Distance learning program Nursing (B.Sc.) – IU International University

👉 The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.) programme at IU International University is designed for trained nursing professionals who want to expand their skills with a focus on scientific, legal, and management-related content. A completed nursing education in Germany is a prerequisite. The distance learning programme is specifically tailored to working professionals and individuals with family commitments, enabling a flexible start to studies and individual scheduling options (full-time or part-time). Students deepen their scientific foundations of nursing, learn nursing management as well as quality assurance, and can specialise in areas such as nursing education or gerontology. The degree opens up opportunities in leadership, research, consulting, or for further postgraduate master's programmes.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider IU International University, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
Studying, anytime and anywhere – according to your own rules: The distance learning at IU International University (IU) not only makes this possible, but is constantly meeting individual learning needs and providing the latest gadgets for a maximally flexible study. The state-recognized bachelor's and master's programs, which can be completed part-time or full-time, are intended to adapt to the students' everyday lives – whether alongside work, during parental leave, or while traveling the world. Self-directed learning has never been easier: from the innovative learning app IU Learn, through the online campus with live formats, to the in-house and thus first AI-based university chatbot Syntea. Currently, there are over 130,000 students enrolled at IU – making IU the largest German university.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialNursing Science
📜 Degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 3 Semesters, Study effort 30 hours weekly
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Health, Health Promotion, Prevention, Clinical Basics 1, Practice Module 1, Practice Module 2, Nursing Interventions 1, Clinical Basics 2, Practice Module 3, Practice Module 4, Clinical Basics 3, Practice Module 5, Practice Module 6, Nursing Interventions 2, Acute Care, Long-Term Care, Clinical Basics 4, Practice Module 7, Nursing Interventions 3, Clinical Basics 5, Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology and Health, Nursing as a Profession, Introduction to Nursing Management, Nursing Law, Quality Management in Nursing, Interaction and Communication in Organizations, Framework of the Health Care Market, Sociology, Psychology, Seminar: Nursing Process, Elements of Complex Nursing, Areas of Complex Nursing, Elective Module A, Elective Module B, Bachelor's Thesis, Billing and Financing Systems, Controlling and Conflicts, Digitalisation in Therapy and Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, Gerontology and Gerontosociology, Pedagogy and General Didactics, Research Methods, Leadership and Controlling in Nursing, Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare, Sign Language, Gerontopsychiatry and -psychology, Lifelong Learning, Mastering Prompts, Personnel Management, General Studies.
📚 Electives Leadership and financing, gerontology, nursing research, digitization in therapy and care, evidence-based practice, billing and financing systems, controlling and conflicts, pedagogy and general didactics, sign language, gerontopsychiatry and psychology
👥 In-person sessions numerous virtual teaching sessions
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Nursing under the number 1113120c.
📅 Enrollment Anytime
💶 Fees
from 259 € monthly
from 9481 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.iu-fernstudium.de
  • Direct entry into the 4th semester: By recognizing your nursing education, the duration of study is significantly shortened.
  • 100% flexible distance learning: Study without the need to be present – with online exams, individual scheduling, and a digital learning platform.
  • Practice-oriented content: Focus on care management, complex care, and scientifically based care processes.
  • Nationally recognized degree: The Bachelor of Science enables you to advance in your career and pursue further master's degrees.
  • Individual specializations: Choose your elective modules according to your interests, e.g. gerontology, nursing education, or research methods.

Who should study the Bachelor of Nursing (B.Sc.) at IU International University?

With your Bachelor's in Nursing, you can work, for example, in care management, as a practical nursing coach, or in ward management.

The Bachelor's distance learning program in Nursing (B.Sc.) is aimed at professionals with a completed nursing education who want to expand their skills academically and enhance their career prospects in the healthcare sector. The study is particularly suitable for state-recognized elderly care nurses, health and (child)care nurses, as well as nursing professionals who aim to take on challenging roles in practice, management, or teaching. The practical and scientifically sound orientation of the course appeals to experienced professionals in nursing who are willing to shape their careers, whether focusing on leadership, quality assurance, care counseling, research, or educational issues. The flexible study models are specifically designed for working professionals and individuals with family commitments.

What are the admission requirements?

For admission to the Bachelor of Nursing (B.Sc.) at IU International University, the following formal access requirements apply:

Completed training as a nursing professional: A successfully completed training in Germany as

  • Elderly care nurse
  • Health and nursing professional
  • Health and pediatric nursing professional
  • Nurse or male nurse (under the Nursing Professions Act)

Please note: Nursing education completed abroad (e.g. in Austria or Switzerland) is not recognized – the training must have been completed in Germany.

Abitur, Fachabitur, or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification + completed nursing education: With (subject-specific) Abitur or a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, direct entry is possible if the nursing professional training is proven as listed above.

Studying without (subject-specific) Abitur: Even without the traditional (subject-specific) higher education entrance qualification, you can be admitted if you have

  • Completed at least a 2-year vocational training as a nursing professional and
  • Have worked for at least 3 years full-time in the training profession (elderly care, (child) nursing, or nursing professional)

When starting your studies without Abitur, your studies initially begin in a probationary status. After successfully completing examination requirements within the probationary period, regular enrollment will take place. The credits earned will be fully recognized.

German language skills for international applicants: Anyone without a German school leaving certificate must demonstrate German language skills at level B2 (e.g. TestDaF, Telc Deutsch B2).

What personal prerequisites should you bring?

  • Professional experience: Experience in everyday nursing practice is necessary – the study knowingly builds on your practical knowledge.
  • Independence and perseverance: You should be able to organize study times independently and work responsibly with digital learning resources.
  • Willingness for scientific reflection: The course teaches nursing scientific, legal, ethical, and management-oriented competencies. Interest in theoretical content and methods is therefore helpful.
  • Determination and openness to new roles: Leadership roles, counseling, teaching, or quality development require initiative, communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
  • IT basic knowledge: Basic computer skills and secure Internet usage are required for distance learning.

At a glance: Who is the program suitable for?

The part-time Bachelor's degree program in Nursing is specifically aimed at state-recognized nursing professionals who want to academically underpin their professional practice and qualify for leadership roles or specialized areas of application.

  • Experienced nursing professionals looking for advancement: You are already working as an elderly care nurse, health and nursing professional, or nursing professional? Then the program offers you the opportunity to expand your professional profile with nursing scientific, legal, and management-related competencies.
  • Target group with career ambitions: The program is ideal for individuals who aim to take on leadership roles in the medium term or want to work in fields such as care management, quality assurance, nursing education, or care counseling.
  • Nursing professionals with an interest in scientific work: Those who wish to shape care processes or contribute to the development of new concepts – for example, in research or education – will find a solid foundation in the program. The content prepares, among other things, for further master's programs, such as in nursing education or advanced nursing practice.
  • Flexibility for working professionals: The program can also be completed alongside a full-time job through the IU time model – for example, part-time over 24 or 36 months. An individual learning rhythm is possible due to digital learning materials and flexible exam options.

What you will learn in the Distance Learning Nursing (B.Sc.) at IU in Detail

In the part-time bachelor's degree program Nursing at IU International University, you will expand your practical nursing training with important scientific, legal, and management-related skills. The course is explicitly aimed at trained nursing professionals such as geriatric nurses, health and nursing care nurses, or male and female nursing professionals.

  • Scientific Foundations: You will deal with scientific work in the field of nursing, the basics of nursing science and methodological approaches to the analysis and optimization of nursing processes.
  • Nursing Management and Law: Topics such as nursing management, nursing law, quality management, and interaction/communication in organizations prepare you for leadership roles in the nursing sector.
  • Nursing in complex settings: You will learn how highly complex nursing processes are controlled, evaluated, and reflected upon in different care areas.
  • Social and Psychological Aspects: Modules on sociology and psychology as well as on the framework conditions of the healthcare market provide you with important knowledge about the environment in which professional nursing takes place today.
  • Individual Specializations: Through elective modules, you can specialize according to your interests in gerontology, nursing education, controlling, billing systems, or evidence-based practice.

All content is modular, practice-oriented, and prepares you to directly transfer nursing scientific findings into your professional life. The learning platform is equipped with interactive books with quiz questions, digital scripts, and accompanying tutorials.

How the Bachelor's Distance Learning Nursing at IU Works

The study is tailored to the needs of working professionals and requires maximum flexibility. Usually, your completed nursing training is recognized, so you can start directly in the fourth semester of the bachelor's degree program - this shortens your study time by half to either 18, 24, or 36 months.

  • Three Time Models: You can choose between full-time (18 months), part-time I (24 months), and part-time II (36 months) - switching between the models is possible at any time.
  • 100% flexible distance learning: All modules and materials are available digitally (via myCampus and IU Learn App). You determine learning times and places individually and can also order documents in printed form if desired.
  • Exams: You can take exams and tests flexibly online, 24/7, or optionally at an examination center. Other forms of assessment may include essays and presentations.
  • Support: Tutors accompany you through all modules. In addition, study counseling, study coaches, and a career service are available.
  • Interactive Support: Virtual live tutorials and exchange formats promote interaction with other students and lecturers.

All learning achievements are documented in ECTS points. The study is completely independent of location and time - you can start at any time and adjust the learning pace to your everyday life.

Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives After Graduation

With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you qualify for challenging tasks in all nursing settings:

  • Technical and Management Positions: You can work in the management of nursing facilities, as a ward manager, or practice coach. This includes tasks in personnel management, service and shift planning, quality control, and interface communication in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Nursing Research and Development: With the acquired professional and methodological knowledge, you have the opportunity to develop nursing concepts, participate in scientific projects, or develop guidelines in expert committees.
  • Consulting and Expert Opinions: Activities as a nursing consultant or expert in counseling centers, authorities, health insurance companies, or the Medical Service are also possible.
  • Further Qualification: The bachelor's degree opens up access to further master's programs, e.g. in nursing management, nursing education, or advanced nursing practice.

The study not only promotes your professional self-understanding but also makes you a sought-after professional in modern healthcare.

Costs and Financing of Distance Learning Nursing

The monthly tuition fee in the Bachelor's degree program Nursing at IU depends on your chosen schedule:

  • Full-time Studies (18 months): €399 per month
  • Part-time I (24 months): €344 per month
  • Part-time II (36 months): €259 per month

The total costs - depending on the model - range from around €9,481 (with accelerated completion in 18 months) to €11,623 with the maximum duration. Additional costs (e.g. graduation fees, optional semesters abroad) are clearly stated. Examination services, learning materials, and the use of all online tools are included in the fee.

  • Financing Options: Financing options include BAföG, student loans, education funds, or funding programs. Working students may be able to deduct the costs for tax purposes. For each recognized ECTS point, you save €30 in tuition fees.
  • Trial Month and Discounts: The study can be tested free of charge for 1 month. In addition, there are regular discount promotions and special offers such as a free iPad for early birds.

The price-performance ratio is tailored to the needs of working nursing professionals: You invest in a completely flexible, digitally supported study program with practice-oriented content and excellent support.

Common Questions about Nursing Studies at IU

  • Can I study nursing without having a high school diploma? Yes, you can start with a trial study if you have completed a nursing training in Germany and have at least three years of work experience.
  • What kind of training is required for the recognition of the first three semesters? Recognized are, among other things, training in elderly care, health and nursing care, as well as for nursing specialists.
  • How flexible is the study alongside work? You can choose from three different time models and integrate the study into your professional life through online learning and flexible exam formats.
  • What types of exams are there? Exams are mainly carried out online. In addition to exams, term papers, presentations or seminar papers are also possible.
  • Is the degree internationally recognized? Yes, the Bachelor of Science is state-recognized and internationally comparable, e.g. as a "Bachelor of Science in Nursing."
  • What master's programmes can I pursue afterwards? Possible options include master's programmes in nursing education, nursing management, or advanced nursing practice.

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