As of December 31, 2025, Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, had a population of 10,915,839. The country operates a mandatory social health insurance system that provides near-universal coverage. Public health insurance generally covers permanent residents, qualifying EU citizens, and third-country nationals working for Czech employers. People who are not covered by the public system, including some foreign nationals without permanent residence, may need commercial health insurance. The Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, which forms part of the constitutional order, also states that everyone has the right to the protection of health and that citizens have the right, based on public insurance, to free medical care under conditions set by law.
Czechia has a well-developed and highly regulated healthcare system. Public sources funded 85% of total health expenditure in 2023, one of the highest shares in the EU. However, healthcare workforce shortages remain a concern in some regions and facilities. Nurses continue to play an important role in patient care, especially during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, Czechia had about 9.0 nurses per 1,000 people, slightly above the EU average of 8.5. Even so, rising healthcare needs have outpaced workforce growth, and some hospitals have reported ward closures because of shortages of nurses and other healthcare professionals. For this reason, qualified nurses remain important to the Czech healthcare system.
Nursing is a regulated healthcare profession in Czechia. The Ministry of Health oversees the recognition of non-medical healthcare qualifications, and the National Center for Nursing and Non-Medical Healthcare Professions (NCO NZO) is involved in the approval examination process for non-medical healthcare professions. To learn more about becoming a nurse in the Czech Republic and the career path of registered nurses in the country, please see the steps below.
How to Become a Nurse in Czech Republic
1. Find a Nursing Health School or University Located in the Country
There are higher vocational schools, health schools, and universities that offer nursing programs in Czechia. To become a nurse in the Czech Republic, the first step is to find an approved nursing program that matches your career goal. Before enrolling, it is best to research the school’s location, living costs, language of instruction, admission requirements, clinical training opportunities, and whether the program leads to a recognized nursing qualification. Applicants should also visit the chosen institution’s website to learn what to expect from the school and the nursing program.
Step 2. Finish the Nursing Degree or Course and Get a Diploma
For the general nurse profession, professional competence can be obtained through approved pathways listed by the Ministry of Health. Current pathways include at least three years of study in the higher vocational program for “diplomovaná všeobecná sestra” or at least three years of bachelor’s-level study in a program preparing general nurses. Some older or transitional pathways may also be recognized if they meet the legal conditions. After completing the program, graduates receive the relevant diploma or degree needed for qualification and further professional recognition.
Step 3. For International Nursing Students, Obtain a Nursing Qualification
International students who study nursing in Czechia should complete an approved nursing program and obtain the diploma or degree required for the nursing profession. Applicants who earned their nursing qualifications outside Czechia must have their education and professional competence recognized before they can practice independently. Nurses educated outside the EU generally apply to the Czech Ministry of Health for recognition and may need to complete the approval examination process. Nurses whose non-EU qualification has already been recognized in another EU member state may be processed under different EU-recognition rules, depending on their situation.
Step 4. Obtain a Specialized Competence in Specialized Education
Specialized competence is not the same as basic qualification as a general nurse. After obtaining professional competence, nurses may pursue specialized education in accredited facilities or, for some specializations, through relevant master’s-level study. Ministry-listed examples include intensive care, perioperative care, psychiatric nursing, geriatric nursing, oncology and hemato-oncology nursing, transfusion service, home and hospice care, wound healing, and organization and management in healthcare. The duration and requirements vary by specialization, so applicants should check the current program details before applying.
Step 5. For Foreign Nurses, Get into Nursing Adaptation Program in Czech Republic
Foreign nurses may benefit from a preparatory or adaptation-style program, especially if it includes Czech language learning, medical terminology, Czech healthcare law, and practical exam preparation. However, this type of program should not be treated as a substitute for official qualification recognition. The official process for non-EU educated nurses is handled through the Ministry of Health and, when required, the approval examination process for non-medical healthcare professions.
Step 6. Obtain an Advanced Level Language Proficiency
One of the most important requirements for nursing work in the Czech Republic is Czech language proficiency. The approval examination verifies the applicant’s ability to express themselves professionally in Czech to the extent necessary for the healthcare profession. For non-medical healthcare professions, the written tests may be taken in Czech, English, French, German, or Russian, but the oral professional examination is conducted only in Czech. For that reason, foreign nurses should aim for strong Czech-language communication skills before seeking independent practice.
Step 7. Submit an Application for the Approbation Test
Nurses educated outside the EU who want to pursue the profession in the Czech Republic must apply through the Ministry of Health recognition process. For non-medical healthcare professions, the process may include the approval examination, also known as the approbation exam. The Ministry of Health may issue:
- Temporary permission to perform the healthcare profession under direct guidance for the practical part of the approval examination; or
- Recognition of competence to perform the profession after the required conditions, including the approval examination when applicable, have been completed.
Applicants generally submit the application through the Ministry’s EZP system and provide required documents, such as proof of recognized foreign education, documents about the completed foreign qualification, proof of any name change, and proof of payment of the administrative fee. Documents must be in Czech or accompanied by an officially certified Czech translation. For further information about the documents and deadlines for the exam, please see the Application and Deadlines – Approbation Exam.
Step 8. Take the Approbation Test or the Licensure Examination
The National Center for Nursing and Non-Medical Healthcare Professions (NCO NZO) is authorized by the Ministry of Health to handle the approval examination agenda for non-medical healthcare professions. The approval examination verifies theoretical knowledge, knowledge of the Czech healthcare system, and the ability to communicate professionally in Czech. The examination has three consecutive parts:
- A written part with two tests: one testing professional knowledge and one testing knowledge of the healthcare system and basic law related to healthcare in the Czech Republic;
- A practical part completed under direct guidance at a healthcare or social-services provider. For general nurses, the practical part is currently listed as 40 working days;
- An oral professional examination, conducted only in Czech, before an examination committee.
To learn more about the Approbation Test, including current forms, deadlines, recommended materials, and fees, please visit the Approbation Test tab on the NCO NZO website.
Step 9. Work as a Professional Nurse in Czech Republic
After successfully completing the approval examination, the Ministry of Health issues proof of passing the exam. The applicant can then apply for recognition of competence to practice the healthcare profession in the Czech Republic. Once recognition is granted, the nurse may work in the Czech healthcare system, subject to any separate employment, residence, or visa requirements that apply to the individual.
We hope that this article on Steps to Become a Nurse in the Czech Republic was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
