Healthcare and nursing: profession, training and career opportunities
Your path to healthcare and nursing - A profession with heart and future
Have you ever imagined yourself in a profession where you can positively impact the lives of others on a daily basis? A profession in which your empathy counts just as much as your specialist knowledge? Then healthcare and nursing might be just the thing for you! Whether in hospitals, nursing homes or in home care - as a qualified healthcare and nursing assistant (DGKP), you are an indispensable support for patients and their families.
What does a nurse do?
Healthcare and nursing staff are at the heart of patient care. They are not only responsible for medical measures, but also for the emotional support of people in difficult life situations. Their work goes far beyond simply administering medication - they provide comfort, motivate and are often the first point of contact for patients and relatives.
Training to become a qualified health and nursing professional (DGKP)
Imagine starting a journey that will take you step by step towards becoming a professional nurse. This journey begins with sound training. In Austria, there are various ways to learn the profession. Here you can find up-to-date information on the requirements: Arbeiterkammer - Diplomierte Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege
For detailed information on nursing training and certifications, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Social Affairs: Ministry of Social Services Nursing Education
Prerequisites & training paths
To start training as a DGKP, you need:
- Minimum age of 17 years
- Middle or high school diploma
- Health aptitude and a clean police record
The training takes place in nursing schools and usually lasts three years. Alternatively, there is the option to complete a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare and Nursing.
Contents of the training
During the training you will learn, among other things:
- Nursing Science and Management
- Medical diagnostics and therapy
- Care history, care planning and documentation
- Elevated service in nursing
- Emergency and Intensive Care
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
Career opportunities & training opportunities
The Austrian healthcare sector offers a wide range of career opportunities for DGKP, from working in hospitals and care facilities to home care.
In addition, the demand for freelance nurses is increasing. The platform noracares helps you to find an independent job in nursing. Here you can find suitable assignments - be it for short-term or long-term support.
You can find more information about career opportunities in nursing here: Career Recognition Nursing Professions
Specialization options
After basic training, you can enroll in specialize:
- Intensive and emergency care
- Palliative and Pain Care
- Psychiatric Health and Nursing
- Child and Adolescent Care
- Nursing Management and Education
Salary and future prospects
Salary table for healthcare and nursing staff in Austria
The demand for qualified healthcare and nursing staff in Austria continues to grow. The Ministry of Social Affairs informs about future prospects, salaries and job opportunities: Care with a future
💰 According to current data for 2025, the starting salary of a DGKP in Austria €2.900 - €3,300 gross per month. With specializations, the salary can rise to up to €4.500 gross per month rise.
Your future in nursing starts now!
A career in healthcare and nursing is not just a profession, but a vocation. It offers you the opportunity to directly make a difference in people's lives, whether through medical care, emotional support or preventative health measures. The demand for qualified nurses is constantly growing, which means that you are offered long-term career opportunities and job security in this field.
Healthcare and nursing is a professional field that requires constant learning, development and adaptation to new medical knowledge. With further training and specializations, you can shape your career path individually and focus on the areas that interest you the most - be it intensive care, palliative care or nursing management. The platform also offers noracares You have a flexible opportunity to work as a freelance nurse and work independently.
If you are looking for a career that is both fulfilling and future-proof, there are few better choices than healthcare and nursing. Start your journey now, find out about training opportunities and embark on a career that will not only improve your career prospects, but also enrich the lives of many people.
A career as a DGKP not only offers secure career prospects, but also a meaningful job that improves the lives of many people. If you are interested in a profession with empathy, knowledge and practical skills, then healthcare and nursing is just right for you!