ZAG - Zentrum für Ausbildung im Gesundheitswesen Kanton Zürich

What ZAG - Zentrum für Ausbildung im Gesundheitswesen Kanton Zürich does

ZAG - Zentrum für Ausbildung im Gesundheitswesen Kanton Zürich is a publicly funded educational institution operated by the Canton of Zurich government, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, with 108 employees distributed across multiple campuses (Konradstrasse 14, Turbinenstrasse 5, Zürcherstrasse 19, Zürcherstrasse 7, plus external sports facilities at Strickhof Wülflingen). The institution delivers healthcare vocational and professional education across three divisions: vocational training (Berufslehre) covering Assistent/in Gesundheit und Soziales EBA, Dentalassistent/in EFZ, and Fachfrau/Fachmann Gesundheit EFZ (including a bilingual German-English track); higher specialist diplomas (Höhere Fachschule) in Aktivierung HF, Orthoptik HF, and Pflege HF (full-time, accelerated, and part-time modular formats); and continuing professional education including SVEB certificates, Aggressionsmanagement, Basale Stimulation, Führungskompetenzen, and MEAB modules.

The underlying technology stack centres on digital learning infrastructure rather than AI: the eZAG platform (based on OLAT) provides interactive content, online tests, and video libraries; Microsoft M365 (including Teams) is provisioned to all members; 16 dedicated learning studios equipped with simulation patients and OSCE examination stations anchor practical skills training; and the swisscovery/SLSP national library consortium provides access to 30+ million resources. Complesis manages qualification procedures and internship documentation across partner practice institutions. ZAG holds multiple Swiss quality certifications (eduQua, Quintessenz-Qualität, ZEM CES, Prädikat UND).

The business model is primarily government-funded rather than market-revenue driven. Operating budgets flow from the Canton of Zurich; students typically secure apprenticeship contracts with healthcare employers (Lehrbetrieb) before enrolling, and vocational training is heavily subsidised. Continuing education courses are fee-based with tiered pricing for canton residents versus out-of-canton participants (e.g., Aggressionsmanagement CHF 840 vs CHF 1,120; Basale Stimulation CHF 500 vs CHF 670; Führungskompetenzen CHF 1,400 vs CHF 1,850; SVEB certificate CHF 3,500). The customer base spans prospective vocational students, working healthcare professionals seeking HF advancement, employed practitioners pursuing continuing education, and adults seeking validation of prior learning, while partnerships with over 100 practice institutions — including Kantonsspital Winterthur, Clienia AG, and ZHAW — form the practical training backbone. Recent strategic positioning includes pursuit of Erasmus+ accreditation (target 2027) and adoption of the "Professional Bachelor" title suffix for HF diplomas effective October 2026.

Name

ZAG - Zentrum für Ausbildung im Gesundheitswesen Kanton Zürich

Legal name

ZAG - Zentrum für Ausbildung im Gesundheitswesen Kanton Zürich

Website

https://zag.zh.ch

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

ZAG is the Canton of Zurich's publicly funded healthcare vocational education center in Winterthur, Switzerland, delivering vocational training, higher specialist diplomas (HF), and continuing education for healthcare professionals across Berufslehre, Aktivierung HF, Orthoptik HF, and Pflege HF programs, supported by a network of 100+ practice institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Winterthur

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Vocational Education (Berufslehre): ZAG is a publicly funded educational institution under the Canton of Zurich providing vocational training for healthcare professions. Students typically have apprenticeship contracts with healthcare employers who pay them a training wage. ZAG receives government funding for its educational services.
2. Continuing Education Courses: Fee-based continuing education courses including Aggressionsmanagement (CHF 840-1120), Basale Stimulation (CHF 500-670), SVEB certificates (CHF 3500), and modular courses for adults. Prices vary by canton of residence.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

ZAG is a public educational institution under the Canton of Zurich that delivers vocational training (Berufslehre), higher specialist diplomas (Höhere Fachschule), and continuing professional education for healthcare professions. It offers programs including AGS EBA, Dental Assistant EFZ, Fachfrau/Fachmann Gesundheit EFZ, Pflege HF, Aktivierung HF, Orthoptik HF, modular adult education (MEAB), SVEB certificates, and short continuing education courses such as Aggressionsmanagement and Basale Stimulation, supported by 16 learning studios, simulation-based training, and a network of more than 100 practice institutions.

Product overview

ZAG - Zentrum für Ausbildung im Gesundheitswesen Kanton Zürich operates as a multi-program educational center offering vocational training (Berufslehre), higher specialist diplomas (Höhere Fachschule), and continuing professional education (Weiterbildung) in healthcare fields. The vocational division provides three programs: Assistent/in Gesundheit und Soziales EBA (2-year), Dentalassistent/in EFZ (3-year), and Fachfrau/Fachmann Gesundheit EFZ (3-year with bilingual option). The higher specialist school offers Aktivierung HF, Orthoptik HF, and Pflege HF (full-time, accelerated, and part-time modular formats). Continuing education includes short courses (Aggressionsmanagement, Basale Stimulation, Führungskompetenzen) and SVEB certificates for adult educators. Supporting services include a library, training facilities with simulation studios, writing consultations, and career counseling.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Assistent/in Gesundheit und Soziales EBA Two-year basic vocational education program training assistants to support people with physical, mental, or social limitations in daily life activities including medical tasks, administration, and logistics.
• Dentalassistent/in EFZ Three-year vocational training program for dental assistants covering treatment coordination, patient reception, instrument preparation, and chairside assistance during dental procedures.
• Fachfrau/Fachmann Gesundheit EFZ Three-year vocational training program for healthcare assistants covering nursing care, household and administrative tasks, with options for shortened programs for adults and bilingual (German-English) instruction.
• Modular ergänzende Allgemeinbildung (MEAB) Modular supplementary general education program for adults needing recognized general education credentials for professional certification, offering modules in language/communication and self/method/social competence.
• Aktivierung HF Three-year diploma program training activation therapists to improve quality of life for patients by promoting physical, mental, social and emotional abilities through therapeutic activities.
• Orthoptik HF Three-year diploma program training orthoptists to investigate vision disorders and amblyopia, with 40% theoretical study at ZAG and 60% practical training in healthcare facilities.
• Pflege HF (Vollzeit und Verkürzt) Three-year full-time or two-year accelerated diploma program for healthcare professionals specializing in nursing care across fields including long-term care, psychiatry, rehabilitation, somatic care, and home care.
• Pflege HF Berufsbegleitend (Modular) Part-time modular nursing diploma program allowing working professionals to study while employed, with modules that can be completed in up to four years.
• Aggressionsmanagement Weiterbildung Five-day professional development course covering aggression triggers, de-escalation techniques, team defense techniques, and ProDeMa verbal de-escalation methods, certified by NAGS.
• Basale Stimulation Seminar Three-day seminar on the Basale Stimulation concept in nursing, teaching caregivers to provide sensory experiences for people with altered perception.
• Führungskompetenzen Weiterbildung Eight-month modular continuing education program for HF/FH nursing, activation and orthoptics professionals preparing for leadership roles, with eight one-day modules and a practical leadership project.
• SVEB-Zertifikat Ausbilder/in Einzelbegleitung 14-day course leading to SVEB Certificate for training instructors in individual accompaniment of adult learners, including 85 hours supervised and 80 hours individual self-study.
• SVEB-Zertifikat Ausbilder/in Durchführung von Lernveranstaltungen 14-day course leading to SVEB Certificate for conducting learning sessions with groups of adult learners in healthcare settings.
• Vorbereitungskurs QV FaGe EFZ Preparation course for the qualification procedure exam for healthcare professionals, covering theoretical content and professional practice modules.

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Strickhof Winterthur-WülflingencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural and domestic science school providing practical training facilities for ZAG FaGe students, particularly for household and nutrition-related coursework. Located at Riedhofstrasse 62, Winterthur-Wülflingen.
• BBW Winterthur (Berufsmaturitätsschule)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational baccalaureate school where ZAG FaGe and dental assistant students attend additional BMS courses in the health and social direction.
• SZDA (Schule Zürich für Dentalassistentinnen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDental assistant school in Zurich collaborating with ZAG for professional instruction of dental assistant students in theoretical content.
• OdA Gesundheit Zürich (Organisation der Arbeitswelt Gesundheit)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry organization responsible for organizing inter-company courses (üK) for FaGe and other healthcare professions. Students must register separately through OdA G for practical skills training courses.
• ComplesiscoreTechnology or IntegrationSoftware platform used by ZAG and practice institutions for managing qualifications, internship documentation, and grading. Training institutions access through login portal for practical qualification management.
• wb.zh.ch (Weiterbildung Kanton Zürich)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanton of Zurich continuing education portal linking to ZAG as an approved provider of vocational continuing education courses.
• Kantonsspital Winterthur (KSW)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor regional hospital serving as primary training institution for ZAG students, providing practical placement opportunities for FaGe, nursing HF, and other healthcare programs.
• learningbygoing.chminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization facilitating international professional internships. ZAG collaborates with them for student exchange programs, including professional internships in Vietnam.
• talentförderungplusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTalent development organization supporting ZAG international mobility projects including student internships abroad.
• Radix / Netzwerk gesundheitsfördernder SchulenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss network for health-promoting schools. ZAG is an active member and participates in the Schulnetz21 program for student and staff health promotion.
• Swiss Library Service Plattform (SLSP)coreTechnology or IntegrationNational library consortium providing ZAG students and staff access to over 30 million books, series, journals and electronic articles from 475 libraries through the swisscovery platform.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ZHAW Departement Gesundheit: Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften health department offering degree-level nursing and health programs; broader, university-level institution that overlaps with ZAG's HF portfolio and is a confirmed ZAG collaboration partner.
• Kalaidos Fachhochschule: Swiss private university of applied sciences offering health and nursing degree programs; broader, credentialed competitor for higher-segment healthcare education, though more academic than vocational.

Others

• OdA Gesundheit Zürich: Industry organization of healthcare employers coordinating inter-company courses (üK) for ZAG's FaGe and other healthcare apprentices; structural counterpart and partner, not a competing provider.
• SBK / ASI Schweizer Berufsverband der Pflegefachfrauen und Pflegefachmänner: Swiss nursing professional association that influences curriculum, credentialing, and continuing education standards for ZAG's HF nursing graduates; not a competing school but an ecosystem stakeholder shaping ZAG's competitive context.

Direct peers

• Bildungszentrum Gesundheit Basel-Stadt (BZGS): Cantonal healthcare vocational and HF training institution in Basel-Stadt offering FaGe, Pflege HF, and Aktivierung; operates a structurally identical model to ZAG but in a different canton.
• XUND Bildungszentrum: Healthcare vocational education provider in Central Switzerland delivering FaGe, Pflege HF, and continuing education; mirrors ZAG's career-ladder structure across multiple cantonal programs.
• Berner Bildungszentrum Pflege: Bern's cantonal institution for nursing vocational and HF training; comparable in mandate, structure, and program portfolio to ZAG's Berufslehre and Pflege HF offerings.
• Careum Bildungszentrum: Zurich-based healthcare vocational education institution offering Pflege HF, FaGe, and continuing education; the most direct sibling to ZAG in the same canton, competing for the same apprentice pool and HF applicants.
• Höhere Fachschule Gesundheit Zentralschweiz (HFGZ): Central Swiss specialist school for HF nursing and allied health programs; offers the same Höhere Fachschule diploma structure as ZAG's Pflege HF and Aktivierung HF.
• medi - Zentrum für medizinische Bildung: Bern-based healthcare vocational education institution offering FaGe, Pflege HF, Mütter- und Väterberatung, and dental assistance; comparable in scope and program mix to ZAG.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/zagwinterthur
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zag---zentrum-f%C3%BCr-ausbildung-im-gesundheitswesen-kanton-z%C3%BCrich

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ZAG - Zentrum für Ausbildung im Gesundheitswesen Kanton Zürich