Study Guide
Study contents
The Degree Programme in Nursing gives you an opportunity to study both nursing and Finnish language!
In the beginning, the studies will mostly be conducted in English, with Finnish language teaching gradually taking over. During the studies, the Finnish language skills are improved, and by the time of graduation you will have reached the sufficient language proficiency in order to work in Finland as a nurse.
During the studies, you can start your Finnish language studies from the beginning or continue them from the level you are now. The goal is that by the end of studies you will have reached reference level B2 – C1. You will study Finnish on courses, in clinical practice and in peer groups.
In addition you will get to know the Finnish culture and society and will be able to act as full member of it in working life as well as on your free time.
The nursing profession requires competence in professional interaction and communication, empathy, as well as a careful and responsible work attitude. If you are persevering and have strong problem-solving skills, the profession of registered nurse (RN) is suitable for you.
With the degree of registered nurse, you can be easily employed both nationally and internationally. You are able to work in hospitals, health care centers, nursing homes, home hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or in the private or community sector. You can also work as an entrepreneur.
The degree gives qualifications in accordance with EU directives, which enables you to seek a career in interesting and demanding duties both nationally and internationally.
As a registered nurse, you have a strong competence in clinical nursing practice, and readiness to plan, implement, assess and develop the nursing of patients of varying ages.
As a specialist in nursing, you educate, support, treat and rehabilitate patients with different health problems in cooperation with a multi-professional team and the patient’s next of kin. As a registered nurse you will be able to explain and justify your actions.
The importance of social and health care legislation, professional ethics and supporting and increasing patients’ and clients’ capacity, health and well-being is emphasized in patient and client centered care. Nursing practice requires the adaptation and implementation of scientific and multidisciplinary knowledge in nursing.
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:
Core competence includes Finnish courses 1-3.
The 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.
Your personal study and career plans, prepared at the beginning of your studies, are built on the objectives of the degree programme and on the knowledge and skills previously acquired, in order to support your decisions in career planning, course options, practical training, thesis and international studies.
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. The employment rate of registered nurses is high and there are substantial employment opportunities both nationally and internationally.
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.
Anne finds the interactions with her classmates from various nationalities and cultures particularly fascinating. Sharing experiences and different perspectives from all backgrounds adds depth and diversity to the learning process.
Read more about Anne's storyXamk 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.
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What is the secret? Find out what Finland is all about: nature, an excellent education system, a welfare state and unique culture. Finland is a great place to study for international students.
Degree Programme Coordinator Jussi Mähönen
jussi.mahonen@xamk.fi
Tel. +358 50 473 4000
Degree Programme Coordinator Tuulia Litmanen
tuulia.litmanen@xamk.fi
Tel. +358 40 358 0489
Admission office
admissions@xamk.fi
Tel +358 50 312 5031 or +358 50 345 8602