Karnataka plans foreign language classes for nurses to tap global job market

In a bid to address the growing global demand for skilled nurses, the Karnataka government is considering introducing foreign language classes for nursing students aspiring to work abroad. German, Japanese, Italian, and English are expected to be part of the initial curriculum, aimed at bridging language barriers in international healthcare settings.

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The Karnataka Vocational Training and Skill Development Corporation (KVTSDC) will establish language labs at four centers across the state. Nursing colleges can collaborate with the corporation to enroll students in these specialized programs, officials reportedly said.

The initiative stems from requests by several countries for skilled healthcare professionals. Recently, the Italian Consul General in Bengaluru met Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, highlighting a critical shortage of nurses in Italy.

KVTSDC, a government agency dedicated to skill development and ethical recruitment, will lead the initiative. The department also plans to introduce a standard operating procedure to select eligible students for the program.

With approximately 350 nursing colleges in Karnataka, the state is poised to become a hub for globally competitive healthcare professionals. By equipping nurses with language skills and cultural training, the initiative aims to strengthen Karnataka's position as a key contributor to the global healthcare workforce.