Advanced Practice Nursing in Acute Care
Master of Health Care
The Master’s Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing in Acute Care aims to provide students with EQF Level 7 competences in advanced practice nursing (APN), as defined by the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
The programme prepares graduates to work across various acute care units and to take active roles in their clinical development and innovation.
Applying
Joint Application 7.1. – 21.1.2026
Tuition fees & scholarshpis
Master’s degrees 13 500 euros / academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
Part-time studies
Kotka
Degree titles
- Master of Health Care
Elevate Your Clinical Expertise Internationally
The degree is a broad-based higher education qualification that equips you to work as a clinical expert, in supervisory roles, and in development tasks.
The programme provides you with the competence for independent and demanding clinical decision-making in acute nursing, as well as for planning, implementing, evaluating, and developing evidence-based nursing practices.
After completing the degree, you will be capable of strong international expert communication within your field of specialization.
This international curriculum is ideal for nurses seeking to study internationally or those with an immigrant background.
- Acute Care Nursing
- Advanced Practice Nursing
- Evidence Based Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- APN
- Nurse Practitioner
Study contents
Through this degree programme, you will strengthen your core competences in developing clinical expertise in acute nursing, advanced clinical specialization, professional development, evidence-based practice, research-driven development of working life and the nursing profession, as well as in supervisory roles.
The programme focuses on three core areas of acute nursing: clinical practice, development of acute nursing, and evidence-based practice. In addition to these, the degree includes qualification as a simulation instructor.
The core competence of the degree programme comprises:
- Clinical examination of patients in acute care nursing
- Advanced practice nursing and professional development in acute care nursing
- Research and development in acute care nursing
- Evidence-based practice and implementation in acute care nursing
- Use of simulation in ensuring clinical acute care competence
- Global health and ethics in acute care nursing
- Advanced clinical expertise in acute care nursing
Complementary competence
You can choose complementary competence studies from a wide selection of Xamk’s Master School’s common studies according to your interests.
These common studies cover courses both in Finnish and English and include the following:
- Digitality and technology in society
- International operating environments and communication
- Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
- Research and development.
You can also choose complementary competence studies from other higher education institutions if they are at the master’s degree level.
If you have previously completed studies at the level of EQF 7, and they match the objectives of the degree, they can be accredited as part of your studies. For more information, contact the Degree Programme Coordinator.
Student stories
A new adventure of life!
Employers value international degree certificates!
Just do it, the perfect timing doesn´t exist!
Advanced Practice Nursing in Acute Care is conducted as part-time studies
Implementation of studies
The studies are primarily conducted online, with short intensive teaching periods held both in Finland and Bulgaria.
During the first semester, students attend 1–2 weeks of on-site instruction at the Kotka campus in Finland.
In the second semester, teaching takes place for 1–2 weeks in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Development-oriented approach to work
Xamk has strong partnership relationships with the private, public and third sector. In terms of studies and practical training, privately owned companies, particularly in Kymenlaakso region, are considered the most important partners, but Xamk also cooperates with public sector organizations and constantly aims to expand its network of cooperation.
The degree programme is multidisciplinary, providing you with the opportunity to meet professionals from various fields during your studies. Together with your teachers, they aim to encourage critical thinking and improve your argumentation skills. As a result, you do not only gain new perspectives to your own field, but also contribute to the development of other fields.
The networks created with experts during the studies are also a considerable advantage for you after graduation. This is something that students graduating from Xamk Master School consider one of the most important aspects of the education.
The Master’s programme at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk, offers an authentically international study environment with students and staff members coming from over 30 countries.
At Master School, you learn to retrieve and process field-specific research data and apply it to your own work. Learning is research-based, development-oriented and aimed at promoting innovation.
You can also carry out research work and other assignments as part of Xamk’s research, development and innovation (RDI) projects.
RDI specialists are an essential part of Xamk Master School, building bridges with the world of work. Among Finnish universities of applied sciences, Xamk stands out as the largest in the field of RDI activities. The total number of ongoing projects per year is nearly 300.
FAQ – the most frequently asked questions
Xamk offers you a journey of a lifetime. Read the top 5 reasons why you should study with us and choose Xamk as your perfect study destination.
Master School is a learning community for Master’s degree students at Xamk. It provides you with the opportunity to build the career path of your choice and expand your professional network.
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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 09.00-12.00
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: