Medical professionals from foreign countries seek credential validation in domestic setting - Medical professionals from overseas seeking accreditation
Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications in Thuringia, Germany
The Statistical Office in Erfurt has released figures detailing the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Thuringia, shedding light on the diverse process and outcomes for various professions.
Last year, a total of 2024 procedures were completed, marking a 31.7 percent increase from the previous year. Two-thirds of these procedures involved foreign doctors and nurses, with the number for both groups rising significantly.
For medical professions, such as doctors and nurses, the process typically involves an equivalency assessment by the relevant State Health Authority. This may be followed by knowledge or language examinations, mirroring the general framework of professional qualification recognition in Germany.
Nurses usually need to have their foreign qualifications assessed for formal equivalence, with additional practical or language requirements potentially applying. The process for healthcare professionals in Germany generally involves submitting diploma, transcripts, and proof of practical training for evaluation by state authorities.
In teaching, the process is more clearly outlined: candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the first state examination or documented work as a teacher in Thuringia. They must also prove having earned 45 credit points in designated modules related to teaching, followed by self-study proof, bridging modules, and exams.
The data does not specify the proportion of recognition procedures for non-medical qualifications that resulted in full equivalence with the standard in Germany. Similarly, the number of recognition procedures for foreign teaching or training qualifications that were granted partial access to the profession or resulted in negative decisions remains undisclosed. Furthermore, the number of recognition procedures for foreign teaching and training qualifications in Thuringia has not been provided.
Interestingly, a large proportion of the applications, 61.3 percent, were submitted by women. In addition to medical qualifications, many applications also came from people who had obtained a teaching or training qualification abroad.
In 56.0 percent of cases, significant differences compared to the professional qualification regulated in Germany can be eliminated through further training or qualification.
While the specific application steps and portals for nurses and doctors were not explicitly detailed, typically, applicants apply through the responsible Thuringian Ministry of Health or Education.
The data does not disclose the number of recognition procedures for foreign vocational training qualifications in health-and-wellness sectors, such as nurses. To ensure full equivalence of foreign teaching or training qualifications in education-and-self-development, individuals may need to pursue vocational training and complete certifications, mirroring the process in Germany. Additionally, science-related vocational training qualifications may require further evaluations and examinations for equivalence with the standard in Germany.
