Nursing (Top up)
Bachelor of Health Care
Nursing Top up programme is meant for you, if you have a Bachelor of Nursing degree, or a Diploma level qualification in Nursing completed outside Finland.
This Top up degree programme in Nursing will lead to:
– Bachelor’s degree in Health care, Nursing and
– Valvira’s (Finnish authority) registered nurse certification that will allow the graduates to work in the health care sector in Finland and EU.
During the studies, you can either start learning Finnish from the basics or continue your Finnish studies from your own starting level. In the beginning, the studies will mostly be conducted in English, with Finnish language teaching gradually taking over.
After graduation, you will be able to work efficiently and patient-safely in the Finnish-speaking nursing environment.
The programme meets the standards of the European Union Directive for Registered Nurses (bachelor’s degree).
Next admission periods:
Rolling admission; 18th November 2024 – 19th February 2025
Joint application: 8th January – 22nd January 2025.
Tuition fees & scholarships
Bachelor’s degrees 10 700 euros / academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
Full-time studies
Mikkeli
Full-time studies
Mikkeli
Degree titles
- Bachelor of Health Care
Want to work as a registered nurse in Finland?
Nursing Top up programme is meant for you, if you have a Bachelor of Nursing degree, or a Diploma level qualification in Nursing completed outside Finland.
Suitable Diploma level qualifications are for example the Diploma of Nursing, GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery), PCL (Proficiency Certificate Level), or other equivalent qualifications.
Top up degree programme in Nursing will lead to
- Bachelor’s degree in Health care, Nursing and
- Valvira (Finnish authority) Registered nurse certification that will allow the graduates to work in the health care sector in Finland and EU.
During the programme, you will study Finnish language and a number of professional courses, that are required for qualifying as a registered nurse in Finland.
You will do your training during the studies and will be introduced to potential employers.
During studies you can start learning Finnish from the basics or continue from your own starting level!
- Registered Nurse
- English
- Nursing
- International
Why choose nursing studies at Xamk?
Good employment
Diverse employment opportunitie
Modern teaching environments
Learn in collaboration with the working life
.
Structure of studies
The studies provide you with good theoretical and practical skills. You will also learn how to use technology in nursing.
Studying is practical and versatile in terms of the teaching methods. Theory lessons are mainly held in classrooms, online or in small study groups. Some of the studies are independent online studies.
Studying includes a lot of training in clinical nursing and patient education situations. Modern simulation and learning facilities, with up-to-date equipment, enable the creation of realistic learning environments.
One third of the studies are implemented as clinical practice in various nursing environments. Clinical practice is carried out in units of primary health care, specialized health care and the community sector. During clinical practice you will get support from your nursing and language teachers.
The curriculum of the Degree Programme in Nursing is based on EU directives and national guidelines regarding the competence of nurses responsible for general care (180 ECTS credits), including common competence areas of the University of Applied Sciences. The competence areas are included in the different modules and courses.
Various situations of clinical nursing and patient education are practiced during the studies. Modern simulation and learning facilities, with up-to-date equipment, enable the creation of realistic learning environments.
One third of the studies are implemented as clinical practice in various nursing environments. Clinical practice is carried out in units of primary health care, specialized health care and the community sector.
The degree includes core competence and complementary competence studies. Core competence includes knowledge, skills and qualifications that registered nurses must master at work and that form the basis for continuous learning. Complementary competence expands and deepens the core competence.
The Degree Programme in Nursing comprises the following study modules:
Core competence 165 ECTS credits:
- Theoretical studies 105 ECTS cr
- Clinical practice 45 ECTS cr
- Thesis 15 ECTS cr
Complementary competence 45 ECTS credits
Student stories
Why study in Finland? Finnish institutions are well-respected in the global job market
Nursing top up studies are conducted full time.
Implementation of studies
The studies are conducted in Mikkeli.
You will participate in online meetings and in-person classes at the school according to the schedule.
One ECTS credit equals 27 hours of student work, so you will need to allocate sufficient time for independent study as well.
In addition, the studies include practical training periods of varying lengths in different nursing environments.
The training takes 1,5- 2 years to complete, The duration of the studies is based on the Valvira’s determined add-on studies, depending on one’s prior education in the field of nursing. Valvira is the National Supervisory Authority for the Welfare and Health.
Career opportunities
Experts with a nursing background are needed in addition to clinical work for various tasks related to nursing and health care. There are many different opportunities after completing the basic degree!
The employment rate of registered nurses is high and there are substantial employment opportunities both nationally and internationally.
Registered nurses are employed by social and health care organizations, associations or the private sector.
Your workplace may be in a hospital inpatient ward, policlinic, surgical ward, home care, various rehabilitation and nursing homes, or health care clinics.
Registered nurses can also work in development tasks or as entrepreneurs.
A nurse’s education and work experience provide a good foundation for various tasks after further education. These can be, for example, management, training, development, research, administration, evaluation and supervision.
Only a graduated, licensed and registered professional can work as registered nurse in Finland.
Registered nurses are licensed health care professionals. The education meets the criteria of nursing education as established by the European Council, and contains the professional competence of a nurse responsible for general care.
Only a graduated, licensed professional can work as a registered nurse. After completing your studies, you will apply for the license from the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health.
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For international students
Finland’s education system is regarded as one of the best in the world. Education is a strong part of Finnish culture from pre-school years into adulthood.
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Student life
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FAQ – The most frequently asked questions
Finland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS).
Universities focus on scientific research and education based on it. Universities of applied sciences, on the other hand, offer a pragmatic education that responds to working life needs.
Studies at a university of applied sciences (UAS) focus on professional and practical know-how and skills. The practical experience provided by UAS studies is highly appreciated in many jobs and duties. UAS Bachelor’s level studies also gives you the opportunity to apply for further studies, such as completing a UAS master’s level degree and continuing as far as a doctoral degree. Our bachelor’s degrees always include supervised practical training that gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge learnt in theory into practice. You will become familiar with the duties of your own field in real working environments.
We have over 11 500 students, and we offer 9 Bachelor’s degree programmes in English, 2 Master’s degree programmes in English, open UAS courses, global talent acquisition programmes and summer school courses.
You can also apply for exchange or double degree studies at Xamk.
Are you interested in practical learning? Would you like to study in modern facilities with top-class teachers? Are you attracted to new ways of teaching and learning? If you said yes, Xamk might be just the place for you.
Top 5 reasons to choose Xamk:
1. Finnish education system is one of the best in the world.
2. Excellent programmes with working life orientation
3. Our campuses are located in beautiful Finnish towns close to nature.
4. Best student life – it’s your time to enjoy and create wonderful memories.
5. Responsibility is our strategic choice.
Campuses in 4 cities
Xamk’s campuses are located in Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli, and Savonlinna. Some degree programs are offered entirely online.
Get to know your own campus!
See also these
Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing
Further information on studies
Contact Admission Services
Xamk’s Admissions Services primarily assists with matters related to applying for degree studies. You can contact us by phone or through our online form.
Mon-Fri 09.00-15.00
Degree education in Finnish:
- +358 44 702 8891
- +358 40 585 6610
Degree education in English:
- +358 40 585 6610
Contact request via online form: