Englisch 
Deutsch 
The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Vocational education for nursing and social care professions under the number 1130521c. Who is the distance learning course in Vocational Pedagogy for Nursing and Social Professions suitable for?
The bachelor's degree programme is aimed at professionals from the nursing and social sectors who wish to qualify for educational tasks. If you have already completed a recognised training programme in the health or social sector and want to guide or teach trainees, pupils or young professionals in the future, you will find a practice-oriented and flexible development opportunity in this distance learning course. Typical participants are nurses, paediatric nurses, care workers for the elderly, educators as well as curative education nurses who want to specifically complement their practical knowledge with pedagogical competence.
What admission requirements apply?
To be admitted to the Bachelor’s programme in Vocational Pedagogy for Nursing and Social Professions at APOLLON University you must meet the following formal conditions:
- Proof of at least three years of completed vocational training in a state-recognised nursing or social profession (e.g. nurse, geriatric nurse, educator, curative education nurse, qualified nurse).
- In addition, you need a university entrance qualification, i.e. either:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
- Subject-specific university entrance qualification (if relevant to the field)
- Alternatively: a qualification as master craftsman, business economist, after a professional development course of at least 400 hours or a comparable advanced training qualification in the relevant field
- A previously obtained, professionally relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign entrance qualification is also accepted (recognition is checked)
Access to the course is also possible without Abitur if the mentioned professional requirements (e.g. master craftsman, advanced training, 3-year training) are met. In any case, enrolment requires proof of the professionally relevant training.
In addition to the formal criteria, personal qualities play an important role in academic success:
- Self-motivation and self-organisation – especially because of the part-time distance learning
- Willingness to reflect on one’s own professional experiences and openness to educational issues
- Interest in supporting learners and teaching
- Communication skills, teamwork and empathy to shape learning processes constructively
- Basic IT skills to use digital learning media and to participate in online seminars
- Organisational skills, resilience and time management to coordinate work, studies and, if applicable, family
What skills does the Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education for Nursing and Social Professions provide you with?
In the distance learning programme Vocational Education for Nursing and Social Professions at APOLLON University, you will acquire interdisciplinary knowledge in pedagogy, didactics and methodology, combined with specific content for nursing or social professions. You will develop competencies in teaching and learning processes, communication, counselling and coaching, which are essential for supporting trainees in practice. The key study contents include:
- Pedagogical and didactic fundamentals for teaching in vocational contexts
- Communicative and psychological skills for managing lessons and conflicts
- Subject-specific deepening in nursing or social work depending on professional background
- Practice-orientation through two practical phases and a teaching trial to apply theoretical knowledge
- Legal foundations, Public Health, Sociology and empirical social research as scientific basis
In the elective area, you specialise in Nursing or Social Work. Here you deepen subject-specific topics such as nursing science, nursing didactics, case management, palliative care (nursing) or methods of social work, ethics in social work, child, youth and family support (social work). With your degree, you are able to accompany vocational pedagogical tasks in a practical and scientifically sound manner.
How is the distance learning programme organised at APOLLON University?
The Bachelor’s degree programme is designed to be compatible with employment and offers maximum flexibility by choosing between a 36-month (full-time) or 48-month (part-time) option. You can start at any time and adjust the learning pace individually. The study duration can be extended free of charge by up to 18 or 24 months respectively.
- Study materials are sent to you digitally and, on request, in printed form every three or four months
- Learning materials are prepared in a multimedia format (PDF, e-book, audio, web-based trainings, videos)
- Face-to-face and online seminars enable exchange and transfer to practice; all seminars take place either online or in Bremen
- Practical phases (total of 540 hours) including observation and teaching trial are an integral part of the programme
- Examinations are conducted in various forms, for example case assignments, written exams, term papers, project work and teaching trials
- Online campus supports you with organisation, services and communication with lecturers as well as other students
The curriculum consists of 34 modules, of which 26 must be completed – including 17 in the vocational education core area and 8 in the elective area (nursing or social work), plus the Bachelor thesis.
Your career prospects after the Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education
With the Bachelor’s degree, you qualify for key pedagogical tasks in training, further education and continuing education in the health and social sectors. Typical fields of activity are:
- Teaching and instruction activities at vocational schools for health and nursing professions
- Practice supervision and practice coordination in nursing or social work institutions
- Planning and implementation of further and continuing training measures in practical companies, educational institutions or organisations
- Consulting, mentoring and coaching of trainees and colleagues
- Design and implementation of (digital) learning offers in the health and social sectors
Important: The course is not a teacher training programme according to the specifications of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. For a teaching position in the theoretical field at public schools, a further Master’s degree is usually required. With the Bachelor’s degree you are especially qualified for practical teaching activities, practice supervision and coordinating tasks.
Especially in times of increasing demand for skilled workers and due to legal changes in nursing education, diverse employment opportunities arise – with good job prospects and development opportunities, especially if you pursue a further Master’s degree.
What costs are incurred and how can you finance your studies?
The tuition fees for the Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education amount to €288 monthly for a study duration of 44 months, totalling €12,780. The 36-month option usually involves slightly higher monthly costs. Included are all learning materials, online campus, examination fees and seminars.
- Flexible instalment payment depending on the chosen study option
- Free extension of the standard study period by up to 50% (18 or 24 months)
- Trial study: 4 weeks free of charge and without obligation
- Recognition of prior achievements reduces fees and study duration
- Opportunities for funding through BAföG, advancement BAföG, education loans and employer support
- All costs are usually tax deductible as income-related expenses
Numerous funding programmes, scholarships and instalment models ensure that the study programme remains financially feasible alongside employment. Individual advice on financing and funding opportunities is available.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Vocational education for nursing and social care professions? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution APOLLON University of Health Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.