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«Because everyone’s health is a shared responsibility, we train professionals who are up to the challenge.»
With a tradition of more than a century of nursing education and a history in osteopathy dating back to 2014, the School of Health Fribourg (Heds FR) has evolved in line with the scientific, clinical, and educational requirements of the health professions, offering high-quality undergraduate, continuing education, and postgraduate programs that meet current needs.
Located in the heart of Switzerland, Heds FR offers programs in French and bilingual programs (French-German), making bilingualism an asset for its students and partners. Applied research, innovation, and professional services are developed dynamically to help improve the quality of care.
Today, Heds FR welcomes more than 800 students across its higher education and pre-higher education programs, hundreds of participants in continuing and postgraduate education, as well as numerous collaborations with expert partners in research and innovation.
«Combining scientific rigor, clinical expertise, and a strong commitment to people: this is the purpose that guides our mission.»
Heds FR prepares professionals to meet the health needs of individuals, communities, and society. Through its educational programs, applied research, and professional services, it contributes to the development of healthcare practices and professions.
Educate and Train
From undergraduate education to continuing and postgraduate education, Heds FR supports professional development throughout the career journey. It offers practice-oriented programs grounded in scientific knowledge and responsive to the realities of the field.
Research and Innovate
As a member of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Heds FR develops applied research, continuing education, and professional services in key areas, including ageing, chronic diseases, long-term care, mental health, symptom management, and the health professions.
Collaborate
With strong roots in an extensive network, Heds FR works with higher education institutions, healthcare professionals and practitioners, as well as education and research partners in Switzerland and abroad. These collaborations strengthen its impact, openness, and reach.
Take Action for Health
Through its education, research, and professional services missions, Heds FR contributes to addressing current and future challenges facing the healthcare system, with scientific rigor, a strong commitment to people, and a sense of collective responsibility.
Each year, the Heds FR Annual Activity Report highlights the achievements, projects, and collaborations that shape life at the School of Health.
More than a review of the year, it reflects the commitment and expertise of the teams contributing to the School’s development.
Since 2022, the report has been published exclusively in digital format, in line with our commitment to sustainable development.
Archives: 2024 / 2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 2020 / 2019 / 2017–2018
A Dedicated Team Supporting Education
Heds FR is supported by an experienced teaching staff combining clinical and educational expertise. Grounded in professional practice and research, teaching and research staff are committed to providing knowledge and skills that reflect the realities of the healthcare professions.
An administrative and technical team supports students throughout their studies. Academic support, program administration, educational technology support, and student life all contribute to an environment that fosters success.
This synergy makes Heds FR a learning community committed to excellence and innovation in healthcare.
Nataly Viens Python, Director
Kathrin Bürgy, Executive Assistant
Ruth Dujardin, Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Services
Sandro Fossetti, Co-Dean, HES-SO Osteopathy Program
Pierre Frachon, Co-Dean, HES-SO Osteopathy Program
Bertrand Jung, Administrator
Catherine Lehnherr, Head of Human Resources
François Mooser, Co-Dean of Research and Innovation
Claudia Ortoleva Bucher, Co-Dean of Research and Innovation
Fernando Santana, Co-Dean, HES-SO Nursing Program
Catherine Senn-Dubey, Co-Dean, HES-SO Nursing Program
As of August 1, 2026
Stéphane Antille, Director of Nursing, Fribourg Network for Mental Health (RFSM)
Raphaël Bonvin, Professor and representative of the University of Fribourg (UniFR) Center for Teaching and Learning
Laurent Bourgeois, Director of Nursing, Fribourg Broye Health and Social Network (RSSBF), representative of AFISA-VFAS, nursing homes and day centers sector
Alexandre Etienne, Director of the School of Health and Social Care (ESSG)
Christine Meuwly, Director of Gesundheitsnetz Sense, representative of AFISA-VFAS, home care and nursing sector
Baptiste Michel, representative of the Directorate of Health and Social Affairs (DSAS)
Fabien Rigolet, Head of the Nursing Training Center and Deputy Director of Nursing, Fribourg Hospital (HFR)
Émilie Risse, cantonal representative of Alliance Care
Fernando Santana, Co-Dean, HES-SO Nursing Program, Heds FR
Claude Vauthey, Chair of the Specialized Advisory Council, Director of the Fribourg School of General Education (ECGF), and representative of the Directorate of Education and Cultural Affairs (DFAC)
Nataly Viens Python, Director, Heds FR
As of August 1, 2026
Ariane Ayer, representative of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (CDS)
Michel Aymon, representative of ChiroSuisse
Sebastian Byrde, representative of the Swiss Osteopaths Federation (FSO)
Pierre-Henri Cortat, Head of the HES-SO Physiotherapy Program, Valais-Wallis
Guido Fantoni, representative of the Swiss Foundation for Education and Research in Osteopathy
Sandro Fossetti, Co-Dean, HES-SO Osteopathy Program, Heds FR
Pierre Frachon, Co-Dean, HES-SO Osteopathy Program, Heds FR
Geneviève Le Fort, Vice-Rector for Quality, HES-SO
Sabine Morand, PhD, Academic Deputy, University of Fribourg (UniFR), Faculty of Science, Department of Medicine
Jean-Baptiste Pellissier, Associate Professor of Osteopathy, HES
Theo Rudolf, MD, representative of the Swiss Medical Society for Osteopathic Medicine (SAGOM)
Nataly Viens Python, Director, Heds FR
As of August 1, 2026
Nathalie Déchanez (Mental Health, Public Health and Diversity)
Reto Lügstenmann (Osteopathy)
Philippe Marie-Thérèze (Alternation and Professional Practice)
Grégoire Menoud (Acute Care and Family)
François Mooser (Research and Development)
Françoise Schwander-Maire (Chronic Care and Gerontology)
Gil Stern (Administration)
As of August 1, 2026
BSc 2025 French-speaking: Ayse Akin and Capucine Brodard
BSc 2025 bilingual: Camille Deschenaux and Bradley Freitas Vieira
BSc 2024 French-speaking: Laetitia Philipona
BSc 2024 bilingual: Augustine Agathe Jungo and Linda Doe
BSc 2023 French-speaking: Kira Van Der Merwe
BSc 2023 bilingual: Selma Wyss and Noa Morard
As of August 1, 2026
BSc 1: Diego Tosi and Sherona Ingold
BSc 2: Mathieu Python and Christina Gay
BSc 3: Valentin Kutnar and Aurélie Gremaud
MSc 1: Noëlle Huser and Prune Schlegel
MSc 2: Carol Federer and Jules Herter
As of August 1, 2026
Focused on Quality and Institutional Recognition
In a constantly evolving healthcare environment, the quality of education is essential. The accreditations and certifications obtained by Heds FR attest to standards recognized at both national and international levels. They reflect the commitment of a bilingual institution that is firmly rooted in its region and responsive to society’s needs.
These recognitions demonstrate Heds FR’s commitment to academic excellence, high-quality educational programs, and scientific rigor, providing solid assurance to its students, partners, and the professional community.
Official Accreditation for the Osteopathy Program
The HES-SO Master of Science in Osteopathy at the School of Health Fribourg (Heds FR) has received official accreditation from the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC). This recognition confirms that the program meets national requirements for academic quality and professional competencies, in accordance with the Health Professions Act (HPA) and the Higher Education Funding and Coordination Act (HEdA).
This accreditation highlights the quality and recognition of the Osteopathy program offered by Heds FR and authorizes the use of the official label «Study Program Accredited under HEdA and HPA.»
Certified Bilingual Programs
The Heds FR Osteopathy and Nursing programs are certified by the Forum du bilinguisme through the «Engagement bilinguisme» label. This recognition highlights the School’s efforts to promote French and German through its bilingual educational programs, which bring together the two main languages of the canton of Fribourg and Switzerland.
This initiative enables Heds FR to identify, promote, and further develop its bilingualism skills as part of a continuous improvement approach.
A Commitment to Health and Sustainable Development
Heds FR is a member of the Ecoles21, a national network supported by éducation21, the Swiss center of competence for education for sustainable development (ESD).
By joining this network, the School of Health demonstrates its commitment to promoting health, sustainable development, and social responsibility. This membership also helps raise students’ awareness of health and sustainability issues throughout their educational journey.
Since 1907, Educating for Health
The history of Heds FR began in 1907 with the founding of the International Catholic School of Nursing in Fribourg by Georges Python, State Councillor and Director of Public Education.
A Pioneering Spirit
At a time when nursing education was still often closely linked to hospitals, the Fribourg school took an innovative approach:
a public initiative led by the Department of Public Education;
an academic foundation;
a European outlook, through partnerships with France and the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Lyon;
an iconic location on Route des Cliniques, before moving to Route des Arsenaux in 2018;
an affiliation with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Fribourg (UniFR), rather than with a hospital, at the institutional, architectural, and financial levels.
As early as 1912, the school was considered the “5th clinic” of the Faculty of Medicine. For many years, it occupied a highly symbolic location on Route des Cliniques before moving to Route des Arsenaux in 2018.
Today, this heritage continues to inspire Heds FR: a higher education institution focused on the future, committed to the quality of its educational programs, innovation in healthcare, and the needs of society.
1907: The School Is Founded
Founding of the International Catholic School of Nursing in Fribourg, at the initiative of Georges Python and the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Lyon.
1913: First Graduating Class
The first ten students begin their studies at Route des Cliniques and graduate the same year.
1916: A Professional Association
Founding of the Fribourg Nurses’ Association.
1936: Official Recognition
The School is officially recognized by the Swiss Red Cross.
1958: First Male Students
Pierre Gremaud and Francis Kolly begin their studies and graduate in 1961.
1963: Psychiatry
Opening of the School of Nursing in Psychiatry in Marsens.
1968: Nursing Assistant Program
Opening of the School for Nurses and Nursing Assistants on Avenue du Moléson in Fribourg.
1976: Secular Leadership
Transition to secular leadership of the School of General Nursing.
1978: Public Status
The three schools are granted public-school status.
1992: Bilingual Education
Launch of the Level II nursing program in German, along with the development of training programs for hospital aides and healthcare assistants
1994: Cantonal Consolidation
The three cantonal schools are brought together under the School for Healthcare Personnel.
1996: Federal Reform
The landscape of professional tertiary education is transformed by the Federal Act on Universities of Applied Sciences.
1998: Establishment of HES-SO
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) is established.
2001: HES-S2
Adoption of the intercantonal agreement establishing the University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Work of Western Switzerland.
2002: Establishment of the School of Health Fribourg
Founding of Heds FR as a HES-SO site, offering nursing education in French and German.
2004: Bologna Model
Introduction of the Bologna model and launch of the first HES-SO Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) for Practice Educators (CAS PE).
2006: Recognized HES Diplomas
Federal recognition of HES-SO diplomas in health and social work, and award of the first HES diplomas in Nursing.
2009: First Bachelor’s Degrees
Award of the first HES-SO Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing.
2014: New Educational Programs
Welcoming of the first cohort of Osteopathy students and launch of a work-study Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
2018: New Campus
Move to the Mozaïk building on Route des Arsenaux.
2019: First Master’s Degrees in Osteopathy
Award of the first HES-SO Master of Science degrees in Osteopathy.
2020: Opening of the First Teaching Clinic
Inauguration of the Mozaïk Health Consultation (CoSaMo).
2022: New Curricula
Introduction of the new framework curricula for the Nursing and Osteopathy programs.
2023: 110 Years of History
Heds FR celebrates 110 years of commitment to health and education.
2025: Expansion of the St. Justin Site
Inauguration of the Soma and Cortex buildings, dedicated to the Osteopathy program, and opening of the French-speaking cohort.
2025: Opening of the Second Teaching Clinic
Inauguration of the InnoSanté HUB at the MIC in Marly.