MTR Program: Recognition as an MTR in Germany

Welcome

Your profession is needed in Germany

As an MT-R, you are in high demand in hospitals, radiology practices, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. To be able to work here, your foreign training must be recognized. We show you exactly how to do it — and we handle the paperwork with you. Fairly, transparently, and free of charge for you.

Why MyGermanWay?

Our own AZAV academy

Specialist language and MT-R Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge examination) preparation hand in hand — online and eligible for funding.

Guided recognition

We submit the application with you and support you through the Defizitbescheid (deficit notice) and beyond.

Both paths possible

Knowledge examination or adaptation course — we find the path that fits your notice.

Fair placement

Positions at reputable centers with clear, legally sound contracts.

No hidden costs

All services are regulated and transparent — free of charge for you.

Personal support

Dedicated points of contact for your questions — even after you start working.

The path to recognition — stage by stage

This is your path as an MT-R to Germany. The timelines shown are typical guideline values — your actual duration depends on your prior knowledge, your country of origin, and your deficit notice.

Application and document review a few days

You register online on our platform and upload your qualifications. We review your training and advise you on your individual path.

German up to level B2 approx. 6–12 months

Online German course in your country of origin up to level B2. This is the basic language requirement for the work permit. The duration depends on your prior knowledge.

Specialist language MT-R (Fachsprachkurs) approx. 13 weeks

Medical language specific to everyday work in radiology: communication with the patient, handover within the team, documentation, and safety. In many federal states there is a Fachsprachenprüfung (specialist language exam) afterward.

Submit the application and Defizitbescheid approx. 3–4 months

The competent authority compares your training with the German MT-R training. The result — the Defizitbescheid (deficit notice) — indicates the differences you still need to make up.

Visa and entry to Germany approx. 1–3 months

For professionals from outside the EU: with the contract and the notice, we help you with the visa and organize your arrival. For EU/EEA citizens this step does not apply.

Obtaining recognition: knowledge examination, adaptation course, or aptitude test (EU) Exam preparation approx. 20 weeks · Adaptation course approx. 3–12 months

Now you make up the differences from your notice. Which path applies to you is shown in the following section. For the knowledge examination we prepare you at our AZAV Academy.

Work permit and start as an MT-R after passing

After passing successfully, you receive your work permit or professional title and start as a recognized MT-R in Germany. We also support you as you integrate into the team.

Two paths — depending on where you come from

After the recognition procedure there are two possible paths to make up the differences that were identified. Which one applies to you depends on whether your training was completed in an EU/EEA country or outside the EU (a third country).

Outside the EU / third country

Knowledge examination or adaptation course

Your training is compared in full with the German training. To make up the deficits, you generally choose between two paths:

Knowledge examination (Kenntnisprüfung): a state examination covering the contents of the German MT-R training. We prepare you specifically over about 20 weeks.
Adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang): a practical adaptation phase at a center, to acquire the missing competencies directly in everyday work (duration according to the deficit notice).

EU / EEA

Aptitude test or adaptation course

For training from the EU/EEA, the facilitated recognition under European Directive 2005/36/EC applies. Only in the case of substantial differences do you choose between:

Aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung): a specific examination limited solely to the differences identified — not to the entire training.
Adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang): a practical adaptation phase at a center (duration according to the notice).

In brief: the most important terms

Specialist language (Fachsprachkurs) — Medical language specific to MT-R: communication in everyday radiology work, building on the general B2 level.

Recognition (Anerkennung) — The official comparison of your foreign training with the German MT-R training by the competent authority.

Defizitbescheid — The result of the recognition procedure. It indicates exactly the differences you still need to make up.

Knowledge examination (Kenntnisprüfung, KP) — A state examination covering the contents of the German MT-R training. The usual path for professionals from outside the EU.

Aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) — A specific examination covering only the differences identified. The path for professionals from the EU/EEA.

Adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang) — A practical adaptation phase at a center, to acquire the missing competencies in everyday work. An alternative to the examination.

Work permit / professional title (Berufserlaubnis) — The official permission to work in Germany as an MT-R. You receive it after passing the process.

And how long does it take in total?

It depends heavily on your starting point — above all on your German level and your deficit notice. As a rough guide:

Language and specialist language: approx. 8–15 months Application and visa: approx. 4–7 months Knowledge examination: preparation approx. 20 weeks Adaptation course: approx. 3–12 months

These timelines are guidelines and not a guarantee — we plan a realistic, personal roadmap together with you.

Working as an MT-R in Germany — your path to recognition