Bilingual Degree Programme in Nursing

A Bilingual Path to Professional Nursing PracticeThis Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Nursing is designed for students whose native language is other than Finnish and who want a clear, structured, and work‑oriented pathway into the regulated nursing profession in Finland. The programme combines strong theoretical foundations with hands‑on clinical practice, preparing students for employment in Finnish health care services and for nurse registration in Finland and across the EU.The programme is functionally bilingual, with English and Finnish used as languages of instruction. Applicants are required to have at least B2‑level proficiency in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. No prior knowledge of Finnish is required at the time of admission. At the beginning of the studies, teaching is mainly conducted in English, while Finnish is gradually and systematically integrated into professional nursing studies. As the programme progresses, the use of Finnish increases and becomes central to learning and professional practice.The studies progress systematically from basic nursing skills to demanding clinical care and independent professional practice. Early studies focus on patient safety, ethical and client‑centred care, and everyday nursing work, while later stages strengthen clinical reasoning, evidence‑based decision‑making, and the ability to work confidently in multidisciplinary teams. Extensive supervised clinical placements in authentic health care environments allow students to integrate theory and practice in a safe and purposeful way, ensuring strong workplace relevance throughout the programme.Finnish language development is closely connected to nursing work. Students learn to use Finnish in patient guidance, documentation, team communication, and everyday professional interaction. In addition to integrated language learning, the programme includes 19–22 ECTS credits of Finnish as a second language studies. Students are expected to be motivated and committed to developing their Finnish language skills throughout the programme. By graduation, students should have achieved sufficient proficiency in Finnish to work safely and professionally in Finnish health care settings.The nursing education is grounded in respect for human dignity, confidentiality, responsibility, and high professional and ethical standards. Nurses support individuals in promoting and maintaining health and well‑being, prevent illness, and provide care in different stages of health and disease. Nursing requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, combining interpersonal skills, manual and digital competence, and strong theoretical knowledge. The programme also emphasises communication skills, self‑leadership, resilience, and intercultural competence, preparing graduates for diverse workplaces and lifelong professional development.Graduates of the programme are qualified to work in primary health care, specialised health care, and the private sector. Typical working environments include hospitals, health centres, private companies, non‑profit organisations, and international health care settings.