The legalisation pathway to work as a registered nurse in Finland
The legalisation pathway to work as a registered nurse in Finland
#SavoniaUAS
The legalisation pathway to work as a registered nurse in Finland
Have you graduated as a nurse outside the EU/EEA but you do not yet have the right to work as a nurse in Finland granted by Valvira?
The goal of this pathway is to enable you to work as a nurse in Finland. The legalisation pathway is individually designed based on your previous skills and Valvira’s requirements. Guidance, competence recognition, and education are free of charge for participants.
What is the legalisation pathway?
Through the legalisation pathway, you will acquire additional skills for example:
– the social and healthcare system and legislation,
– clinical nursing, and
– practical nursing through workplace training.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in skills workshops and simulations while continuously studying the Finnish language.
This legalisation pathway is for you if you have:
- a nursing diploma or a bachelor’s degree from outside the EU/EEA, and
- you want to obtain the right to work as a nurse in Finland.
The length of the legalisation pathway depends on your previous studies and work experience in the social and healthcare sector. You will apply to Valvira for a decision to work as a nurse in Finland.
When does it start?
The start date of the next training is not yet known. Please follow Savonia’s website and social media for updates. You can also inquire about possible cancellation spots from Project Coordinator Merja Natunen at merja.natunen@savonia.fi.
How long does the legalisation process take?
6–12 months, depending on your individual study plan.
How is it implemented?
The program is delivered in a blended learning format, meaning that teaching takes place both on campus and online. On-campus classes may be held on weekdays a few times per month at the Kuopio campus from 8 am to 4 pm. Additionally, some lessons may be conducted via Zoom a few times per month. There are no daily classes.
You will also complete 1–4 internships, each lasting 5 weeks. If you are employed, you may be able to complete some of the internships at your workplace as a paid internship.
Can I work at the same time?
Yes, but you must coordinate with your employer to take time off for classes when needed.
Can I apply for the pathway?
You can apply if you:
- Have a nursing diploma or a bachelor’s degree from outside the EU/EEA.
- Have at least an A2-level proficiency in Finnish.
- Are able to attend on-campus classes in Kuopio.
If there are more applicants than available spots, selection will be based on Finnish language proficiency and work experience in the social and healthcare sector.
What does it cost?
The education is free of charge. However, you must pay for:
- Translation of certificates,
- Valvira’s processing fees,
- Any necessary vaccinations, and
- The YKI Finnish language test (if required).
For more details on Valvira’s licensing process and fees, please check their website.
Who gets selected?
Applicants who have a nursing diploma or a bachelor’s degree from outside the EU/EEA and at least A2-level Finnish proficiency. If there are more applicants than available spots, selection will be based on Finnish language skills and work experience in the social and healthcare sector.
When and where can I apply?
Applications will be submitted through Opintopolku. The start date for the next program is not yet confirmed, so please follow Savonia’s website and social media for updates.
What documents do I need for the application form?
Prepare all the necessary attachments before filling out and submitting your application.
Required attachments for the application
- A copy of the diploma from nursing education (Diploma or Bachelor) completed outside the EU/EEA countries.
- A copy of the original transcript of records (Transcript of Records, Academic Transcript).
- Translations of the diploma and transcript of records into Finnish, Swedish, or English.
- Translations are accepted if they have been done by an official or authorized translator in Finland or another EU/EEA country.
- Register of authorized translators. Present the translations at the latest during the selection event.
- Diploma Supplement (if available).
- Diploma in Finnish (if you have completed, for example, a vocational qualification in Finnish and wish to demonstrate your Finnish language skills with it).
- Proof of Finnish language proficiency:
- YKI certificate or government language test (if available).
- Temporary work certificate from your current employment in the social and healthcare sector (if available).
- Present the temporary work certificate at the latest during the selection event.
- Passport or identification card.
Is there a legalisation pathway elsewhere than at Savonia?
Yes, there are 20 universities of applied sciences across Finland. Metropolia coordinates the “Registered Nurse`s pathway to work in Finland” projects. Apply to the university of applied sciences closest to you.
Contact persons
- Project Coordinator Merja Natunen, merja.natunen@savonia.fi, tel. +358 44 785 5623
- Project Worker Kukka-Maaria Raatikainen, kukka-maaria.raatikainen@savonia.fi
Funders
- Ministry of Education and Culture (OKM)
- Center for Continuous Learning and Employment (JOTPA)
Qualification training for nurses in Finland in 2023-24
In the JOTPA-funded project, 21 continuing education students were selected in Savonia with the aim of working as nurses in Finland. The group is full. The online materials created during the qualification training will be shared for open use in the Open Educational Materials Library (AOE) at the turn of the year 2024-25.
