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Contents
- The cost of distance learning in nursing management and nursing sciences
- Nursing Education in Distance Learning: IU International University vs. Hamburg Distance University
- Nursing Studies in Distance Learning without a High School Diploma: How It Works
- Health Management vs. Nursing Management: Which is Suitable for Whom?
- Studying Nursing alongside Your Career: How It Works
- Dual Study: Nursing Training and University Studies Combined
You can also study nursing management, nursing science, and even nursing education while working.
Here, I present the most interesting bachelor's and master's distance learning courses, explain how part-time distance learning works, the cost of study, and what other opportunities there are to pursue a career in healthcare.
I will also show you dual or dual-degree programmes that combine vocational training with distance learning in the field of nursing science.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 27 courses in the field of Nursing Science.
Care management
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor of Nursing Management at the APOLLON University of Health Management prepares for demanding management tasks in the nursing sector. The course provides in-depth knowledge of business, nursing science, …
Nursing management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
As a care manager, you work at the interface between administration and care. This distance learning course at IU offers you excellent prospects in nursing, for example in middle management …
Applied Gerontology
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 4 Semester
- German
The part-time Master's programme in Applied Gerontology at the APOLLON University of Health Economics in Bremen deepens knowledge in healthcare and social services, addresses the needs of ageing societies, and …
Nursing Science, Nursing Management
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
- 5 Semester
- Jena
- German
- Nursing Science/Nursing Research, Casemangement I: Organizational Theoretical Foundations of Case Management, Advanced Nursing Practice I, Change and …
Care, Care Management
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
- 7 Semester
- Jena
- German
- Introduction to Nursing Science, Professional Practice in Nursing, Communication based on developmental theories in selected contexts of nursing pract…
Care management
- Hamburg Distance University
- 7 Semester
- German
- Scientific work, Management-oriented qualifications, Economically oriented qualifications, Nursing-oriented qualifications, Nursing-specific qualifica…
Care
- IU International University
- 3 Semester
- German
The part-time Bachelor of Science in Nursing at IU International University is designed for state-registered nursing professionals. The programme provides in-depth knowledge about nursing science, societal conditions, and the healthcare …
Gerontology
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In distance learning gerontology, you deal with the subjects of geriatrics, gerontopsychiatry, gerontopsychology, intervention gerontology, gerontosociology, adult education, and social policy - that is the basic subject catalog of the …
Vocational education for health and social professions
- Hamburg Distance University
- 7 Semester
- German
- Interdisciplinary modules: Introduction to Health and Social Research, Fundamentals of Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Law and School Organ…
Care pedagogy
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
This pedagogy distance learning course is aimed at healthcare and nursing professionals, geriatric nurses, and midwives who wish to work in the field of nursing education. They acquire important knowledge …
Clinical gerontopsychology
- Technical University of Chemnitz
- 6 Semester
- German
- Research methods in gerontopsychology, fundamentals and application of diagnostic methods, educational and developmental psychology of aging, basics o…
Health and Nursing Education
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- German
This master's programme systematically teaches you how to pass on your professional knowledge about health and care to students. You will gain comprehensive expertise in educational management, leadership, and research …
Vocational education for nursing and social care professions
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
The part-time Bachelor's degree programme "Vocational Education for Nursing and Social Professions" at the APOLLON University of Health Economics is aimed at professional practitioners with a completed vocational training in …
Applied Nursing Management
- University of West Saxony Zwickau
- 8 Semester
- German
- Economic and business fundamentals, Foundations of nursing science, Fundamentals of empirical research, Nursing and medical basics, Fundamentals of fi…
Gerontology, Health & Care
- Kolping University
- 7 Semester
- Deutschlandweit
- German
- Aging in Society, Psychology of Later Life, Public Health, Health and Nursing, Scientific Work, Dying and Death, Gerontology in the Context of Digital…
Business administration in nursing
- University of Magdeburg-Stendal
- 8 Semester
- Magdeburg
- German
- Including fundamentals of economics, health and nursing scientific fields of application, leadership in hospitals and inpatient and outpatient care fa…
Care management
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor distance learning programme in Care Management (B.A.) at AKAD University offers a practical combination of care knowledge and business management skills. The course is designed for individuals looking …
Care
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 3 Semester
- Riedlingen
- German
- 10 training modules (credited from nursing training with 60 ECTS): including Professional practice as a nurse and promoting health and preventive acti…
Care pedagogy
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor of Arts programme in Nursing Education at AKAD University provides a comprehensive education for highly qualified teachers in the field of nursing. This distance learning programme imparts pedagogical …
Care
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 3 Semester
- German
The distance learning course "Nursing" at the APOLLON University of Health Economics leads to a Bachelor of Science degree with 180 ECTS points in 18 months. Students acquire competencies such …
Pedagogy for Health and Nursing Professions
- University of West Saxony Zwickau
- 6 Semester
- Zwickau
- German
- Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, Communication and Conversation Skills, Basics of Empirical Research and Scientific Work, Nursing and Health Prof…
Nursing management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's degree program "Nursing Management" at the European Distance Learning University Hamburg is specifically designed for professional integration and lasts 36 months. This innovative program combines business management and …
Practice and Care Management
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 3 Semester
- German
- Scientific work, Interprofessional communication, Digital processes in healthcare facilities, Case and care management, Project management, Outpatient…
Care & Management
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 7 Semester
- German
- General Medical Basics Medical Basics in Nursing Basics of Nursing Research Case Studies in Nursing Nursing Interventions in Diagnosis & Therapy Nursi…
Advanced Nursing Practice - Advanced Nursing Practice
- Institute for Collaborative Studies
- 6 Semester
- German
- Professional care process design, quantitative and qualitative research, care process design in an interdisciplinary context, clinical leadership, con…
Care
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The distance learning course Bachelor Nursing (B.Sc.) offered by Euro-FH provides caregivers with the opportunity to deepen their expertise and face the modern challenges in healthcare. The programme includes nursing …
The cost of distance learning in nursing management and nursing sciences
A part-time nursing degree costs between €2500 and €13600. Particularly affordable is the B.Sc. Nursing/Nursing Management at the state-owned Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH), which costs barely €2500 in total. However, a disadvantage of this degree programme is that there are comparatively many face-to-face phases in Jena. Expensive is, for example, the B.A. Nursing Management at the IU International University, which costs over €13500 including examination fees in full-time studies. In part-time studies, it becomes slightly more expensive.
Generally, you will currently have to dig deep into your pocket for a nursing distance learning course, unless you can secure a study place at EAH Jena because corresponding distance learning courses are offered almost exclusively by private universities of applied sciences. However, all private universities also offer the possibility to pay the tuition fees in monthly instalments.
The following table lists the approximate total costs for a large part of the Bachelor's courses presented here:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care, Care Management, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena | 7 Semester | from 2457 € total | |
| Care, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 3 Semester | from 9019 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Care, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University | 3 Semester | from 9312 € total from 229 € monthly | |
| Care management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 7 Semester | from 11830 € total from 270 € monthly | |
| Nursing management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
Nursing Education in Distance Learning: IU International University vs. Hamburg Distance University
Nursing educators work in training and further education in the field of health and nursing care. Currently, there are only 2 Bachelor's distance learning courses in the field of nursing education: the B.A. Nursing Education at IU International University and the B.A. Vocational Pedagogy for Health and Social Professions at the Hamburg Distance University. In addition, IU offers a Master's in Health and Nursing Education.
The course Vocational Education for Health and Social Professions at the Hamburg Distance University lasts a total of 7 semesters and concludes with a Bachelor of Arts. Graduates of the distance learning course can teach practical and, in some federal states, theoretical parts of the training at vocational schools and healthcare schools. A general or subject-specific university entrance qualification is required for this distance learning course. In addition, practical professional knowledge must be demonstrated in the form of a basic internship (13 weeks). If you have a relevant vocational training, further education, or employment, you do not have to complete the basic internship. Access without a university entrance qualification is also possible.
The Distance Learning Nursing Pedagogy at the IU International University lasts 6 semesters in full-time studies, with most students likely opting for the part-time variant in 8 semesters. A high school diploma and completed vocational training as a healthcare nurse, pediatric nurse, midwife, or geriatric nurse are required. Access is also possible without a high school diploma, with relevant professional experience. In addition, IU offers a Master's in Nursing Education and a B.A. in Health Education.
The following table compares the study contents and total costs of all courses in nursing education in detail:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care pedagogy, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | Pedagogy, Introduction to Academic Work, Health and Prevention, Introduction to Health Management, Nursing Law, Sociology, General Didactics, Collaborative Work, Societal Conditions of Pedagogy, Socia… | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Care pedagogy, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | Key skills for study and profession, basics of pedagogy, project management, teamwork, change management and collaboration, methods and tools of professional nursing, medical basics I, methods of empi… | from 7524 € total from 209 € monthly | |
| Health and Nursing Education, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 4 Semester | Learning and development theories, leadership, research methodology, communication and conflict management, health psychology and sociology, public health, adult education pedagogy, crisis interventio… | from 14143 € total from 329 € monthly | |
| Vocational education for health and social professions, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 7 Semester | Interdisciplinary modules: Introduction to Health and Social Research, Fundamentals of Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Law and School Organization, Basics of Social Law and Vocational Train… | from 12138 € total from 289 € monthly | |
| Vocational education for nursing and social care professions, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | 6 Semester | Introduction to Pedagogy and Academic Work, Competencies for Studies and Career: Project Management, Communication, Visualization, Presentation, and Moderation; Psychology of the Individual, Sociology… | from 12780 € total from 288 € monthly |
Nursing Studies in Distance Learning without a High School Diploma: How It Works
In Germany, for a bachelor's degree in nursing, a high school diploma or technical college entrance qualification is usually required. However, if, for example, you have completed secondary education and vocational training, you can also be admitted to distance learning in nursing without a high school diploma.
The requirements for distance learning without a high school diploma may vary from state to state and hence from university to university. However, at most nursing universities, the following is generally required for studies without a high school diploma:
- You have completed a master training or an advanced vocational training (e.g. as a professional specialist or as a state-certified business administrator).
- Or you have completed a vocational training of at least 2 years. Following your training, you have gained at least 3 years of professional experience. Your education and work experience should correspond to your desired course of study.
At some universities, you will also complete an entrance examination or a trial study before enrolling.
Health Management vs. Nursing Management: Which is Suitable for Whom?
Nursing management programmes focus on a combination of nursing science fundamentals and the imparting of business management knowledge. Important components of such a course of study should include nursing law and nursing education. Nursing management distance learning programmes are particularly suitable for qualified nurses who want to advance to nursing management, such as nursing service management (PDL). As an example of the course contents of such a programme, here is an excerpt from the contents of the Bachelor's distance study in Nursing Management at IU International University:
Business Administration, Accounting and Balance Sheets, Medicine for Non-Medical Staff, Academic Writing, Nursing Management, Healthcare Technology, Statistics, Law, Marketing, Financing Systems Nursing, Geriatric, and Rehabilitation Nursing, Cost and Performance Accounting, Controlling, Health Economics, Billing Systems in Nursing, Geriatric, and Rehabilitation Nursing, Nursing Law, Social Policy, Case Management, Services Management in Healthcare, Corporate Law, Quality Management in Nursing, Project Management, Health and Prevention, E-Health, Nursing Controlling, Business Management, Elective Subjects Nursing Management and Business Administration
Health management programmes, on the other hand, are more broadly tailored to the healthcare sector and are suitable for anyone interested in hospital administration, working at health insurance companies, or managing medical care centres. The course contents of the distance study Management in Healthcare at the IST University of Management show that such a course imparts very diverse knowledge:
Foundations of Business Administration, Marketing - Basics and Strategies, Academic Writing and Learning Methods, Microeconomics, Business Informatics and New Media, Introduction to Accounting, Business Law, Business Mathematics and Statistics, Taxes and Balances, Corporate Management and Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurial Decision-Making Basics, Healthcare Sectors and Provision, Medical Basics, Financing of Healthcare and Social Institutions, Basics of Online Marketing and Social Media, Personal Communications, Quality Management in Healthcare and Social Institutions, Health Promotion and Prevention, Project Management in Healthcare and Social Institutions, Services Management in Healthcare and Social Institutions, Hospital and Social Management Simulation, E-Health and Digitalisation in Healthcare
The following table lists the most interesting distance learning courses in health management:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health economics, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | 6 Semester | from 11844 € total from 268 € monthly | |
| Health management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Health management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Health management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University | 6 Semester | from 13968 € total from 199 € monthly | |
| Health Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | German University of Prevention and Health Management | 7 Semester | from 15120 € total from 360 € monthly | |
| Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IST University of Management | 6 Semester | from 13644 € total from 379 € monthly | |
| Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12420 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| International Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
Find more courses here: Distance learning Health Management: over 30 top courses compared
Studying Nursing alongside Your Career: How It Works
Studying alongside your career, for example in the form of distance learning, is a major challenge that you should be aware of before starting your studies. For example, the often longer study duration of 4 or even 5 years can be particularly challenging. And the financial burden over several years can also be a challenge for many distance learning students.
On the other hand, a distance learning programme is often much more efficiently organized. You hardly waste any time on boring lectures and seminars. Some universities even allow you to take exams online from home, such as the International University Bad Honnef.
A typical distance learning semester goes like this:
- You enroll at the university of your choice. Shortly afterward, you will receive a welcome package and your first study materials for your first module.
- You log into the online campus. There you can see who else is studying with you and which professors and academic staff organize your studies.
- You work on your first module, so you read the study materials, watch online lectures, or listen to podcasts of your professors.
- At some universities, you have a mandatory on-campus event in the first semester where you can meet fellow students live. Other universities offer webinars that you can attend from your desk.
- At the end of the semester, you write a paper or an exam. Most distance universities operate study centers distributed across Germany and sometimes Europe, where you can take exams. Other distance universities offer 100% online exams for study programmes.
Dual Study: Nursing Training and University Studies Combined
One of the great advantages of distance learning is flexibility: you can also complete a distance learning programme alongside your career. This way, you can always immediately apply acquired knowledge in your professional practice.
Dual degree programmes offer a similar experience: vocational training, such as nursing education, is combined with a university degree, leading to a double degree. Here too, distance learning programmes can significantly increase flexibility because face-to-face events such as lectures are virtually moved to your home.
In the field of nursing and health sciences, there are mainly 4 universities that offer dual study programmes: the IST University of Management, the Hamburg Distance University, the German University for Prevention and Health Management, and University of Applied Sciences Münster.
The following table lists and compares the dual distance learning programmes of these universities:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care, Bachelor of Science Dual studies | University of Applied Sciences Münster | 8 Semester | from 2288 € total | |
| Health Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | German University of Prevention and Health Management | 7 Semester | from 15120 € total from 360 € monthly | |
| Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IST University of Management | 6 Semester | from 13644 € total from 379 € monthly | |
| Therapy and Nursing Sciences, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 6 Semester | from 10440 € total from 290 € monthly |
About the Author Christian Wolf
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