# Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Health Care

> Study Bachelor of Health Care, Registered Nurse in Kuopio, Finland. Apply now!

## Programme Overview
*   **Degree programme:** Registered Nurse
*   **Degree title:** Bachelor of Health Care
*   **Duration:** 210 ECTS, 3.5 years
*   **Study mode:** Full-time studies, on Campus
*   **Study place:** Microkatu campus, Kuopio, Finland
*   **Language:** English
*   **Annual intake:** 20

The Bachelor of Health Care, Registered Nurse programme develops competent and highly skilled nurses with strong expertise in supporting, supervising, and caring for individuals with diverse health needs. The curriculum combines personal tutoring, e-learning, and clinical nursing practice within a multi-professional learning environment featuring simulation centres and clinical skills laboratories.

## Application Status
All application periods for studies starting in autumn 2026 have closed. Information about upcoming application periods for studies starting in autumn 2027 will be published by the end of September 2026.

## Curriculum Structure
The degree consists of 210 ECTS, divided into 180 ECTS of common studies and 30 ECTS of alternative studies.

*   **First Year: Building Professional Nursing Identity (60 ECTS)**
    *   Basics of Nursing
    *   Basics of Nursing Knowledge
*   **Second Year: Developing Professional Skills (60 ECTS)**
    *   Strengthening Nursing Knowledge
    *   Broadening Nursing Knowledge
*   **Third Year: Deepening Professional Nursing Knowledge (60 ECTS)**
    *   Deepening Nursing Knowledge
    *   Developing Nursing Expertise
    *   Passing the national exam for the generalist nurse’s core competences
*   **Fourth Year: Applying Professional Knowledge (30 ECTS)**
    *   Implementing professional nursing skills in different areas of operation

## Alternative Professional Studies
At the final stage, students choose 30 ECTS of alternative professional studies (20 ECTS optional professional studies + 10 ECTS optional studies). 

Only one optional professional study is conducted in English: **Clinical Nursing in Different Nursing Contexts**. The others are conducted in Finnish:
*   Acute and Critical Care
*   Mental Health and Substance Abuse Nursing in Different Nursing Contexts
*   Perioperative Nursing in Different Nursing Contexts

## Language Requirements and Development
While the programme is taught in English, proficiency in Finnish is essential for professional practice in Finland. Finnish language studies are integrated into the programme, and students are expected to be motivated to develop these skills. Improving Finnish language skills can qualify students for a 10% scholarship for the following academic year.

## Admission Requirements and Legislation
Admission is subject to health and functional capacity requirements due to patient safety and the nature of the work. Applicants must be aware of:
*   Requirements for physical, mental, and social capacity.
*   Restrictions regarding criminal records (offences against children, sexual, violent, freedom, or drug offences).
*   Restrictions regarding drug or alcohol abuse history.
*   Health conditions (musculoskeletal, skin, allergies, mental health) that may impact studies.
*   Vaccination requirements (e.g., measles, chicken pox, whooping cough, and annual influenza).

## Career Opportunities
Graduates can work as registered nurses in:
*   Health clinics
*   Hospital wards
*   Home care services (public and private)
*   Health care companies
*   Special health care outpatient clinics
*   Operating theatres
*   Mental health clinics

## Internationalization and Exchange
The programme is multinational and multicultural. Students have opportunities for international exchange and internships. Exchange partners include institutions in:
*   Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, India, Kenia, Mozambique, Namibia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, and the UK.

## Programme Highlights
*   **Internships:** Multiple internships throughout the duration of studies, starting in the first year.
*   **Simulation Centre:** Practice and demonstrate skills in a safe, controlled environment.
*   **Clinical Skill Laboratories:** Support the continuous development of nursing skills.
*   **RDI Focus:** The programme focuses on applied welfare technology and integrates work-based Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) projects.