Profile
The many changes taking place within our society demand a profound change in the organization and provision of healthcare. The primary objective of this degree is to produce competent healthcare professionals who are able to act on the decisions they have made. In addition to acquiring the most up-to-date academic knowledge, skills such as self-reflection and independent lifelong learning are conveyed while emphasizing the link between theory and practice. The combination of research, tuition, theory and practice gives the healthcare professional a solid scientific basis. This enables up-to-date patient care and adheres to the stipulations listed in the Austrian Health and Nursing Law, that healthcare provided be based on only the latest scientific findings.
Great emphasis is placed on an interdisciplinary approach in all activities. The Institute of Nursing Sciences’ integration in the Paracelsus Medical University has already facilitated strong cooperation in research between both medical and healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals mutually benefit from this in everyday practice. Moreover, through the alliance with the University Clinic, newly acquired scientific knowledge can be implemented immediately in healthcare.
Internationality is a further important factor, which underlies all our targets and challenges. We serve as a link between the Austrian and international institutions of healthcare.
Being a part of the Paracelsus Medical University, the Institute of Nursing Sciences follows the same principles.
The Institute of Nursing Sciences is committed to the following with regard to values and standards:
- The patient’s needs come first. We impart to our open-minded and passionate students,
graduates and scientists that they base their actions firmly on this tenet and engage in lifelong learning. - Focus on student needs, as we consider students as partners and future colleagues, whom we value as equals. Together we engage in the development of medical expertise and research.
- An internationally-oriented course which promotes strengths, talents and creativity of interested and discerning students.
- Development of open-minded, passionate and socially skilled healthcare professionals who place the patient’s needs at the center of their activities and engage in lifelong learning.
- An intellectually stimulating environment in which students and healthcare professionals continue to develop holistic health care for the welfare of humankind and find new ways to implement it.
- Continuous renewal of our syllabus in keeping with changes in society and the requirements of a modern healthcare system.
- Communication of cultural sensitivity and gender awareness in scientific work, which is increasingly important globalized world.
From the very start the Degree Course in Nursing Sciences focuses on the fields of gerontology, mental health and pediatrics. Our goal is to provide tuition and research for the benefit of healthcare professionals and patients and to ensure that the latest developments are implemented.
Accordingly, the bachelor degree focuses on the exchange of knowledge between theory and practice.
The ensuing masters degree places special emphasis on research skills and knowledge pursuant to both national and international requirements in the nursing sciences. How this knowledge can be adapted and further developed to meet Austrian demands is of central importance.
"Competence-based education":
Acquiring knowledge to implement it in practice. This didactic approach develops the students’ personal and professional skills.
Student mentoring:
Focuses entirely on the student. Teaching staff should not only convey knowledge but should also mentor their students in attaining the required skills and competences.
Competences gained: include
- interdisciplinary knowledge
- professional skills in the selected specialist areas
- basic skills in pedagogy and quality management
- scientific methods
- social skills (especially communication, critical thinking and conflict management)
- professional skills for interdisciplinary medicine
- ethical awareness
Practically oriented training:
Improves the exchange of knowledge between theory and practice. This includes a 4-week internship during the bachelor degree. Here concrete issues are addressed in up-to-date projects and case simulations. Practical experience is also gained in the field of nursing.
Experience abroad:
Is gained through internships to foreign institutions during both the bachelor and masters degrees.
Study and work:
Fridays and weekends are kept free of lectures for self-study. There is a total of 10 weeks holiday. It is possible to have a part-time job.
