Glossary - H

German: Heilberuf

Individuals in a medical profession take care of the health of people and animals. 

Medical professions belong to the regulated professions. Those wishing to practise a medical profession in Germany require either approbation or authorisation to use the relevant professional title. The requirements for this are legally regulated training or an academic degree. 

• For certain medical professions in Germany, approbation is required in order to be allowed to practise the profession without restriction. This applies to the following professions: doctor of medicine, veterinary surgeon, dentist and psychotherapist.
• In some professions, the professional title is protected. In these cases, an individual is not permitted to use the professional title without official authorisation. This applies, for example, to physiotherapist, general nurse, midwife and speech therapist.

A summary of all medical professions is available here:

Summary of all medical professions

German: Gesundheitsberuf

The term “Healthcare occupations” refers to all professions in which a person is cared for or receives medical assistance. They involve a multitude of professional activities and tasks. These professions are governed differently under the law, and certain prerequisites are in place regarding access to professions and within the recognition procedure. However, in almost all cases a recognition procedure must be completed.

Individuals in a healthcare occupation take care of the health of other people.

Healthcare occupations include academic and non-academic medical professions. For example:

• Medical practitioner
• Optician
• Dental technician