Self-test: Is the course "Head of social and socio-medical organizations (HFP)" (formerly head of institution/head of home) the right course for me?
Test here whether a job as a manager of social and socio-medical organizations suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal higher professional examination is right for you.
Note: The titles "Head of care home" and "Head of institution in the social and socio-medical sector" were abolished in 2011 and 2023.
What does the day-to-day work of managers of social and socio-medical organizations with a federal diploma look like?
Heads of social and socio-medical organizations (HFP) (formerly heads of institutions in the social and socio-medical sector/heads of homes) can take over the management of a social and socio-medical organization/institution such as a home, sheltered workshop, day care centre/care facility or Spitex organization. They plan, manage and are responsible for all activities for children and young people, people with disabilities, the elderly and other target groups.
Management tasks also include finances and the budget, responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure and compliance with guidelines and laws. Managers of social and socio-medical organizations are appointed by the board of directors, administrative board or foundation board. They are accountable to the board for, among other things, the fulfillment of the mission (overall services, ethical guidelines and the framework conditions of the offer as well as quality) and for ensuring smooth operations (finances, human resources, marketing, infrastructure, etc.).
They also recruit new employees, train and develop them, plan their deployment and support the team leaders in their management tasks.
(Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) can vary greatly depending on the task profile/job profile and type of company).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a manager of social and socio-medical organizations (formerly an institution manager in the social and socio-medical sector)?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Here is a list for inspiration:
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: Who is the Higher Professional Examination for the Head of Social and Socio-Medical Organizations with a Federal Diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the higher professional examination for "Head of social and socio-medical organizations" (formerly head of institutions in the social and socio-medical sector/head of care homes) are suitable for
- Professionals who have personnel management functions in the social sector
- Professionals who have management functions with strategic management tasks in the social sector
- Professionals who manage a unit or an entire company in the nursing, social or socio-medical sector
- Professionals who wish to prepare for the management of a company or unit in the nursing, social or socio-medical sector
Managers of social and socio-medical organizations should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Enjoy working with people
- High social competence
- Resilience and flexibility
- Communication skills
- Assertiveness
- Critical faculties
- Organizational talent
- Leadership strength
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply for the federal diploma directly. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the social sector, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the advanced professional examination for heads of social and socio-medical organizations:
Persons who fulfill the following conditions by the time of the examination date or examination registration are admitted to the Advanced Professional Examination for Purchasing Managers:
- Federal certificate as a team leader in social and socio-medical organizations (BP), tertiary degree or equivalent qualification in social and health care and at least three years of professional experience in social and socio-medical organizations
Or
- Tertiary degree or equivalent qualification and at least 3 years of professional experience in social and socio-medical organizations and required industry knowledge
Or
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) in social and healthcare services or equivalent qualification and at least 5 years of professional experience in social or socio-medical organizations
Or
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent and at least 5 years of professional experience in social or socio-medical organizations and the required industry knowledge
And
- Three years of management experience in the social or healthcare sector at least at team management level and evidence of managing an entire division of an organization in the social or healthcare sector
As well as
- Federal certificate as a team leader in social and socio-medical organizations or proof of competence in modules* 1, 2, 3 and double module 4/5 as well as modules 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or the corresponding certificates of equivalence
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the higher specialist examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of rejection.
Note: Some schools are also prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the higher professional examination for managers of social and socio-medical organizations (formerly heads of institutions in the social and socio-medical sector/health care home managers) if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without the intention of taking an examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
* Modules:
- Module 1: Leading yourself
- Module 2: Leading others
- Module 3: Planning and ensuring team organization
- Double module 4/5: Setting goals and ensuring quality
- Module 6: Developing leadership
- Module 7: Shaping human resources; managing marketing and communication
- Module 8: Developing organization and quality
- Module 9: Managing finances and ensuring infrastructure
- Module 10: Shaping strategies
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for managers of social and socio-medical organizations, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations: Agogis, Tertianum Group, ARTISET - Verband Heime und Institutionen Schweiz, Vahs Verband für anthroposophische Heilpädagogik und Sozialtherapie, Association Spitex privée ASPS, Verband Kinderbetreuung Schweiz kibesuisse, Swiss Leaders.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the social sector, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for managers of social and socio-medical organizations, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations: Agogis, Tertianum Group, ARTISET - Verband Heime und Institutionen Schweiz, Vahs Verband für anthroposophische Heilpädagogik und Sozialtherapie, Association Spitex privée ASPS, Verband Kinderbetreuung Schweiz kibesuisse, Swiss Leaders.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the social sector, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Subject matter and content of the training
The learning content taught in the preparatory courses for the Higher Professional Examination for Managers of Social and Socio-Medical Organizations (formerly Institution Managers in the Social and Socio-Medical Sector/Home Managers) is based on the requirements of the sponsors of the federal examination: Agogis, Tertianum Group, ARTISET - Association of Swiss Homes and Institutions, Vahs Association for Anthroposophical Curative Education and Social Therapy, Association Spitex privée ASPS, Swiss Childcare Association kibesuisse, Swiss Leaders.
They are responsible for drawing up the examination regulations and periodically checking that they are up to date and of high quality.
The learning material consists of the following topics, among others:
- Goal-oriented leadership in a team
- Understanding of leadership and leadership behavior
- Teamwork: organization and quality
- Leading yourself and others
- Team development and cooperation
- Plan, implement and evaluate management tasks
- Finance and accounting
- HR/Personnel Management
- Normative and strategic management
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in the relevant field. You may find a course that suits you better. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical subject areas of heads of social and socio-medical organizations (formerly heads of institutions in the social and socio-medical sector) with a federal diploma are not your thing. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider (apart from the examination fee, which is set by the HFP sponsor). In general, the following costs must be expected for the 3-4 semester part-time course to become a manager of social and socio-medical organizations (formerly an institution manager in the social and socio-medical sector/head of a care home):
- Course feesbetween CHF 11,000 and CHF 16,000, of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
- External examination feesCHF 1,600 (as of March 2023) The examination fee is set by the sponsor of this HFP or course. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams, for example, are not included in the course fees. Additional costs must also be expected for any preliminary courses, such as in finance and accounting.
Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions will also be paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 12,600 - CHF 17,600 for the course and exam?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance. Some schools also offer discounts on course fees for early registration.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Training to become a manager of social and socio-medical organizations (formerly an institution manager in the social and socio-medical sector/head of a care home) has a modular structure with a final examination and takes 3-4 semesters, depending on the provider.
- The course is offered at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences.
- Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study. You can therefore choose the format that allows you to combine further education with your family, career and free time in the best possible way.
- Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than four semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The higher professional examination for managers of social and socio-medical organizations (formerly heads of institutions in the social and socio-medical sector/heads of care homes) is held once a year if at least 20 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise at least every two years. It is possible to take the examination in one of the three official languages German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 4 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (place and time of the examination) and the list of experts.
The higher professional examination comprises the following three examination parts (type of examination, time)
1. diploma project (written, prepared in advance)
In this part of the examination, candidates document the planning, implementation and reflection of a complex project in their organization/company. The focus should be on their own leadership role and function. Relevant specialist literature should also be referred to in this regard.
2. case study with technical discussion
On the basis of a given complex management problem in a social and socio-medical organization, the candidates develop individual proposals for solutions. They then present their individual solutions in the respective group discussions. They then develop a joint solution approach. The candidates then reflect on their contributions and the joint decision-making process from a professional and management perspective.
a) in groups of three (oral, 110 minutes)
b) in groups of two (oral, 95 minutes)
3. simulated management situation with technical discussion (oral, 90 minutes)
In this part of the examination, candidates develop a procedure for solving a given strategy-relevant problem in a social or socio-medical organization. Candidates then present this solution in the subsequent simulated interview sequence in a manner appropriate to the situation. In the subsequent technical discussion, the candidates justify their approach to the experts.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Certified Manager of Social and Sociomedical Organizations".
In French: "Directrice d'organisations sociales et médico-sociales diplômée / Directeur d'organisations sociales et médico-sociales diplômé"
In Italian: "Direttrice diplomata / Direttore diplomato d'organizzazioni sociali e medico-sociali"
In English (This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title): "Social Manager, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchanges
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams (Hereyou will find examples of exam questions to download)
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or theSponsorshipof the Höhere Fachprüfung, Agogis, Tertianum Group, ARTISET - Verband Heime und Institutionen Schweiz, Vahs Verband für anthroposophische Heilpädagogik und Sozialtherapie, Association Spitex privée ASPS, Verband Kinderbetreuung Schweiz kibesuisse, Swiss Leaders.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams (Hereyou will find examples of exam questions to download)
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or theSponsorshipof the Höhere Fachprüfung, Agogis, Tertianum Group, ARTISET - Verband Heime und Institutionen Schweiz, Vahs Verband für anthroposophische Heilpädagogik und Sozialtherapie, Association Spitex privée ASPS, Verband Kinderbetreuung Schweiz kibesuisse, Swiss Leaders. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course leading to the Federal Diploma as Head of Social and Socio-Medical Organizations (HFP) (formerly Head of Institutions in the Social and Socio-Medical Sector) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Head of social and socio-medical organizations (HFP) (formerly head of institutions in the social and socio-medical sector) is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a head of social and socio-medical organizations (HFP) (formerly head of institutions in the social and socio-medical sector) does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training to become a manager of social and socio-medical organizations is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools: