Pflegehelferkurs Schweiz: Ausbildung & Weiterbildung in der Pflege

The care assistant course (also called SRC Care Assistant) is a low-threshold training programme that enables entry into care, entirely without prior training in healthcare. The course is offered by the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) and is recognised throughout Switzerland.

Key facts about the care assistant course:

• Duration: Approximately 120 hours (theory and practice), spread over approx. 15-20 course days.
• Requirements: Minimum age 18 years, good German language skills (level B1), physical and mental resilience. No prior training is required.
• Content: Basic care, personal hygiene, mobilisation, nutrition, communication with patients and family members, dealing with dementia, hygiene, and safety.
• Internship: Many courses include a supervised internship in a residential or nursing home.
• Qualification: 'SRC Care Assistant' certificate, recognised throughout Switzerland in residential and nursing homes as well as Spitex organisations.

You can complete the care assistant course at various locations in Switzerland:

• SRC cantonal associations: The main providers. Almost every canton offers the course several times a year. Courses often take place in the evenings or on Saturdays, so they can be attended alongside work.
• Private educational institutions: Various private schools offer comparable care assistant courses. Make sure the course is recognised by the SRC.

Costs: The care assistant course costs between CHF 2,000 and CHF 3,500 depending on the provider and canton. Many cantons offer subsidies or grants, particularly for people who are reorienting their careers or already working in care.

Tip: Contact your cantonal SRC association for the next course date and any available discounts. Some employers in the care sector cover the course costs in full or in part.

The care professions in Switzerland are wide-ranging. The following overview shows the key levels:

The care assistant course is particularly suitable for career changers, family caregivers who want to deepen their knowledge, and anyone who wants to enter the care sector quickly.

After the care assistant course, various further training paths are open to you:

• Shortened apprenticeship AGS or FaGe: With the care assistant certificate and practical experience, you can complete a shortened vocational training as a Health and Social Care Assistant (2 years) or Healthcare Assistant (3 years).
• SRC specialisation courses: Palliative care, dementia, kinaesthetics, or validation; the SRC offers numerous advanced courses for care assistants.
• Higher professional college (HF): Via the path FaGe + vocational baccalaureate, you can pursue training as a registered nurse HF or FH.
• CAS/MAS programmes: For nursing professionals with HF or FH qualifications, there are advanced certificate and master's programmes in areas such as gerontology, palliative care, or care management.

The care sector offers excellent career opportunities: the skills shortage in Switzerland ensures high demand for qualified nursing professionals at all levels.

Have you completed the care assistant course or are you already working in care and looking for a new challenge? At pfleg.ch you can find current open positions in care, from Spitex to residential and nursing homes to private family caregiving.

Care assistants are in high demand in Switzerland. Typical employers are residential and nursing homes, Spitex organisations, hospitals, and private care agencies. Salaries for care assistants range between CHF 3,800 and CHF 4,800 gross per month for full-time work, depending on the canton and employer.