Advance Your Career with a
CAS in Spinal Endoscopy
at the University of Zurich
What is the CAS in Spinal Endoscopy?
The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Spinal Endoscopy at the University of Zurich is the first university-level graduate program worldwide dedicated to structured training of endoscopic spine surgery.
Developed in collaboration with leading international spine surgeons and rooted in Switzerland’s pioneering role in medical technology and education, this program responds to the growing global demand for minimally invasive spinal procedures, particularly in light of an aging, multimorbid population.
Hosted by the University Spine Center Zurich at Balgrist University Hospital and powered by the EndoSpine Academy®, this graduate program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theory, simulation-based training, cadaver labs, and international fellowships. Participants gain in-depth knowledge of endoscopic techniques and hands-on skills in a high-fidelity learning environment such as the Operating Room X.
The program emphasizes safe clinical application, complication management, and evidence-based surgical decision-making.
Upon completion, graduates will not only be equipped with the skillset to start their journey in spinal endoscopy safely but will also contribute to the advancement of this emerging subspecialty, positioning themselves within a network of leading experts in the field.
Course Details
Registration Deadline (Class of 2025): November 30, 2025
Course Duration: 2 - 4 semester (depending on fellowship availabilities)
Course Start: January 2026 (E-Learning Module), March 2026 (Basic Course)
ECTS: 15
Course Fee: CHF 15’900 (excl. travel expenses and accomodation for fellowships)
Payment in installments possible in consultation with the course administration
Credit Transfer: Completion of previous EndoSpine Academy courses may be eligible for credit toward this course, potentially reducing the applicable course fee. However, an additional assessment test is still required and must be completed within the course program to obtain ECTS credits.
Contact for Inquiries: cas-spinal-endoscopy@balgrist.ch
Course Structure
Visiting Fellowships
Each participant is required to complete a total of three visiting fellowships during the CAS program. These two-week visiting fellowships must be conducted exclusively with experts from the EndoSpine Academy® (see the "Fellowships" page for further details).
The Advanced and Expert Fellowships may be combined; however, participants are still required to submit one video case per visiting fellowship completed.
FAQ
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Visiting fellowships are arranged in coordination with the course coordinator. Please inform us of your availability and submit a list of preferred experts you wish to visit. Travel and accommodation arrangements must be organized independently.
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We understand that your schedule may be demanding after returning from your visiting fellowship. That’s why the deadline for video case submissions is set three months after the completion of each fellowship. However, please note that your final submission (Expert Fellowship) must still be completed within the four-semester duration of the CAS program.
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Since the EndoSpine Academy® hands-on courses are part of the CAS curriculum, you may include your Certificate(s) of Attendance in your CAS application. We will review and, if eligible, accredit them accordingly - given that an assessment test for the module has been performed. If approved, the corresponding course fee will be deducted from your total CAS tuition.