Further and continuing education – how you build on top
From skilled towards academy professional bachelor and specialisation
When you are fully trained you are far from done learning. Health care changes equipment becomes new and your own interests may pull you in new directions. Fortunately there are several paths if you want to build on your certificate.
§Further training on the job.
The most down-to-earth form of ongoing development happens while you work. This can be courses in new equipment, updating within your specialty, or shorter further training such as AMU courses that keep your skills sharp. Your industry association and your workplace are good places to ask what opportunities are available right now.
§Towards academy and further education
With a vocational education in hand you can later apply to further studies. It could be business academy or professional bachelor educations within health and technology if you meet the entry requirements. Sometimes you need to supplement with individual subjects before you meet the requirements — it is worth investigating in good time.
| Step | What it is | What it typically requires |
|---|---|---|
| Courses and adult education (AMU) | Short courses that update or expand your skills | Employment in the trade or access to the course |
| Business academy | Shorter further education | Relevant access base, possibly supplementation |
| Professional bachelor | Medium-length higher education | Entry requirements met, possibly supplemented with subjects |
§Specialization in depth
You can also choose to go deeper within your own specialty rather than switching tracks. An audiology assistant can become even more skilled at complex hearing tests and advanced fitting, while a neurophysiology assistant can specialize in certain types of measurements or monitoring. This kind of expertise is built over time through experience and targeted further education.
§Make a plan – even if it changes
You don't need to know everything in advance. But it helps to have an idea of which direction you want — whether you want to go deep into the trade, broadly towards further education, or simply keep up to date. Talk to your workplace and your study counselling and use the opportunities that come up along the way.