Gesundheitsfachberufe - Anerkennung ausländischer Bildungsabschlüsse

In Hesse, the Darmstadt Regional Council is responsible for granting permission to use a professional title (state recognition) on the basis of training in a healthcare profession completed abroad. The prerequisite is that the applicant has their habitual residence in Hesse or at least that the profession is to be practiced in Hesse. Credible evidence is required for these facts establishing responsibility.

The healthcare professions for which state recognition can be applied for at the Darmstadt Regional Council include the following professions:

• geriatric nurse
• geriatric nursing assistant
• Disinfector
• Dietician
• Occupational therapist
• Health care supervisor
• Healthcare and nursing assistant (nurse)
• Health and pediatric nurse
• Nursing assistant
• Speech therapist
• Masseur and medical bath attendant
• Medical documentalist
• Medical-technical laboratory assistant
• Medical-technical radiology assistant
• Medical-technical assistant for functional diagnostics
• Emergency paramedic
• Orthoptist
• Pharmaceutical-technical assistant
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist

The following documents must be submitted in all cases:

• Application
• Confirmation of registration from the residents' registration office regarding the main place of residence in Hesse or proof that the profession is to be practiced in Hesse.
• Civil status document on name, place and date of birth (e.g. birth/marriage certificate, extract from the family register), with German translation if necessary
• Identity document (e.g. identity card or passport)
• Curriculum vitae in German with precise details of school education, vocational training and previous activities
• Proof of completed training in the national language and a German translation
• Language certificate as proof of sufficient knowledge of German

In the case of training completed outside the European Economic Area, the following proof must also always be submitted:

Proof from the training center of the content and scope of the vocational training completed there (type and scope (hours) of subjects taught, type and scope of practical training) in the national language and in German translation

Depending on the profession or country of origin, further proof may also be required. Further information and forms can be found on the homepage of the Darmstadt Regional Council:

200.00 Euro for the permit (Exceptions: see links "Further information and forms" under "What documents are required?")

Additional costs may be incurred if state recognition cannot be granted directly, but a knowledge test/aptitude test or an adaptation measure is required. These costs are charged directly by the schools conducting the examinations and vary depending on the scope of the examination.

Please contact the Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP).

The Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP) has been responsible since 01.01.2023.