The event focused on retrospectives, expressions of gratitude and outlooks for the future – and the certainty that the programme has become an established part of academic continuing education for nursing professions. Guests included current students, alumni, representatives from clinics, nursing facilities, associations and administration, as well as colleagues from teaching and practice. The celebration was accompanied by music from a student band from the Bachelor's programme in
‘More than just a round number’ – continuity, innovation and relevance
In her welcoming address, Prof. Dr Birgit Rösel, Vice-President for Studies and Teaching, emphasised the significance of the anniversary: ‘Ten years of nursing management at OTH Regensburg are more than just a round number – they stand for continuity, innovative strength and the relevance of academic further education in the nursing sector. The programme impressively demonstrates that part-time study and professional responsibility are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually beneficial.’
She emphasised the commitment of all those involved, from the programme directors to the teaching staff and administration to the practice partners. Looking at the more than 150 students to date, she said: ‘Our graduates are now taking on leadership roles in clinics, care facilities and educational institutions. They are the best example of how academic education strengthens and further develops nursing practice.’
OTH Regensburg took on a pioneering role
Prof. Dr. Annette Meussling-Sentpali, head of the programme, looked back on its beginnings: ten years ago, the programme was launched as one of the first part-time courses of its kind in Bavaria, initiated by a working group led by Prof. Dr. Klaudia Winkler, Prof. Dr. Christa Mohr and representatives of regional hospitals. Since then, the nursing management programme has developed into a model of success: 86 bachelor's degrees have been awarded to date, and 68 students are currently enrolled. Numerous theses have been awarded prizes.
‘When we started, the idea of qualifying nursing staff for management tasks at an academic level was still new,’ said Prof. Meussling-Sentpali. ‘Today, our nursing management programme is an established and sought-after course of study that empowers nursing professionals, connects them and opens up new career paths.’
She thanked everyone who contributed to this success story: colleagues, the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW), practice partners and employers who support students. She particularly highlighted the ‘great passion and perseverance’ of the students who balance work, study and family life.
Looking ahead: shaping nursing care in an academic and evidence-based way
The anniversary was not only an opportunity to look back, but also to look ahead: ‘Nursing care needs people who are not only professionally competent, but who also think critically, understand contexts and take responsibility. That is exactly what our degree programmes stand for,’ emphasised Meussling-Sentpali.
In addition to the part-time Bachelor's degree in Nursing Management, OTH Regensburg has also established a full-time Bachelor's degree in Nursing under the direction of Prof. Dr. Christiane Wissing. A new addition is the continuing education Bachelor's degree programme in Evidence-Based Practice Nursing for nurses with advanced training.
‘With these study programmes, we now cover a broad spectrum – from academic nursing training to scientific specialisation. Our goal is to make nursing sustainable, humane and evidence-based,’ said Meussling-Sentpali.
Insights from practice and alumni
The anniversary celebration also offered insights from different perspectives:
Susanne Arnold, Director of Nursing at Augsburg University Hospital, spoke in her keynote address about her career path, the academisation of nursing and the connection between ethics and evidence-based practice. "Nursing management is at the heart of all challenges. It creates the basis for a functioning nursing practice that is scientifically sound and at the same time people-oriented," said Arnold.
In a keynote speech, graduates Thomas Vogl and Thomas Neufanger reported on their experiences of studying while working, balancing career and family, and gaining personal and professional skills. Their message: "Standing still means falling behind; learning never stops. "
At the get-together that followed, guests, lecturers, students and alumni took the opportunity to exchange ideas and catch up – almost like a class reunion. The atmosphere was characterised by appreciation and optimism: ten years after its launch, the Nursing Management programme at OTH Regensburg can look back on a strong past and forward to an equally promising future.
Further information on the part-time Bachelor's degree in Nursing Management can be found here.
