67 Graduates Celebrate Their Academic Achievements at the Mozarteum
At the Academic Ceremony for Nursing and Health Sciences on 2 October 2026, Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) celebrated 67 graduates from Nursing Science, Advanced Nursing Practice, Public Health, and Nursing & Allied Health Sciences at the Mozarteum Salzburg. Alongside their academic achievements, the ceremony focused on the responsibility of shaping healthcare in a changing world – and on the people who will help shape its future.
A special venue for a special milestone: On 2 October, Paracelsus Medical University celebrated the academic achievements of 67 graduates at the Mozarteum Salzburg.
Sixty graduates completed degree programmes in Nursing Science and Advanced Nursing Practice, five graduated from the Master’s programme in Public Health, and two completed the PhD programme in Nursing & Allied Health Sciences. The degrees awarded included the Online Bachelor’s programme in Nursing Science, the Master’s programme in Nursing Science, the Master’s programme in Advanced Nursing Practice, the Master’s programme in Public Health, and the PhD programme in Nursing & Allied Health Sciences.
Responsibility for the Healthcare of Tomorrow
Following a welcome by Rector Annemarie Weißenbacher, Jürgen Osterbrink, Head of the Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, addressed the graduates.
He reminded them that earning a degree marks not only the end of an educational journey, but also a new beginning. The graduates had completed demanding programmes and chosen professional fields that come with considerable responsibility. In light of staff shortages, new models of care, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, the healthcare system needs highly qualified professionals.
Yet despite all these changes, one thing remains unchanged, Osterbrink emphasised: Health is profoundly human. Trust, collaboration, human connection, respect, and empathy are essential foundations of good healthcare.
His message to the graduates: “Shape the future. Put people at the centre. And have the courage to rethink healthcare.”
Voices of the Graduates
The graduates themselves also played an active role in the ceremony. Simone Gidea delivered the pledge. Elisabeth Ackerer and Barbara Leitner shared their reflections on completing the Bachelor’s programme, while Leonhard Mehrens spoke on behalf of the Master’s programme in Nursing Science. Jennifer Gruber and Michael Würinger delivered the closing reflections for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Organist Michael Greifeneder provided the musical accompaniment. The official musical conclusion was, as tradition dictates, “Gaudeamus Igitur”, before the celebration drew to a close with a sparkling wine reception.
Paracelsus Medical University warmly congratulates all 67 graduates on their achievements and wishes them every success in their future professional and academic careers.
