Omsorgsfag

Omsorgsfag is a Norwegian term that refers to a group of professional disciplines focused on providing care and welfare support to people in need, including patients, families, and communities. The field encompasses health care, social care, child and youth services, and disability support, with an emphasis on helping individuals maintain independence, safety, and a good quality of life. It combines practical caregiving tasks with planning, coordination, and rehabilitation conducted in cooperation with other professionals.

Education and training in omsorgsfag typically takes place within Norway’s vocational and higher education system, and the field is embedded in the health and social care sector. Programs prepare students for work in settings such as hospitals, home-based services, elderly and disability care, and child or youth services. The curriculum blends theoretical subjects—such as basic health, ethics, communication, and law—with extensive practical training, internships, and supervised placements. The aim is to foster person-centered care, safeguarding, and ethical service delivery.

Work and roles associated with omsorgsfag span a range of environments, including municipal health and care services, residential care facilities, day centers, schools and early childhood services, and community-based programs. Typical duties include assisting with daily activities, supporting rehabilitation and mobility, coordinating with families and other professionals, monitoring well-being, and providing psychosocial support.

Professional development in the field emphasizes collaboration, ongoing learning, and adherence to professional standards and ethics. Qualifications range from vocational certificates to bachelor’s degrees, with opportunities for further specialization, advancement into supervisory or management roles, and pathways into nursing, social education, or advanced practice.