Studying medicine in Germany contains many barriers and challenges but also offers an outstanding opportunity for the future.
The job doctor is a job which contains a lot of responsibility and in which one has to act responsible. Therefore, there are special barriers for the application and rules what has to be taught in the studies.
Medical studies in Germany underlie certain rules as for example the Medical Licensure. This document says that “basic knowledge, skills and capabilities in all subjects” that are necessary for an extensive medical treatment of all Germans have to be taught.
Depending on this document the entrance requirement for medicine study programs is the Abitur or an equal degree from other countries. Furthermore, there is a nationwide numerus clausus, which is the average degree that has to be reached.
University places are given to students with the necessary Abitur grades from the “Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung”.
In addition to the average degree there is a third hurdle that has to be taken to get the place in the medicine program. The test for medical studies colloquially called “Medizinertest” is required from some universities. In this test knowledge, experience and general ability to study are tested. It has to be taken from the applicant at a place that is accepted from the university.
The studies itself take a minimum time of 12 terms and three months (terms in Germany last half a year) and is divided in two parts. The pre-clinical part and the clinical part. The first part gives necessary knowledge and theoretical backgrounds. The second part has its focus on the practical application. The second part also contains a one year internship, which gives insights into the stressful life of a hospital.
It is also necessary to take practical experiences in the first part, for example short internships or nursing practice.
There are two medical exams that have to be passed during the studies, both contain a written and an oral-practical part. For the medical admission and the doctor grade it is also necessary to do a graduation. This graduation lasts one to two terms in full-time studies or can also be done during the normal studies.
Because of the Bachelor and Master programs there are some differences between the programs. Some universities still keep the old system and do the studies as a whole. The two parts are done in one study program. Other universities have accepted the Bachelor and Master system and have changed their programs. The two parts can now be found in Bachelor and Master. With the Bachelor degree one is allowed to work in medical areas but not as a doctor. This change is quite new so it is not yet finally said which jobs can be done with Bachelor.
Studying medicine in Germany allows to work as a doctor in all European countries and after some practice also in every other country in the world.