Nursing Specialist Training in Cologne: Opportunities for 2026/2027

Cologne offers several opportunities for individuals seeking training as nursing specialists, with programs beginning in 2026, and 2027. These programs provide comprehensive education and practical experience in various nursing fields. This article outlines the available training options, eligibility requirements, and financial aspects of becoming a nursing specialist in Cologne.

What is a Nursing Specialist?

The nursing specialist role is an independent medical profession that requires a three-year generalist training program. This training combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience in hospitals, outpatient care facilities, and geriatric psychiatry settings. Landschaftsverband Rheinland is offering training positions for nursing specialists.

Available Training Programs in Cologne

Several institutions in and around Cologne are offering nursing specialist training programs starting in 2026. Here’s a summary of some key options:

• Diakonie Michaelshoven e.V.: Offers 3 places starting April 1, 2026.
• Pflegeschule VfA e.V.: Offers 6 places starting April 15, 2026.
• Uniklinik Köln: Offers 231 places starting April 1, 2026.
• SBK Sozial-Betriebe-Köln gemeinnützige GmbH: Offers 28 places starting April 1, 2026.
• apm: Offers 67 places starting April 1, 2026.
• CURA Seniorenwohn- und Pflegeheime Dienstleistungs GmbH: Offers 20 places starting April 1, 2026.
• Quirlsberg – Diakonischer Gesundheitscampus: Offers 1 place starting April 1, 2026 (located in Bergisch Gladbach).
• Caritas Bildungszentrum für Pflege GmbH: Offers 1 place starting August 1, 2026.
• Deutschordens-Wohnstift Konrad Adenauer: Offers 2 places starting August 1, 2026.
• LVR-Klinik Langenfeld: Offers 20 places starting April 1, 2026 (located in Langenfeld).
• Kolping Bildung Deutschland gGmbH: Offers 11 places starting April 1, 2026 (located in Troisdorf).
• Caritas Wohnen und Pflege gGmbH: Offers places starting September 1, 2026 (located in Sünching).

Additional opportunities can be found on job boards like Stepstone and Ausbildung.de.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for nursing specialist training, applicants generally require one of the following qualifications:

• Intermediate school leaving certificate (Mittlere Reife) or a qualification equivalent to 10 years of schooling.
• Secondary school diploma (Abitur)
• Secondary school diploma in conjunction with a completed vocational training program of at least two years.
• At least one year of assistant/helper training in geriatric or sick care regulated by state law.

applicants should demonstrate:

• Enjoyment in working with people.
• Respect for the dignity of every human being.
• Strong communication skills.
• Responsibility and a structured approach to work.

Financial Aspects

Trainees in nursing specialist programs in Cologne receive a salary based on the AVR DWBO/AVR circular appendix Johanniter, as of January 1, 2026. The Johanniter retirement homes offer some of the highest earnings for aspiring nursing professionals.

• 1st year of training: EUR 1,461.78 (+surcharges)
• 2nd year of training: EUR 1,555.06 (+surcharges)
• 3rd year of training: EUR 1,679.47 (+surcharges)

How to Apply

Interested candidates can contact Anastasia Chatziioannidou at the Johanniter-Stift Gut Heuserhof for further information:
Anastasia Chatziioannidou, Nursing service management
Johanniter-Stift Gut Heuserhof
Giershausener Weg 21, 50767 Cologne

You can also locate more information and application details on the websites of the respective training institutions.

Further Resources

For more information on nursing training, you can explore resources like Ausbildungsstellen.de.