Study Medicine Abroad
Medical professions are extremely popular in Germany. Doctors
traditionally have a high reputation for treating diseases and relieving
pain. No wonder many dream of becoming a doctor. Anyone who decides to
make the dream a reality must first complete a time-consuming and
learning-intensive course.
The
students have the choice of whether they would like to work as human or
dental medicine or treat animals as veterinary surgeons. In addition to
these classic medical courses, there have also been courses in
complementary medicine for some time. They offer alternative
practitioners, pharmacists and doctors an insight into alternative
healing methods. In the broader sense, the pharmacy course also belongs
to the medical fields of study.
The way to the doctor
The professional titles of doctor, dentist and veterinarian are
legally protected in Germany. Only those who complete a course of study
that is uniformly regulated nationwide will receive state recognition
(approval). The licensing regulations specify the course content. The
study of human, dental and veterinary medicine is divided into two
sections.
The pre-clinical part
The first section is called preclinical and serves to convey the
medical and scientific foundations on which the further studies are
based. To this end, the students first attend seminars and lectures in
the classic subjects of the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry
or physics. The students need the knowledge acquired here to pass the so
- called pre - physics course.
Subsequently, subjects such as anatomy or physiology are on the
curriculum. This is about the physical structure of people or animals
and what processes take place in the body. Prospective dentists also
attend courses on the basics of dental technology. After four or five
semesters (in the study of dentistry), the first stage of study ends
with a standard period of study with the first section of the medical
examination, also called the physics.
The clinical part
In the clinical part of the course, students learn to diagnose
diseases and treat them appropriately. In addition to theoretical
lessons, internships and practical phases are also on the curriculum.
The students look over the shoulders of practicing doctors and treat
first patients under supervision. This second stage of study concludes
with the second stage of the medical examination, the so-called hammer
exam.
Those who pass the dreaded second section of the medical examination
will receive the license to practice medicine. Veterinarians now have
the opportunity to work directly in an animal clinic or to open their
own practice. Dentists have to work as employees in a dental clinic or
dental practice for at least two years before they can become
self-employed. Human physicians are even required to complete specialist
training for five to seven years before opening their own practice. For
the title Dr. med. in order to obtain it, the physicians must also
complete a doctoral thesis. Some students are already writing this in
parallel to the clinical section. Otherwise, the graduates complete a
doctoral degree.
Studying pharmacy
The professional title of pharmacist is also legally protected in
Germany. The course is as strictly regulated as that of the medical
profession. In terms of its structure, it is similar to studying
medicine : in the first four semesters, students learn the theoretical
basics they need for further studies. The curriculum includes subjects
such as biology and chemistry, and the students also learn about various
medicinal plants and active ingredients and gain initial insights into
practice.
The first state examination follows before the main semester begins
after the fourth semester. In the main course, students learn how the
medicines are composed, how individual ingredients work and which
medicines best treat patients. This second stage of study ends with the
second state examination. After that, the students complete a practical
year, at the end of which the third state examination, the so-called
pharmacist's exam. With the third state examination in their pocket, the
graduates receive the state license.
In contrast to the classic medical courses, the programs in the field
of complementary medicine are not subject to any state regulation. With
a sole degree in complementary medicine, it is therefore not possible to
practice as a doctor in Germany.
The study programs are aimed rather at trained alternative
practitioners, physiotherapists, pharmacists and doctors who want to
deepen their knowledge in the field of alternative healing methods. For
this group of people, the degree is a valuable additional qualification.
Since many of the students are already working here, many of these
degree programs take place part-time. However, there are also primary
qualifying courses that impart knowledge from the field of complementary
medicine and at the same time prepare for the alternative practitioner
examination.
Requirements and admission criteria
If you are interested in studying medicine or pharmacy, you need good
grades on your Abitur certificate: most courses have an NC. This is on
average in the upper one range. Those who do not have such a good Abitur
certificate and still want to study medicine in Germany have to prepare
for several waiting semesters. The waiting time for prospective human,
dental and veterinary doctors is currently around six years. An interest
in the natural sciences is required. Prospective medical professionals
should also be able to see blood and bring properties such as
communication skills and empathy for everyday work.
Occupational fields
Most doctors work in a clinic or private practice after graduation.
Veterinarians can open their own practice immediately after completing
their studies. Medical practitioners and dentists are only allowed to do
this after they have completed their specialist training or after two
years of preparation by the health insurance company. An additional
study in the field of complementary medicine opens up new patient
groups.
The career path is also relatively clear for graduates of a pharmacy
degree: around 80 percent work later as salaried or self-employed
pharmacists. Apart from the clinics, medical practices and pharmacies,
work areas in scientific research or the pharmaceutical industry can be
considered for graduates of medical courses. Veterinarians are sometimes
employed by veterinary authorities, where they take on animal welfare
tasks or monitor meat processing companies.
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