Nurses
Recognition of your nursing qualification, German at B2 and the way into a German hospital.
Working in Germany
Medical technical professions in Germany: OR, anaesthesia, radiology and lab
Operating rooms, anaesthesia, radiology and laboratories need skilled staff from abroad. We show you which route suits your qualification and support you all the way into your new team.
In Germany these professions are called: operating room technician (OTA), anaesthesia technician (ATA), medical technologist for radiology (MTR, formerly MTRA) and for laboratory analysis (MTL).
What you need
Recognition is handled by the authority of the federal state where you will work; details can differ between states. The responsible authority makes the binding decision.
- A completed training or degree in the operating room, anaesthesia, radiology or laboratory
- German at B2 level
- Medical fitness and a certificate of good conduct
- Willingness to make up for missing content through an adaptation course or a knowledge test
Your path to Germany
- 01
Getting to know you
We review your qualification and clarify which German profession it corresponds to.
- 02
Recognition and language
We prepare the recognition application with you and arrange German courses up to B2.
- 03
Hospital and visa
We find a suitable hospital and support you with the employment contract and visa application.
- 04
Arrival
Adaptation measure, onboarding, housing and authorities – we stay by your side.
Recognition of your qualification
OTA, ATA, MTR and MTL are regulated professions in Germany: you work in them once your qualification is recognised by the state. The responsible authority checks whether your training is equivalent; you make up for differences through an adaptation course or a knowledge test.
Many skilled workers from abroad have worked as nurses in the operating room or in anaesthesia. For them, recognition as a nurse followed by specialist further training can also be the right route – we advise you on this.
Visa and residence
With a recognised qualification and an employment contract, skilled workers from outside the EU receive a residence permit as skilled workers. If recognition is not yet complete, you can come to Germany for adaptation measures or through a recognition partnership with your employer.
Work and pay
You work in the operating team, in anaesthesia, in diagnostic radiology or in the hospital laboratory. Pay usually follows a collective agreement; your salary depends on qualification, experience and region.
Personal support from application to a successful start
Are you working in the medical field and would like to shape your professional future in Germany? SBP Management guides international professionals individually and transparently through the necessary steps.
- German language courses and linguistic preparation
- Visa and entry
- Recognition of foreign professional qualifications
- Recognition of additional qualifications and further training
- Family reunification
- Finding accommodation and initial administrative steps
- Salary classification and consideration of professional experience, where applicable
- Preparation, onboarding, and integration in German hospitals
Frequently asked questions
My profession has a different name in my country. Which German profession fits?
We clarify this based on the content of your training. Often several routes are possible – for example OTA, or nurse with operating room training. We recommend the route with the best prospects for quick recognition.
What level of German do I need?
Recognition usually requires German at B2 level. We arrange suitable courses.
Do I have to pay for SBP Management's support?
No. Our support is free of charge for applicants; the employer covers the costs.
Other professions
Doctors
Medical licence (Approbation), medical language exam and positions as resident or specialist.
Midwives
Recognition as a midwife and the way into the delivery room of a German hospital.
Sterile processing and instruments
Reprocessing of medical devices (CSSD/AEMP), instrument care and lead positions.