Recognition as a Nursing Professional at the University Medical Center Mainz – Your Path to Professional Authorization

What is the Recognition Process?

The recognition process is an important step to ensure that your education gained abroad meets the German requirements for nursing professionals. It assesses whether you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a nursing professional in Germany. At the University Medical Center Mainz, the application is generally submitted to the responsible authority, which will review your documents and issue a notification of recognition (also known as a recognition decision).

Recognition Decision – What does this mean for you?

A recognition decision indicates whether your foreign education aligns with German standards. If significant differences are found, you will receive detailed information about which exams or supplementary measures are required.

For international nursing professionals, a knowledge exam is often necessary to compensate for any differences. However, if your education meets German standards, you will also receive a decision confirming its equivalence. In this case, no further qualification measures are required.

Recognition from the EU and from Third Countries

For nursing professionals from the EU/EEA, the recognition process is usually faster and more straightforward. The EU Professional Recognition Directive simplifies the process, and if differences exist, usually only a knowledge exam is required.

For nursing professionals from third countries (outside the EU/EEA), the process is more complex. Your education will be more thoroughly evaluated, and if it does not meet German standards, you will be required to take a knowledge exam. Additionally, all documents usually need to be translated into German by a certified translator

Important Information about the Recognition Decision and Process

If you wish to work and live in Rhineland-Palatinate, the responsible authority is the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Care (Service Location Landau), which is the central recognition office for healthcare professions.

Address:
State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Care (Service Location Landau)
Reiterstraße 16
76829 Landau in der Pfalz

You can find more details on the State Office website.

Here, your education will be evaluated against the German requirements. If differences are found, you will receive a recognition decision, which will outline the necessary qualification measures, such as the knowledge exam. In cases where your education meets the German standards, no further exams are required.

What can you expect in the Preparation Course?

In our preparation course, we provide individual, goal-oriented, and practice-oriented support. You will be taught by experienced, pedagogically trained nursing professionals and will receive ongoing professional guidance from practice mentors on the wards throughout the course. This enables you to apply your knowledge directly in practice and prepare effectively for your exam.

The course consists of a total of 360 teaching units, which are divided into four theory blocks. These blocks last between two to three weeks in full-time format, offering you the perfect combination of theory and practice. You’ll have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the materials you need for the exam at your own pace.

The knowledge exaM that you must take at the end of the recognition process consists of a practical and an oral test. Our course specifically prepares you for both parts of the exam so that you can take the exam confidently and competently.

Focusing on Language Development

In addition to the theoretical aspects, your language development is also an essential part of the course. We offer a supplementary German language course tailored specifically to the needs of international nursing professionals. This way, you can continuously improve your language skills and feel more confident in the German healthcare environment.

Why choose our Preparation Course?

• Practice-Oriented Training: You won’t just learn theoretical content; you'll apply it directly in practice. You’ll be accompanied by experienced practice mentors who will support you in implementing what you’ve learned on the wards.
   
• Individualized Support: We take the time to tailor the course content to your needs.
   
• Language Support: The accompanying German language course will help you improve your language skills so that you can confidently navigate the German nursing world.
• Competent and Experienced Trainers: Our nursing professionals and practice mentors are highly qualified to prepare you effectively for the exam.

• A cover letter
   
• A tabular CV
   
• Proof of your foreign nursing qualification
   
• If available: A decision from the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Care (Service Location Landau) regarding the equivalency of your qualification
   
• At least a B1-level German language certificate (Goethe Institute, TELC, ECL, or ÖSD), with a B2 certificate required later in the process
   
• Proof of sufficient vaccination protection (measles, hepatitis B), to be provided before starting the job