# Time to Celebrate the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Nursing - Savonia AMK

> Remarkable corner stone for Savonia – the first group of Bachelor’s degree programme in nursing students are graduating. The need for qualified registered nurses is worldwide recognized.

## Addressing the Global Nursing Shortage
There is a global shortage of health care workers, who represent more than 50% of the global health care workforce. In Europe the demand for nurses is rising, and Finland makes no difference.

Savonia plays an important role in educating international students by creating solutions to meet the needs of tomorrow’s working life. The personalized education model has provided nursing students the possibility to plan their studies and have an impact on their internship placements. The degree-based education ensures the student’s competence.

## Programme Development and Implementation
The first group of nursing students started their studies in August 2018. The curricula is based on the requirements of the EU in view of the level of higher education. The skills and expertise gained through this 3.5-year programme follow the national nursing programme. For the teachers and other professionals, planning and conducting the courses in English has been a brilliant learning experience, supported by the continuous backing of the management.

## Student Success and Integration
These nursing students have been the pilot group for all courses throughout their studies. They have learned to adapt, study hard, and successfully developed their professional competences in the field of nursing. The students have also shown continuous appreciation towards the education in different learning occasions.

Nursing students have adapted and integrated into the Finnish culture and have secured nursing job positions in mid- and southern parts of Finland. As the number of working-age people declines and Finland’s dependency ratio deteriorates, migration and the ability to attract international experts will be increasingly important for the country’s welfare and economic growth. The Finnish Government’s target is to triple the number of foreign degree students at higher education institutions by 2030, with a goal that 75% of foreign students find a job and stay in Finland after graduation. This goal is very well realized in the nursing degree programme.

## Graduation and Future Outlook
Today, we are proudly celebrating the graduation of the first group of nursing students. It has been our pleasure to be the tutor teachers for these remarkable students. We wish them all the best on our behalf, and especially on Savonia’s behalf.

**Authors:**
Leena Koponen and Katri Huuskola
Senior Lectures, International Business Unit
Savonia UAS

## References
* Bachelor’s Degree programme in Nursing Curricula: [https://www.savonia.fi/en/study-with-us/for-students/curricula/?yks=KS&krtid=1165&tab=1](https://www.savonia.fi/en/study-with-us/for-students/curricula/?yks=KS&krtid=1165&tab=1)
* Education Policy Report of the Finnish Government 2021. Publications of the Finnish Government 2021:64. [http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-383-927-4](http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-383-927-4)
* Savonia UAS 2021. A partner for sustainable growth 2021-2030. Savonia Strategy 2021-30.
* WHO 2020. Nursing and midwifery [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nursing-and-midwifery](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nursing-and-midwifery)