According to figures released Tuesday by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), approximately 37,400 individuals successfully completed their training as a registered nurse in 2024, representing the second graduating class following the introduction of the generalized nursing education program.
The vast majority of graduates (99 percent) opted for the generalized professional designation introduced nationwide in 2020. A small fraction pursued specializations, with roughly 280 degrees awarded with a focus on pediatric and geriatric care and around 80 degrees in geriatric care.
The year also saw a significant increase in new nursing apprenticeships, with 59,400 individuals beginning their professional training. This represents a roughly nine percent rise compared to 2023, when 54,400 new contracts were issued. Overall, across all training years, a total of 146,700 people were engaged in nursing education, a slight decrease from the 146,900 recorded in 2023.
The demographic profile of new nursing apprentices reveals that half (50 percent) of those starting their training in 2024 were 21 years of age or younger. The average age of nursing apprentices was 24. Notably, a substantial 19 percent were over the age of 30, demonstrating a continued trend of career changes and later commencement of nursing education. Across all training levels, 21 percent of nursing apprentices were 30 years or older.
The majority of nursing apprentices (74 percent) were women, while men comprised 26 percent of the cohort.
Practical training, a vital component of the nursing education program, can be undertaken in hospitals, residential care facilities, or community-based care settings. In 2024, a significant proportion of graduates with newly completed training contracts (approximately 51 percent, or 30,300) gained their practical experience primarily in hospitals. Residential care facilities accounted for 35 percent (21,000), followed by community-based care settings, with a share of around 11 percent (6,700).
Regarding the type of training provider, 44 percent (26,100) of new nursing apprentices began their professional training with non-profit organizations, such as those affiliated with social, humanitarian, or religious associations. Private organizations hosted 29 percent (17,000) and public sector providers handled 25 percent (14,900) of the new trainees.
