Germany is known for its world-class healthcare system and growing demand for skilled nurses. If you’re planning to pursue a nursing career in Germany, the first question is usually: How long does it take to become a registered nurse? The answer depends on the path you choose and whether you are starting fresh in Germany or already trained abroad.

1. The Vocational Training Route (Ausbildung)



After completing higher secondary education or an ANM diploma, the usual route is vocational nursing training, called Ausbildung..

• This program usually takes 3 years to complete.
• It combines theory (around 2,100 hours) in nursing schools and practical training (around 2,500 hours) in hospitals or care facilities.
• After finishing, students must pass the state examination, which grants official registration as a nurse (Pflegefachfrau/-mann).

This route is especially popular with school graduates in Germany as it allows them to earn while they learn nursing trainees receive a monthly stipend throughout the program.

2. University Degree in Nursing



Another option is completing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in Germany(Pflegewissenschaft).

• Most programs last 3 to 4 years, depending on the university
• They combine academic studies with clinical practice and also lead to the state exam required for registration.
• This route is less common but increasingly popular among those who wish to pursue management or advanced nursing roles later.


3. For Internationally-Trained Nurses



If you are already a nurse abroad, your path will be different:

1. Recognition Process (Anerkennung): Your qualifications are checked for equivalence with German standards.
2. Language Requirements: Nurses need at least B2 level German (takes 6–12 monthsdepending on prior knowledge).
3. Adaptation Phase or Knowledge Test:


• If your training is partly recognized, you may complete an adaptation course lasting 6–12 months.
• Alternatively, you can prepare for a knowledge exam, which usually requires 3–6 months of preparation.

In total, internationally trained nurses can expect the process from language learning to recognition to take 9 months to over a year before becoming fully registered.

Essential Insights

• Newcomers in Germany: It usually takes about 3 years through Ausbildung, and they need to learn German language up to B1/B2 level.
• Foreign-trained nurses: The timeline is shorter but depends on recognition, exams,and other requirements, around 6–18 months on average, including about 1 year of German language training up to B2 level.

Nursing in Germany offers stable career opportunities, competitive salaries, and long-term growth in one of Europe’s strongest healthcare systems. Jet Set Jobs supports aspiring and trained nurses throughout the journey, providing German language training, recognition assistance, visa guidance, and placements in top hospitals,making the path smoother and more achievable.