The Act on the Profession of Emergency Paramedic (Notfallsanitäter/in)
modernises the previous training as a paramedic assistant (Rettungsassistent):
- Introduction of a new professional title: "Notfallsanitäter/Notfallsanitäterin"
- Training period of three years instead of two
- Entitlement to training remuneration
Regulation on the implementation and content of adaptation measures and on the granting and extension of professional licences in the federal healthcare professions
- Applies to physicians (and members of other healthcare professions) who obtained their professional qualification abroad and wish to practise in Germany
- Nationwide uniform requirements for the recognition procedures
- Examinations include, for example, patient presentations, as particular importance is to be placed on verifying practical competencies
- Review by the federal states regarding necessary language skills (no language test)
- Article four of the First Regulation Amending the Licensing Regulations for Physicians
- The written part of the previous Second Section of the Medical Examination will – while retaining the content and structure of this examination – be moved to before the Practical Year
- In addition, the examination parts of the previous Second Section of the Medical Examination will be restructured into independent sections of the Medical Examination.
- After practical training during the Practical Year, students will thus complete the oral-practical part of the previous Second Section of the Medical Examination as a new Third Section.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What changes does the Emergency Paramedic Act 2014 introduce?
The act replaces the previous profession of Rettungsassistent (paramedic) with the Notfallsanitäter (emergency paramedic). The training period is extended from two to three years. In addition, trainees are now entitled to a training allowance for the first time.
How are medical qualifications obtained abroad recognised in Germany?
Recognition is governed by uniform federal rules for the medical professions. The assessments include, among other things, a patient presentation to verify practical skills. The federal states also review the required language proficiency, although no formal language test is prescribed.
How does the new Medical Licensing Regulation change the structure of the Medical Examination?
The written part of the former Second Section of the Medical Examination will be moved, with unchanged content, to before the Practical Year. The examination parts will be restructured into independent sections. After the Practical Year, students will complete the oral-practical part as the new Third Section of the Medical Examination.
What is the official job title under the new Emergency Paramedic Act (Notfallsanitätergesetz)?
The previous title Rettungsassistent/Rettungsassistentin (Paramedic Assistant) has been replaced by the new job title Notfallsanitäter/Notfallsanitäterin (Emergency Paramedic). This change involves an extended training period and higher professional qualification requirements.
What role do practical skills play in the recognition of foreign healthcare professions?
The recognition procedure places particular emphasis on assessing practical skills. The examinations include, for instance, a patient presentation. This ensures that foreign-trained professionals meet the technical requirements for practising their profession in Germany.