Oulu University of Applied Sciences offers continuing education to international nursing professionals with the aim of recruiting new nurses to Finland

Published: 24 April 2023 at 09:07 :: News from Oamk

The ‘Nurses’ Pathway to Work in Finland’ project supplements the competence of nurses with a diploma in nursing coming to Finland from outside the EU and EEA countries. The continuing education includes Finnish language and nursing studies. The application period for the training is now open and will continue until 15 May. The training is implemented at a total of five universities of applied sciences in Finland.

Oulu University of Applied Sciences has the opportunity to offer continuing education to 21 people who have completed a diploma in nursing in their home country but do not yet have permission from Valvira to practise their profession in Finland. The training is implemented as part of the ‘Nurses’ Pathway to Work in Finland’ project. 

In the training, the person’s competence is mapped and an individual study and progress plan is created. The students progress independently in their studies with online courses and the weekly support of nursing and Finnish language teachers.

Finnish language skills and familiarisation with Finnish nursing practices

Finnish language skills are essential for those working in the nursing sector to ensure the smooth flow of work. You can apply for the continuing education if your language skills are at least level A2 (European framework of reference). The goal is to reach a minimum language proficiency of level B1, which corresponds to functional basic language skills.

Finnish is learned both in online courses and practical training, and the Finnish language studies are strictly tied to professional content. For example, typical nursing dialogues and simulation situations are utilised.

The nursing studies include at least the study units of drug therapy and social and healthcare service systems. The studies also include practical training at Pohde units.

The project creates a foundation to meet future educational needs

The ‘Nurses’ Pathway to Work in Finland’ project develops a qualification path for non-Bachelor-level nursing graduates from outside the EU and EEA countries into Finnish working life. The project also compiles methods for evaluating nurses’ competence.

The project’s partner universities of applied sciences are Laurea, Oamk, TAMK, Turku UAS and Savonia. The project will continue until the end of 2024. The training is funded by the Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment. The Service Centre promotes the competence development of working-age people and the availability of skilled labour. The operations of the Service Centre are overseen by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Further information:

Kirsi Myllykangas, Lecturer, social and health care unit, Oamk tel. +358 40 648 4073 http://www.sairaanhoitajaksisuomessa.fi