What does a stomatherapist do? – Tasks and work environment
A stomatherapist works to support and treat patients living with a stoma, which is a surgically created opening on the abdomen for urine or feces. Responsibilities include wound dressing, advice, patient education, and customization of stoma products. Collaboration often occurs with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare specialists to ensure patients receive the best possible care and quality of life. The work environment is typically hospitals, specialist clinics, or home healthcare, where meetings with patients and their relatives are a central part of daily work.
Salary development over time
The profession of stomatherapist has experienced stable and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 42 900 SEK, reflecting a growth of approximately 4.4%. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 43 900 SEK, an increase of an additional 2.3% compared to the previous year. This salary development is primarily driven by increased demand for specialist skills in healthcare and the particular expertise required for stoma and wound care. Salary growth for stomatherapists generally follows the trend for registered nurses, but specialist knowledge and experience tend to provide salary supplements over time.
Stomatherapist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
- Hourly wage (average): 264 SEK
- Women: 43 700 SEK/month
- Men: 45 400 SEK/month
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of what men do
Education and qualifications
To work as a stomatherapist, a basic nursing degree is required, followed by further training in stomatherapy and wound care. Specialization typically occurs through additional courses and certifications, where both theoretical and practical experience are important. Many stomatherapists also have experience from working in surgery or medical care before specializing.
- Basic education: Licensed nurse (3 years, bachelor's level)
- Further training: Postgraduate training in stomatherapy (usually 1 year, part-time/distance)
- Certification: Recommended, sometimes required for employment
- Practical experience: Clinical experience in surgery or wound care is advantageous
- Prerequisites: Nursing licensure and professional experience
Stomatherapists have a unique opportunity to follow patients over a long period and build deep relationships, making the profession particularly rewarding for those who value continuity and patient contact. Being a key person in the patient's rehabilitation often involves both challenges and great personal fulfillment.
Common benefits and compensations
Stomatherapists are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, professional development, and flexible working hours. Some employers also provide subsidized lunches, occupational pensions, and access to work clothing and further training during paid working hours. Working in the public sector also provides job security and collective agreement conditions.
Challenges and competition
The competition for positions as a stomatherapist is generally low, as the demand for specialized skills is high and the number of qualified professionals is limited. At the same time, the work can be psychologically demanding, as it involves supporting patients in often vulnerable life situations. Recruitment difficulties occur, especially in smaller regions and hospitals. A challenge is to stay updated on new treatment methods and products, while the workload can be high during staff shortages. Despite these challenges, many stomatherapists find their work meaningful and rewarding.
Tips for aspiring stomatherapists
To succeed as a stomatherapist, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in both medical care and long-term patient contact. Precision and empathy are crucial qualities, as treatment often requires individualized solutions and sensitive conversations. Being attentive and communicative facilitates collaboration with both patients and colleagues. A structured work approach helps manage administrative tasks, while flexibility makes it easier to adapt to rapid changes in the healthcare environment. Continuously updating your skills and staying informed about new aids and methods is also important to offer the best possible support to patients.
Key facts about stomatherapists
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Education level: Nursing degree + further training (4 years)
- Work environment: Hospitals, clinics, home healthcare
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
- Number of job openings: 375 within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a stomatherapist, opportunities may open to manage your own clinics, mentor new colleagues, or work as an educator in stomatherapy. Some advance to roles such as healthcare developer, chief nurse, or product consultant for medical technology companies. The prognosis from the Employment Service indicates that job opportunities in the profession are substantial, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. However, recruitment challenges exist in finding qualified candidates, especially in certain regions, making specialization an attractive choice for nurses seeking a secure and long-term career.
Common questions about stomatherapists
- What is the average monthly salary for a stomatherapist?
- The average salary is 43 900 SEK per month.
- What does the salary range look like for stomatherapists?
- Salaries range from 40,700 to 77,200 SEK per month depending on experience, education, and sector.
- Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 43 700 SEK and men 45 400 SEK, meaning women earn 96% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a stomatherapist?
- Licensure as a nurse and further training in stomatherapy are required.
- What are the future prospects for stomatherapists?
- Employment opportunities are abundant, and demand is expected to stay steady over the next five years.
- Where do most stomatherapists work?
- Most work in hospitals, specialist clinics, or home healthcare.
- How many job openings are there in the profession?
- Currently, there are 375 job openings for registered nurses.
