11 - Austria - Curriculum

Paramedical colleges:

A general survey of the different branches is given in the following:

The training of physiotherapists comprises a total of 2,524 hours of theoretical and 2,000 hours of practical training.

The training of medical laboratory technicians comprises a total of 1,835 hours of theoretical and 2,300 hours of practical training.

The training of radiologic technicians comprises a total of 1,905 hours of theoretical and 2,700 hours of practical training.

The training of dieticians and nutritional counsellors comprises a total of 2,195 hours of theoretical and 2,280 hours of practical training.

The training of ergotherapists comprises a total of 2,115 hours of theoretical and 2,400 hours of practical training.

The training of logopaedists/ phoniatricians/ audiologists comprises a total of 2,285 hours of theoretical and 1,800 hours of practical training.

The training of orthopticians comprises a total of 1,615 hours of theoretical and 2,780 hours of practical training.

Recommended curricula for formal training for the higher-level paramedical professions were developed by the Austrian Federal Institute for Health Care.

Midwifery colleges

The training of midwives comprises a total of 1,530 hours of theoretical instruction and 3,250 hours of practical instruction.

A recommended curriculum for the formal training of midwives was developed by the Austrian Federal Institute for Health Care.

Training for cardiology technicians

Cardiology technicians receive their 18-month-training within the framework of a working relationship with a hospital. Theoretical knowledge is acquired on the basis of self-study which takes place under the guidance of certified cardiology technicians and doctors who work in related fields. Students are responsible for independently studying teaching materials and relevant literature, which are provided by designated teaching staff. Their practical education includes training in various fields which are specified in a so-called "Rasterzeugnis" (a document which lists all subjects that are part of cardiology technicians’ training and confirms students’ successful participation). Cardiology technicians have to be trained at authorised training hospitals under the guidance of designated hospital staff.

Universities

Like previous university reforms, the 2002 Universities Act reflects continued efforts at decentralisation. Curricula are developed by "curricular commissions" which are set up by the senate. In accordance with the European credit transfer system, the time and work students have to invest in their studies is now generally specified by ECTS points (minimum duration).

The law prescribes only a minimum time for the completion of studies. For bachelor's studies, this means at least six semesters (180 ECTS points) for all fields of study, and for the following master's study programmes, four semesters (at least 120 ECTS points). For the majority of diploma programmes, the duration of studies is eight semesters. It may, however, reach up to twelve and more semesters. As a rule, many students take more than the prescribed minimum time to complete their studies.

A post-graduate doctoral study course is designed first and foremost to give an academically oriented education. Most of the doctoral study courses are organised on interdisciplinary lines (e.g. sciences). The doctoral study course for arts university graduates is partly run in cooperation with an academic university. In addition to traditional doctoral degree programmes (120 ECTS points minimum), the 2002 Universities Act introduced PhD programmes which require at least 240 ECTS points. Doctoral studies of a minimum of three years duration have been agreed and are to be implemented by all universities from 2009/10. In this context, recommendations and conclusions on 'Doctoral Studies in the European Knowledge Society' were developed as part of the Bologna process.

Curricula for "Universitätslehrgänge" (non-degree university programmes) based on the branches of study are developed by curricula commissions and have to be authorised by the senate.

University for Further Education and Training

The curricula for the courses held at the University for Further Education and Training (Donau-Universität Krems) are designed by the institution itself.

Fachhochschulen

The curricula of Fachhochschulen are exclusively determined by their providers. Usually, they are developed by expert committees and accredited by the Fachhochschule Council. The time input for studies is specified in the "Fachhochschul-Studiengesetz" (Federal Law on Fachhochschule Studies) in ECTS points. Fachhochschule bachelor's programmes have been assigned 180 ECTS points, Fachhochschule master's programmes 60-120 ECTS points and Fachhochschule diploma study programmes 240-300 ECTS points.

Universität Graz
Universitätsplatz 3, 8010 Graz
Tel.:(0316) 380-0
Website:  http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at

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