Switzerland is known for its high standard of living and its well-regarded healthcare system. The Swiss healthcare system provides universal access through compulsory basic health insurance, and the Federal Office of Public Health states that compulsory health insurance gives residents access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare without a waiting period for insurance coverage. However, healthcare rankings vary by methodology, and patients may still experience access challenges, especially outside regular office hours.
Nurses are an important part of Switzerland’s healthcare system. They help deliver patient care, work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals, and support the planning and implementation of care for patients in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Keep reading to learn more about the steps to become a nurse in Switzerland.
How to Become a Nurse in Switzerland
Step 1. Research for Swiss Universities Offering Nursing Courses or Programs
Several Swiss universities of applied sciences offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing. When choosing a university, consider the location, fees, study mode, admission requirements, and language of instruction. Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. In higher education, the language of instruction is usually the language used in the region where the institution is located, so nursing programs are commonly taught in German, French, or Italian.
For more information about Swiss universities with nursing courses or programs, please see Nursing Schools in Switzerland.
Step 2. Meet the Language Requirements of Studying Nursing in Switzerland
Language proficiency is essential for studying and working as a nurse in Switzerland. Admission requirements vary by institution, but students generally need strong knowledge of the program’s language of instruction. For example, nursing programs may be offered in German, French, or Italian, depending on the region and school.
Language proficiency is also required for foreign-trained nurses seeking recognition of their qualifications. The Swiss Red Cross accepts German B2, French B2, or Italian B2 language certificates for the recognition process, and the certificate may be issued abroad.
Step 3. Finish a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Obtain a Diploma
There are different nursing programs for students who want to become nurses in Switzerland. Please see Step 1 for information on universities offering nursing courses in the country.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing commonly requires 180 ECTS credits. Full-time programs usually take three years, while part-time options vary by institution. For example, Bern University of Applied Sciences lists its Bachelor of Science in Nursing as six semesters full-time or seven to twelve semesters part-time, while SUPSI lists its nursing bachelor’s degree as three years full-time or four to five years part-time.
Step 4. For International Students, Finish a Nursing Course and Training in Your Home Country and Obtain a Nursing Professional License
Foreign-trained nurses who wish to become a nurse in Switzerland generally need to prove that they completed recognized nursing education and are entitled to practice the profession in the country where they were trained or last worked.
As part of the recognition process, the Swiss Red Cross may require a Certificate of Current Professional Status or Letter of Good Standing. This document confirms that the applicant is entitled to practice the profession and has not been permanently or temporarily barred from doing so.
Step 5. Get Your Credentials Checked by the Swiss Red Cross
Foreign-trained nurses must have their qualifications recognized before working in a regulated healthcare profession in Switzerland. The Swiss Red Cross is the competent body for recognizing foreign qualifications in nursing and several other healthcare professions.
The recognition process starts with the Swiss Red Cross PreCheck. After reviewing the PreCheck, the Swiss Red Cross informs applicants whether they can proceed to the recognition procedure and what documents they need to submit.
Step 6. Check Requirements to the Swiss Red Cross Website
All current requirements should be checked on the Swiss Red Cross website. The first step is the PreCheck, which is compulsory and free of charge. To begin, create an account on the PreCheck page of the Swiss Red Cross. After submitting the required PreCheck documents, processing takes a maximum of four weeks. Applicants then receive either a positive or negative result through the PreCheck portal. If the result is positive, the applicant may proceed with the recognition procedure and request the necessary application documents. If the result is negative, the Swiss Red Cross will provide information about other possible options.
For further information, please visit the Swiss Red Cross website.
Step 7. Prepare All Needed Documents
After a positive PreCheck, follow the Swiss Red Cross instructions for submitting the recognition request. The recognition procedure starts only after the Swiss Red Cross has received the complete application dossier and the invoice has been paid. Required documents vary by case, but the Swiss Red Cross specifically notes that applicants may need to submit documents such as:
- Certificate of Current Professional Status / Letter of Good Standing
- Proof that the applicant is entitled to practice the profession
- Nursing diploma or qualification documents
- Other documents requested in the recognition application
Step 8. Pay All Necessary Fees
Applicants must pay the required recognition fee before the Swiss Red Cross can proceed with the application. The current Swiss Red Cross fee is CHF 550 if the nursing or midwifery degree is listed in Annex V of EU Directive 2005/36/EC for the relevant country. If no compensatory measures are required, the fee is CHF 930. If compensatory measures are required, the fee is CHF 1,000. Depending on the profession, an additional CHF 130 may be charged for registration in GesReg / NAREG, the National Register of Healthcare Professions. Additional costs may also apply for compensatory measures.
Step 9. Wait for the Feedback or Result of Your Application
After the Swiss Red Cross receives the complete application dossier and payment, the recognition procedure begins. The Swiss Red Cross states that the PreCheck result takes a maximum of four weeks, and the application for recognition takes a maximum of four months until the first decision is made. Processing may take longer if documents are missing or compensatory measures are required.
Step 10. Ensure the Recognition of Your Credentials
After reviewing the application, the Swiss Red Cross issues a preliminary decision. The decision may confirm that the qualification is recognized, or it may require the applicant to complete compensatory measures before recognition can be granted.
The compensatory measures may include the following:
- Adaptation course
- Additional training in the professional field of nursing
- Aptitude test
The recognition procedure will take longer if compensatory measures are required. These measures may also involve additional costs, which are billed directly by the providers of the compensatory measures.
Step 11. Get Ready to Work in Switzerland
Once the applicant’s qualification has been recognized, he or she can begin applying for nursing roles in Switzerland. Foreign nationals must also make sure they meet Swiss immigration and work authorization requirements. Non-EU/EFTA nationals generally need a work permit, and Swiss authorities state that only qualified non-EU/EFTA nationals, such as specialists or university graduates with several years of professional experience, may work in Switzerland.
FAQs: How to Become a Nurse in Switzerland
How Much Are Nurses Paid in Switzerland?
Nurse salaries in Switzerland vary depending on canton, employer, experience, qualifications, and specialty. According to jobs.ch salary data, a full-time nurse in Switzerland earns an average gross salary of about CHF 79,300 per year, including bonuses and the 13th salary. The same source lists an average of about CHF 73,029 for nurses with 0–2 years of experience and about CHF 88,391 for nurses with more than 21 years of experience.
Becoming a nurse in Switzerland requires education, training, language preparation, recognition of foreign qualifications where applicable, and the proper work authorization. However, nursing in Switzerland can offer strong career opportunities in a well-developed healthcare system. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare in Switzerland, be sure to check out our article on the steps to become a doctor in Switzerland as well.
We hope that you found this article on the steps to become a nurse in Switzerland informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
