Nursing (Top up)

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 private 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.

Degree Programme in Nursing includes the following modules:

Core competence:

• Basics of clinical nursing

Human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, basics of clinical nursing, patient safety, pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutical mathematics and the retrieval and utilization of evidence-based information, documentation, healthcare information management and ergonomics.

• Health promotion

In this study module you will learn the basics of health promotion and nutrition from the perspective of prevention and treatment. You will develop your guidance skills and become familiar with the social and health care service system and different forms of service.

• Clinical nursing
• Clinical practice

In the Clinical nursing and practice modules, you will learn theory and practical skills in the field of internal medicines, perioperative care, gerontology, mental health, substance abuse, acute and intensive care, maternity, family, children and young people care, gynecology, child and youth care and nurse reception and home care. You will turn this theory knowledge into practice in simulation teaching and internships.

• Language and communication studies
• Evidence-based nursing

In the evidence-based nursing study module, you will learn key research and development methods in your field, stages of the research and development process, ethical principles and scientific reporting.

• Bachelor’s thesis

In the bachelor’s thesis, you apply your knowledge and skills by designing, implementing, evaluating and reporting work-related research, for example a literature review.

Core competence includes Finnish courses 1-3.

Complementary competence includes the development of professionalism, clinical practice and optional studies. It also includes Finnish courses 4-5.

In optional studies you can choose from various courses including innovation, entrepreneurship and data management.

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

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.