The Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar) will establish a primary qualification nursing degree course for the first time in the winter semester 2027/2028. The new course is an important step towards the further academization of nursing and the strengthening of healthcare in the state. Future graduates will acquire comprehensive nursing science and medical skills. This will prepare them specifically for the complex requirements of modern nursing practice.
"With the new nursing degree program, we are creating a forward-looking offering that meets the increasing demand for highly qualified nursing professionals. At the same time, we are making an important contribution to the attractiveness of the nursing profession and to ensuring high-quality care," said Health Minister Magnus Jung.
In Germany, it is estimated that only around 2 percent of nurses currently have an academic degree - significantly less than in many neighboring European countries. At the same time, the need for nursing care is continuously increasing as a result of demographic changes. The new degree course addresses this issue by offering attractive educational prospects and at the same time promoting the professionalization of the nursing profession.
Objectives of the course at a glance:
- Strengthening the nursing profession and the social reputation of the nursing profession
- Creating attractive, long-term career paths for professionals
- Improving the security and quality of care
- Increasing the international comparability and attractiveness of the nursing profession for professionals from Germany and abroad
"With the new nursing degree program, we are expanding our range of courses to include a subject area of high social relevance. The htw saar stands for application-oriented, practical training on a scientific basis - this is particularly true for nursing. Our aim is to train nursing staff with professional competence, scientific thinking and human care in order to make an important contribution to ensuring high-quality nursing care in Saarland," emphasizes Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dieter Leonhard, President of htw saar.
The course is aimed at high school graduates and prospective international students. It teaches scientifically sound knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice as well as advanced skills for the independent practice of medical activities. The course combines current nursing science findings with a critical examination of theory and practice and concludes with a Bachelor of Science degree.
"Nursing is a key issue for our ageing society. Good care needs human attention. At the same time, it requires a high level of professional competence. In addition, the management of care facilities requires specific management expertise. It is only logical that htw saar is now introducing a nursing degree program with our targeted support. In doing so, we are strengthening the link between practice and science and contributing to the efficiency and quality of healthcare in Saarland," said Science Minister Jakob von Weizsäcker.
With the launch of the course, the state is sending a clear signal for the further development of nursing care and for the recognition of the nursing profession as a demanding, academically based profession.