Degree Programme in Nursing and Health Care, Nursing
- Degree
- Bachelor of Health Care
- Degree title
- Bachelor of Health Care
- Credits
- 210 ects
Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification
Bachelor of Health Care, EQF 6
Contact Information
Study Counsellor Eija Piikkilä, tel. 050 5915560
Manager: Anne Mäenpää
first name.last name@tuni.fi
Special Admission Requirements
General admission criteria, see TAMK’s websites.
Recognition of Prior Learning
It is possible for students to have their prior competence recognised. Previous studies in Finnish or foreign higher education institutions/universities, which are equivalent to the studies in the curriculum, or other applied competence, which meets the competence goals and criteria, can be recognised.
See TAMKin yleiset AHOT-ohjeet
Qualification Requirements and Regulations
General qualifications for university of applied science required.
Profile of the Programme
The degree is a bachelor-level professional higher education degree.
The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European framework for degrees and other competence. The programme meets the standards of the European Union Directive (2013/55/EU) on the recognition of professional qualifications.
At TAMK, nursing education is specialized in comprehensive and demanding clinical nursing practice.
Key Learning Outcomes
TAMK's nursing education curriculum is based on nationally and European-defined unified nursing competency requirements.
In addition, a key competency objective of the degree is future-oriented expertise, which includes work-life-based generic competencies, personalized care expertise, utilization of digital solutions and well-being technology proficiency in both clinical nursing practice and communication, genomic literacy, and the principles of service profession. The aim is for the student to recognize and apply principles of sustainable development in their profession. The curriculum takes into account the broad field of nursing practice.
After finishing the degree programme in nursing the student is able to work according to the principles of primary nursing in all stages of the care process, with patients and their families. The student can utilise variety of different guidance methods in nursing care. The student has a strong professional identity, ethical competence, and an ability to reflectively assess and develop his/her own actions. Student will be able to make evidence-based decisions and work professionally.
After the initial phase, or after the first semester, a nursing student will have mastered the fundamentals of the nursing profession. The student understands and adheres to healthcare legislation and ethical guidelines for nursing practice. They can monitor basic bodily functions and identify patient care needs while safely using appropriate nursing interventions. The student can administer medication safely, manage medication calculations, and perform geriatric nursing care. The student acknowledges diversity in the study and work community. The student is aware of the basics of genomic information.
During the mid-phase, or semesters 2-5, the student develops clinical competence in various areas of nursing and can assess the nursing needs of patients/clients of different ages, plan, implement, and evaluate their care in collaboration with patients/clients and their families. The student can identify and anticipate individual and community health issues. The student utilizes knowledge from different disciplines as the basis of their actions. The student can guide and support patients/clients in self-care and utilize customer-centric digital social and health services. The student can work in multidisciplinary teams as a representative of nursing in the best interest of patients/clients. The student can critically assess their own work.
During semesters six and seven, in elective professional studies, the student's expertise strengthens and deepens. As a nurse, the student can make ethically sound, evidence-based decisions and act professionally. They can respond to the care needs of patients/clients and families of different ages in their chosen nursing specialty. The student can act as a primary nurse according to the principles of individualized nursing care throughout the care process. The student can responsibly develop nursing and their own practices. The student also deepens their expertise in their chosen nursing specialty through a thesis.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples
There are plenty of job opportunities available for nurses in various expert roles within social and healthcare. Employment can be found in acute and long-term care, both in the private and public sectors. A nursing degree also enables work in different organizations, projects, and expert roles.
Your workplace could be, for example, in a hospital ward, outpatient clinic, or surgical department. Increasingly, it may involve services provided at home, remotely, or digitally, as well as in home care, various rehabilitation and care facilities, or medical clinics. You can also work in various team leadership roles.
The degree allows nurses to work abroad and participate in various international tasks. A Finnish nursing degree enables employment within the European Union. If you wish to work outside the EU/EEA area after graduation, you must check the country-specific qualification requirements after graduation to obtain registration.
Access to Further Studies
After completing your nursing degree, you have the opportunity to further your studies with various advanced and continuing education programs. As a nurse, you have the chance to develop your career path in a versatile and comprehensive manner. The educational possibilities are endless!
As a nurse, you can deepen and expand your expertise by completing various social and healthcare continuing education programs, specialization studies, and a higher education degree. TAMK offers you diverse opportunities for lifelong learning. As a nurse, you can also apply to university to pursue bachelor's and master's studies in nursing or health sciences, which enables you to pursue careers in the future such as nursing educator, manager, or researcher.
Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
Completed courses are evaluated on the scale excellent (5), good (3-4), satisfactory (1-2), and fail (0). The marking pass (S) can exceptionally be used if it has been separately stated in the study guide or individual study plan. Further, more detailed information on assessment can be found in the course implementation descriptions.
The joint assessment framework forms the basis for competence assessment at TAMK https://www.tuni.fi/studentsguide/handbook/tamk?page=2198.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation as a registered nurse requires the completion of studies and achievement of competence objectives in the structure and extent set by the curriculum. As TAMK’s graduate the student will have strong working life skills for the future and an ability to develop nursing.
Mode of Study
The scope of the degree programme is 210 credits. The completion time is 3,5 years.
A nursing student's competence is built through immersion, and the studies are structured into three phases. Approximately 60 credits are completed per year.
The nursing education is conducted as full-time studies in Finnish, with some studies implemented in a multidisciplinary manner. Some studies may also be conducted in English and within various projects and initiatives.
Nursing education is provided in both Full-Time Studies and Part-Time Studies.
In the Full-Time Studies format, teaching takes place through on-campus lectures, hands-on skills training, simulation-based learning, independent study, and collaborative activities. Some teaching may occur through distance learning and during evening hours.
In the Part-Time Studies format, teaching follows a similar structure to the daytime format, but with a greater emphasis on independent study. On-campus teaching mostly occurs two days a week.
75 credits, or one-third of the learning, take place in supervised internships (clinical placements) in various nursing environments in Pirkanmaa and across Finland. Supervised internships require commitment to shift work and may involve weekend work. Some internships can be completed as international placements.
The curriculum also includes a 15-credit thesis. The student's nursing competence expands and deepens throughout the studies.
The completion and progression of studies adhere to curriculum-specific principles. For detailed descriptions and principles of the curriculum, refer to the curriculum section in the study guide under the "curriculum" tab.
Development of the Programme
Finland’s health policy programmes and TAMK’s strategy have been considered in the curriculum. Act on Health Care Professionals and National core competences for nurses and their contents have been considered when developing the degree in nursing.
TAMK’s nursing education advisory committee and working life cooperation partners have taken part in the curriculum planning by offering comments on the contents and the structure of the curriculum.
The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European framework for degrees and other competence.
Degree Programme in Nursing and Health Care, Nursing
Timing and structure:
Degree Programme in Nursing and Health Care, Nursing
Timing plans:
Degree Programme in Nursing and Health Care, Nursing
Timing plans: