Why does a degree in social pedagogy and social management offer the best prospects in the face of demographic change?

What do the reserved duties (Section 4 of the Nursing Professions Act) mean for training?

Under Section 4 of the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG), the new reserved duties mean that certain highly complex nursing tasks may only be planned, managed and evaluated by qualified nursing professionals. 

This far-reaching reform significantly enhances the status of the nursing profession. These new, hugely important skills must be thoroughly taught to trainees right from the start. To put this into practice, not only is excellent practical supervision at ward level required, but above all highly qualified teachers for theoretical instruction.

How will the Nursing Professions Act affect teachers?

According to Section 9 of the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG), the main change for teachers is the qualification requirement: in future, a Master’s degree will be a mandatory prerequisite. This guarantees future-oriented teaching to the highest academic standard. 

What specific requirements apply to school management and teaching staff? 

To ensure that the quality of education meets statutory standards, the following regulations will come into force: 

• For school management: A sound pedagogical qualification and a university degree at Master’s level (or an equivalent qualification) are mandatory. 
• For teachers delivering theoretical lessons: In principle, only teachers with a Master’s degree may teach theoretical subjects. 
• Deadlines & sanctions: Nursing schools that fail to meet these statutory quotas in the long term risk losing their state accreditation by the deadline of 31 December 2035. 

What exemptions are there for Bachelor’s degree graduates? 

Although the federal government permits temporary exemptions for Bachelor’s degree graduates under Section 9(3) of the PflBG, in practice these are strictly linked to an acute shortage of teaching staff and the obligation to undertake further training. 

In practical terms, this means: 

• Strict conditions: Most federal states (such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria or Berlin) grant exemptions only in cases of a demonstrable acute staff shortage at the relevant nursing school. 
• Obligation to undertake further qualification: A Master’s degree programme is generally a mandatory contractual requirement. 
• Limited legal certainty: Employment contracts for teaching staff without a Master’s degree are usually only reliable if enrolment in a Master’s programme has already taken place or has been bindingly agreed. 
• The new standard: The Master’s degree is thus finally establishing itself as a nationwide basic requirement in nursing education. 

Why is the Vocational Education degree programme at the FHD the best option for you? 

The practice-oriented Vocational Education programme for nursing and healthcare professions at Dresden University of Applied Sciences (FHD) is specifically designed to bridge these statutory qualification gaps. If you’re looking for a degree programme that complies with Saxony’s Nursing Professions Act, you’ll find the perfect environment here to strike the right balance between work, family and your studies.

What added value does the Bachelor’s (B.A.) degree in Vocational Education offer you? 

With our part-time Bachelor’s programme, you’ll lay the ideal foundation in seven semesters. It offers you key benefits for your day-to-day work: 

• Admission without A-levels: The programme has no entry requirements and is open to qualified nursing staff even without A-levels. 
• Recognition of prior learning: Your completed vocational training in nursing will be recognised as part of your degree! 
• Balancing work and study: Lectures usually take place on Thursday evenings (5–9 pm, online) and all day on Fridays (face-to-face/hybrid). 
• Theory-to-practice transfer: You’ll thoroughly expand your teaching expertise, develop lesson plans tailored directly to your practical work, and can even complete placements at your current school. 

What qualifications will you gain on the Master’s (MA) programme in School Leadership and Teaching?

The Bachelor’s degree prepares you seamlessly for the subsequent Master’s programme. Here, you take the decisive step towards a secure career: 

• Legal requirements: You will obtain precisely the academic qualification that the Nursing Professions Act (Section 9 PflBG) mandatorily requires for theoretical teaching and school leadership. 
• Leadership skills: You will acquire in-depth knowledge in the areas of curriculum development, school management and organisational development. 
• Refinancing through the Nursing Training Fund: The training programme (including teaching posts) is refinanced through the Fund – though for schools, this is only available if these statutory minimum requirements are strictly adhered to. You will therefore become a genuine source of competitive advantage for your employer. 

Conclusion: Your chance to take an active role in shaping your nursing training

The requirements of the new Nursing Professions Act may seem challenging at first glance, but above all they offer an enormous opportunity: they raise the quality of nursing training to a new, academic level. With the right degree in vocational education at the FHD, you’ll be on the right track both legally and professionally. You’ll play an active role in shaping the future of care, strengthen the healthcare system and open up excellent career prospects for yourself. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you! 

Would you like to find out more?  

Do you have any questions about the vocational education degree programme, the entry requirements or the part-time study arrangements in Saxony? Our FHD Student Advisory Service is always happy to help! Let’s discuss your individual career plans together – find out more now and book a consultation.