Early Life Care
Program structure & Content
Overview
The Early Life Care university program, a collaboration between Paracelsus Medical Private University and St. Virgil Salzburg, is a unique, part-time educational offering in Europe.
The program’s aim is to cultivate and exchange specialized, multiprofessional expertise, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and equip participants for leadership roles in the development and enhancement of comprehensive support, counseling, and treatment services.
Important details at a glance
Professionals from all fields involved in early intervention related to pregnancy, birth, and the early years of life, study together over seven semesters. This shared, interprofessional learning experience is invaluable for fostering effective collaboration in daily professional practice.
The program is structured in two levels:
Level I, the four-semester Basic Program, leads to the qualification "Certified Expert in Early Life Care" and can be taken independently as a professional development course.
The three-semester Advanced Program (Level II) is available to graduates of Level I who hold an academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent). The curriculum for Level II was revised in 2024 and is currently under review. Enrollment for this level will open at a later date, following approval and official listing with the Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research (BMBWF).
Duration and scope
The Early Life Care university program is designed as a part-time, seven-semester course (with the basic program covering four semesters and the advanced program three semesters), totaling 720 instructional hours and 120 ECTS credits.
Level I
The basic program spans four semesters, including 460 instructional hours and 60 ECTS credits, along with a 160-hour external internship.
Level II
The advanced program covers three semesters with a total of 240 instructional hours and 60 ECTS credits. The curriculum was revised in 2024 and is currently under review. Enrollment for this level will open at a later date, following official approval and listing by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research (BMBWF).
Enrollment for Levels I and II
Enrollment at the PMU is required for Level I and Level II.
The program is delivered progressively, in closed-group, 3-day block sessions. Each level culminates in a corresponding qualification.
Due to the 2021 University Act Amendment, entry into Level II (Advanced Program/Master’s level) requires an academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent).