In Austria the nursing profession is structured by law into three levels: nursing assistant (Pflegeassistenz, PA), nursing specialist assistant (Pflegefachassistenz, PFA) and registered nurse (diplomierte Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege, DGKP). They differ in training length, responsibility and scope of practice. This guide gives you a clear overview — the exact competencies and training hours are set by the Health and Nursing Care Act (GuKG).
Key takeaways
- Nursing in Austria has three legally regulated levels: PA, PFA and DGKP.
- As the level rises, so do training length, autonomy and scope of practice.
- The legal basis for all three roles is the Health and Nursing Care Act (GuKG).
- You can move up from PA to PFA and on to DGKP via follow-on or bridging training.
The three levels at a glance
The Austrian nursing system distinguishes three roles that build on one another. The nursing assistant (PA) carries out basic nursing tasks, the nursing specialist assistant (PFA) an expanded set of tasks, and the registered nurse (DGKP) holds the highest professional responsibility.
- Nursing assistant (PA): basic care, works under guidance and in a supporting role.
- Nursing specialist assistant (PFA): expanded scope, more independent tasks.
- Registered nurse (DGKP): autonomous care, the nursing process and supervision.
Regulated by law
Which tasks belong to which level is set out in the GuKG. The exact boundaries can change through amendments — always check the current version for binding details.
Nursing assistant (PA)
The nursing assistant role is the entry point into the profession. The training is the shortest of the three levels and is offered at nursing schools. PA staff work in the interdisciplinary team and support basic care.
The scope typically includes support with personal hygiene, mobilisation and nutrition, as well as observing the patient’s condition. Certain tasks are performed under guidance or together with more highly qualified staff.
A good starting point
The PA training is often the fastest route into nursing and a solid basis for later moving up to PFA or DGKP.
Nursing specialist assistant (PFA)
The nursing specialist assistant builds on the PA and involves longer, more extensive training. PFA staff take on an expanded scope and may carry out certain tasks more independently than nursing assistants.
Depending on the legal framework and medical or nursing instructions, this can include performing standardised nursing measures, assisting with diagnostics and therapy, and independent documentation. The exact scope follows from the GuKG.
Registered nurse (DGKP)
The registered nurse (DGKP) is the highest of the three levels. Training today is mostly a bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences; previously it was completed as a diploma at nursing schools.
DGKP hold autonomous responsibility for the nursing process: they assess care needs, plan, deliver and evaluate care. They also supervise PA and PFA staff and take on tasks in the co-responsible and interdisciplinary areas.
Highest responsibility
The DGKP is the central role in the nursing process. The exact scope — for example in the co-responsible area of practice — is set out in detail in the GuKG.
Which level fits — and how to move up
Which qualification suits you depends on your goals, the time you have and your prior education. Many start with the PA and build on it later. The path upward is deliberately designed to be permeable.
- 1
Start with the PA
The shortest training, ideal for a quick entry into the profession and first hands-on experience.
- 2
Build up to PFA
Through follow-on or bridging training you expand your scope of practice.
- 3
On to DGKP
With the bachelor’s degree (or creditable prior learning) you reach the highest level and full nursing responsibility.
No guarantee
Training paths, credit transfers and entry requirements can change and differ by provider. For binding information, rely on the training institutions and the competent bodies (e.g. the federal state, university of applied sciences).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PA, PFA and DGKP?
The three levels differ in training length, autonomy and scope of practice. The nursing assistant (PA) performs basic tasks under guidance, the nursing specialist assistant (PFA) an expanded scope, and the registered nurse (DGKP) holds autonomous responsibility for the nursing process.
Which training is the shortest?
The nursing assistant (PA) has the shortest training and is therefore often the fastest way into nursing. PFA and DGKP take longer because they cover a larger scope of practice and responsibility. The exact duration is set by the GuKG.
Can I move up from nursing assistant to DGKP?
Yes, the Austrian system is permeable. Through follow-on or bridging training you can move from PA to PFA and on to DGKP (bachelor’s degree). Whether and how much is credited is something you clarify with the respective training institution.
Where is the scope of practice regulated?
The tasks and competencies of all three nursing roles are set out in the Health and Nursing Care Act (GuKG). Because the law can change through amendments, always use the current version or official sources for binding details.
