Nursing Schools and Programs in Finland

Nursing Studies in Finland

Bank of SiltasaariAre you interested in pursuing a degree in nursing and would like to participate in a study abroad program, at least for a portion of your education?  Have you considered Finland as a possible destination for your study abroad experience?  Finland is a beautiful Scandinavian nation with an excellent reputation for the quality of its higher education system.  Below we have put together a brief overview of Finland and its nursing education, including some fast facts about the country itself, some information regarding the type and scope of nursing education offered there, and a list of some of the top reasons to choose Finland for your foreign educational adventure.

Finland Quick Facts

Finland, which is known in official circles as the Republic of Finland, is a Scandinavian country located in the Northern or Nordic region of Europe.  The country has a total area of nearly 130, 600 square miles (339,000 square kilometers), making it the 8^th largest country in Europe and the 64^th largest country in the world by area.  However, with a population of only 5.4 million, most of whom are concentrated in the southern regions of the country, it is also the most sparsely-populated country in the European Union.  Finland’s neighboring countries include Sweden to the west, Norway to the north and Russia to the east, while the Gulf of Finland separates the country from Estonia in the south. The largest and capital city of Finland is Helsinki, where roughly 1/6 of the population resides and where a third of the country’s GDP is produced.

Nursing Education in Finland

The nursing field in Finland, which is based on nursing science, is highly respected, and as such, the nursing education programs at the country’s university are of the highest quality.
 
In Finland, nurses receive their education at universities of applied sciences, also called polytechnics.  Public health nurses, midwives and paramedics also qualify through the same schooling.  The undergraduate degree program designed to train nurses generally spans between 3.5 and 4 years in duration and consists of 210-270 credits (ECTS), depending on the type of program.
 
To gain their credentials in Finland, nurses must have a thorough theoretical knowledge of both nursing and other related sciences, including biochemistry, anatomy and physiology.  They must also be able to apply this knowledge to the other component of the nursing education program—clinical practice—and possess the skills to conduct research to acquire information.
 
After successful completion of the undergraduate program in nursing, candidates must sit for and pass the national nursing examination before they can practice their craft professionally.

Why Study Nursing in Finland

There are literally hundreds of reasons to choose Finland as a study abroad destination, including its breathtaking northern landscapes, rich history and warm and friendly culture.  During breaks from their studies, students will have the opportunity to meet new people, sample the delicious cuisine and explore the many sites and attractions the country has to offer, including:
 

• Lapland.  Home to the mythical Father Christmas, Lapland is a snow-covered wilderness area populated by reindeer and elks—the Original Winter Wonderland.
• Helsinki.  A visit to the capital city of Helsinki, especially during the summer, is a fun-packed adventure, where the young crowd explodes into life, packing the streets and squares and partying through the night (the sun is out for 20 hours during the summer) at the city’s bars and nightclubs.
• Take in a Hockey Game.  Finland is known as one of the “Big Seven” ice hockey nations (alongside Canada, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, U.S. and the Czech Republic) and the game is the country’s most popular sport.  This is a one-of-a-kind sporting opportunity that simply must be seen to fully appreciate.

 
Of course, these are but a few of the many sights and attractions that make Finland such a special place to visit.
 
Students who opt to study in Finland will not only receive a top-notch nursing education, they’ll acquire valuable language skills, expand and enhance their cultural knowledge, see new and amazing sites, and forge friendships with both Finnish students and students from around the world.