A festive welcome in Krems marked the beginning of an important new chapter in the lives of 41 young Vietnamese women and men: they are the first group of the nursing assistant training programme launched by the International Nursing Center (INC) – a subsidiary of IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems – in collaboration with the University of Hanoi, the Health Agency of Lower Austria - NÖ Landesgesundheitsagentur (LGA) - and the State of Lower Austria - Land Niederösterreich.
Press
Welcome to Krems: Vietnamese nursing trainees start their future in Lower Austria
Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister personally welcomed the future nursing professionals and wished them every success in starting their training. The participants had prepared intensively for their stay, in particular by taking comprehensive German courses in Vietnam.
A bridge between Vietnam and Lower Austria
In view of demographic change and the growing demand for nursing staff, the Lower Austrian healthcare system is facing major challenges. The “International Nursing Center” is an innovative project that prepares young people from Vietnam not only linguistically, but also culturally and professionally for a career in the nursing sector in Austria.
“Our cooperation demonstrates impressively how international collaboration can help to overcome pressing challenges. With this project, we are building a bridge between Vietnam and Lower Austria – a bridge that offers young people career prospects while sustainably strengthening our healthcare system,” emphasises Ulrike Prommer, CEO of IMC Krems.
A milestone in nursing education
After intensive language training at the University of Hanoi, the students are now beginning their practice-oriented learning programme at IMC Krems. Classes are held both on the premises in Piaristengasse and in the state-of-the-art health labs on campus.
In the one-year training programme for nursing assistance, which is conducted entirely in German, participants acquire in-depth knowledge. The focus is on practical learning: in addition to the theoretical training, they complete internships in the nursing and care facilities of the Health Agency of Lower Austria. They already have a binding offer of a job opportunity upon completion of their training.
“The motivation and commitment of these young people from Vietnam is impressive. They not only have the desire to work in Austria, but also a remarkable eagerness to embrace our language, culture and values. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” emphasises Markus Golla, authorised signatory of the INC and head of the Institute for Nursing Science at IMC Krems.
Why Vietnam?
The approach of this project differs fundamentally from conventional recruitment programmes: instead of merely headhunting nursing staff from abroad, participants receive comprehensive training and targeted preparation for Austrian standards. This model follows the ethical guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN), which emphasise that professionals should be trained sustainably and locally, without weakening the health systems of their countries of origin.
“It is a great pleasure for me to welcome the first Vietnamese nursing trainees to Lower Austria today. Their commitment to this important profession and intercultural cooperation are an important step for the nursing industry and our society. I wish you much success on your journey and look forward to the valuable experiences we will share,” said Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, Provincial Councillor for Social Affairs.
“The NÖ LGA is not only a practice partner, but also a future employer. We are convinced of the high quality of the training at the International Nursing Center and contribute to it through our comprehensive practical training programme. We will provide internships in long-term and acute care over the next two years. This will enable us to ensure that our new colleagues work in our healthcare facilities at an early stage – particularly in the Weinviertel, Waldviertel and Thermenregion regions – and get to know their future workplace in practice,” explains Elisabeth Bräutigam, Chairwoman of NÖ LGA.
Future prospects
After successfully completing the training, participants look forward to a secure professional future in the care and support centres of the Health Agency of Lower Austria.
“We have a real win-win situation here: these young people are pursuing their dream, while we are gaining qualified and highly motivated nursing staff who are urgently needed and filling a gap that we could not close with local professionals alone,” Golla sums up.
A model for future success
The International Nursing Center project is a prime example of the power of international educational cooperation. A total of 150 people will be trained under this programme. The next group is expected in April 2025, followed by another in 2026. In addition, further joint initiatives are already being explored, for example in the area of advanced nursing practices and prevention.