher quality of care and to meet the increasing demand for nurses in Germany.
The 5 most important facts about the new nursing training
In Germany, there will be a gradual implementation of the new nursing training, which came into force in January 2020. The current three training professions for geriatric nursing, nursing, and pediatric nursing will be replaced by a new profession: nursing specialist.
The new nursing training lasts three years and is modular in structure. There are a total of 2100 hours of theoretical instruction and 2500 hours of practical training in various nursing facilities. These practical phases are intended to provide a broad range of experience in different areas of nursing care.
Successful completion of nursing education will enable graduates to work in all areas of nursing care. However, specialization in a particular area is also possible.
The new training regulations also stipulate that trainees receive remuneration during their training. The level of remuneration is determined by employers and collective agreements.
The training ends with a final state examination, which consists of a written, a practical and an oral exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, graduates receive a nationally recognized certificate and can enter the profession directly.
The 5 most important things to know about the new nursing education
The new nursing training will be introduced from 2020 and will affect all occupational groups in nursing, including geriatric nurses, nurses, pediatric nurses and nursing assistants.
The goal of the new apprenticeship is to unify the various nursing professions and create a unified education that is tailored to the needs of patients.
In the future, nursing training will be offered in the form of generalist training, which provides a broader basic qualification but also offers the opportunity to specialize in a particular area later on.
Generalist training makes it easier to move between different areas of nursing, which also improves job market opportunities.
- The new nursing education is hands-on and focuses more on practical experience in elder care, nursing and pediatric care facilities.
- The training is modular and the exams are in the form of written, oral and practical exams.
- The duration of training is usually three years and can be shortened under certain conditions.
Overall, the new nursing education should help increase the quality of care and make the nursing profession more attractive.