10 Years of Nursing Studies in St. Pölten

One study programme, two locations: For ten years, USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten has been offering its bachelor degree programme Healthcare and Nursing^PLUS – in 2023 the Bildungscampus Mostviertel in Mauer was established as a second location. At the anniversary celebrations, congratulations were extended by, among others, Provincial Councillors Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister and Martin Antauer as well as Mayor Matthias Stadler.

For ten years now, USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten has been successfully training nursing professionals. What began in 2015 with 56 students in the first year has developed, in response to the growing demand for qualified nurses, into one of the largest degree programmes at USTP. Today, the bachelor degree programme Healthcare and Nursing^PLUS offers a total of 185 study places – at two locations.

In St. Pölten, 161 places are available each year – 41 in summer semester and 120 in winter semester. Since 2023, students have also been able to begin their studies at the Bildungscampus Mostviertel in Mauer, where 24 places are offered in winter semester. At present, around 480 students are preparing for a career in healthcare and nursing – approximately 400 in St. Pölten and about 80 in Mauer.

“Our bachelor degree programme Healthcare and Nursing^PLUS marks 10 years of successful education – a significant milestone for us. To date, we have equipped around 630 graduates with a scientifically grounded, practice-oriented education for a future-proof career in health care, and supported them on their path into professional practice. In doing so, we as a higher education institution make an important contribution to securing healthcare provision in the region while driving the innovations that the healthcare sector of tomorrow urgently needs,” says Johann Haag, Executive Director of USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten. 

Milestone for USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten

The anniversary was celebrated on 19 November 2025 in a festive setting at Campus St. Pölten, together with students, graduates, lecturers and political representatives.

“The care and nursing sector is a future industry. Life expectancy in Lower Austria is rising – on the one hand, this is a positive sign for healthcare provision, but on the other hand, it also increases the demand for care. We have therefore expanded the number of nursing study places and created regional training opportunities, from secondary school to second-chance education. The anniversary of USTP and, above all, the number of graduates and students underline the significance and strong interest in a professional field where people are at the centre more than in almost any other job,” says Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister on behalf of Lower Austrian Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.

“Ten years of nursing studies at Campus St. Pölten stand for quality, responsibility and humanity. Our graduates make an indispensable contribution to the healthcare system. Nursing is more than a profession – it is a calling that demands heart, strength and commitment. My sincere thanks go to the lecturers, the campus leadership and, above all, the graduates. Your work is needed, valued and recognised. I warmly congratulate you on this anniversary and wish you every success and joy for the future,” emphasised Provincial Councillor Martin Antauer at the anniversary celebrations.

“For ten years now, USTP has made an indispensable contribution to training highly qualified nursing professionals through the bachelor degree programme Healthcare and Nursing^PLUS – USTP’s nursing graduates are needed today more than ever. This modern, practice-oriented programme sets benchmarks in preparing students for the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare sector. Both our city and the entire region benefit from excellently trained graduates and significant research activities,” says Mayor Matthias Stadler.

Degree Programme Healthcare and Nursing^PLUS

This programme equips students with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in healthcare and nursing. Its modular structure is based on the latest scientific findings and includes teaching content on diagnostic, rehabilitative and therapeutic measures aimed at maintaining health and preventing illness.

Continuing Education Programme Preclinical Treatment and Care

Students who begin the bachelor degree programme Healthcare and Nursing^PLUS in winter semester at the Bildungscampus Mostviertel or at Campus St. Pölten can enrol in the academic continuing education programme Preclinical Treatment and Care alongside their studies. This enables them to deepen their expertise in emergency management, medical diagnostics and therapy in both clinical and preclinical settings. In addition to obtaining a professional licence in health care and nursing, they also acquire the qualifications and authorisation to work as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT).

• Study programme Healthcare and Nursing^PLUS