Framework Plans Were Submitted for Germany’s New Nationwide Nursing Assistance Training (Germany, June 2026)
The expert commission under the Nursing Professions Act submitted the framework curriculum and framework training plan for the new nationwide nursing assistance qualification to the education-family ministry and the health ministry. The new paid training pathway starts on 1 January 2027.
The expert commission under the Nursing Professions Act submitted the framework curriculum and framework training plan for the new nationwide nursing assistance qualification to the education-family ministry and the health ministry. The new paid training pathway starts on 1 January 2027.
What Changed?
Germany moved from preparation to ministerial review of the framework plans that will guide the content of the new uniform Pflegefachassistenz training. The plans are intended to support nursing schools and practical training providers when the new qualification begins.
Old System vs New System
Before the reform, nursing assistance and nursing aide training was governed by 27 different state-level training arrangements.
From 1 January 2027, the Pflegefachassistenzgesetz introduces a nationwide, generalist and paid nursing assistance training pathway with an independent occupational profile. The submitted framework plans will have recommendatory effect for state curricula and school-internal curricula after review.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Prospective trainees may gain a clearer, more transferable and paid entry route into the nursing education system, with possible progression into the three-year nursing qualification or nursing studies.
Parent / Family Impact
Families of prospective trainees may benefit from a more transparent national training route and a paid qualification with clearer employment prospects.
School / Institution Impact
Nursing schools will need to prepare internal curricula and implementation planning using the framework plans once they are checked and released.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Nursing educators will need to align teaching plans, practical training coordination and assessment preparation with the national framework and the new training regulation.
Key Dates
- Framework plans submitted: 2026-06-30
- statutory first submission deadline: 2026-06-30
- new training starts: 2027-01-01.
What To Do
- Nursing schools and practical training providers should wait for the ministries' review and publication of the framework plans
- then update curricula
- training cooperation and recruitment information for 2027 entrants.
What To Watch Next
The ministries will review the plans for compatibility with the law and then publish them for relevant actors in online and printed form.
Global Context
The reform is relevant internationally because Germany is creating a standardized vocational entry route into nursing to address care workforce needs and improve permeability within health education.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Federal Ministry of Health (BMG)