Nursing Schools and Programs in Switzerland

Nursing Studies in Switzerland

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the nursing profession, the first step you’ll need to take is to earn a degree in the field, which can often take up to 4-5 years depending on the type of nurse you want to become.  Fortunately, there are now ways you can break up these studies a bit by participating in a study abroad program that focuses on nursing education; programs that are offered throughout the world, including many available in the beautiful country of Switzerland.
 
Officially known as the Swiss Confederation, Switzerland is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 26 distinct cantons, with the city of Bern serving as the seat of the federal authorities.  The country is located in western-central Europe, where it shares borders with Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Lichtenstein to the east.  A completely landlocked nation, Switzerland is divided geographically between the Alps, the Swiss Plateau and the Jura, encompassing a total area of nearly 16,000 square miles (41,285 sq. km).  While the Alps occupy the greater part of Swiss territory, the population of Switzerland, totaling approximately 8 million people, is concentrated mostly on the Plateau, where the largest cities are to be found. Among them are the two global cities and economic centers of Zürich and Geneva, whose influence can be seen not only in Switzerland but all over the world.
 
A highly developed country, Switzerland has the highest nominal wealth per adult (financial and non-financial assets) in the world, and the eighth largest gross domestic product (GDP).  Swiss citizens have the second-highest life expectancy in the world according to the United Nations, and for the last five years the country has enjoyed the world's highest economic and tourist competitiveness according to the Global Competitiveness Report and Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, respectively, both developed by the World Economic Forum.
 
Zürich and Geneva, two of Switzerland’s largest cities, have been ranked among cities with the highest quality of life in the world, with the former ranked second globally as of the latest polls.  Much of the reason for the country’s wealth and success can be attributed to its excellent system of education, boasting some of the finest institutions of higher learning in Europe.
 
Nursing Education in Switzerland
 
Nursing education is offered at most of the major universities throughout Switzerland at both the undergraduate (bachelor) and graduate (master’s) level.  To qualify for admission into one of the undergraduate programs, students must meet the university’s admission requirements, which may or may not entail an entrance examination of some kind.  Those pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing must possess, at minimum, a baccalaureate degree in order to be considered for admission. Once admitted, students are classified as nursing students and will be required to take approximately 240 credits over four years; credits that will split between general education classes (mathematics, composition, social sciences, etc) and nursing-specific coursework.
 
Some of the nursing-related coursework students can expect to encounter while studying for their undergraduate degree includes:
 

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemistry
• Developme ntal Psychology
• Microbiology
• Nutrit ion
• Statistics
• Medical Terminology
• Nursing Pharmacology
• And many more…

 
Students who elect to pursue a Master’s degree in nursing can focus their study program on one particular nursing specialty, such as pediatric nursing, oncology nursing, public health or nursing administration.  Master degree students are also required to develop a capstone project or Master’s thesis prior to graduation.  All nursing degree holders must take the national licensing examination in Switzerland prior to practicing nursing in a medical facility or hospital.
 
Why Study Abroad in Switzerland
 
Nicknamed the “land of the Alps,” Switzerland boasts some of the most picturesque natural scenery in the world, and its cities are highly developed and very cosmopolitan.  Students who elect to study in this beautiful country will not only be treated to a world-class education, they’ll embark on the cultural adventure of a lifetime.  When not busy in the classroom or lab, prospective nursing students will find plenty of sites and attractions to keep them busy, including, but certainly not limited to the following.
 
The Chillon Castle
 
Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. This architectural masterpiece, set in one of the most beautiful locations on earth, boasts three spacious courtyards and four immense artwork-lined halls which offer magnificent views of the lake beyond.

Zermatt

Although there are many beautiful ski resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt stands out as one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions.  One of the reasons for this is its prime location, situated at the foot of one of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps.

Geneva Jet D’eau

A fountain situated in the very heart of one of Switzerland’s most modern and popular cities, the Geneva Jet D’eau is one of the tallest fountains in the world, projecting water up to 140 meters high at certain times of the day. Built in 1891, it is generally considered to be one of the symbols of the great city of Geneva.

Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park is definitely a must-see attraction when visiting Switzerland.  The lone national park in the country, it covers nearly half of Switzerland’s total area, and features pristine forests, endless tree lines and some of the most spectacular green space in the world.  The Swiss National Park is a sanctuary for the wildlife that call this region home, species that include elks, marmots and eagles, among others.