Nursing TopUp

  • Degree title
    Bachelor of Health Care
  • Delivery method
    Hybrid
  • Level
    Bachelor's programme
  • Language
    English
  • Scope
    210 ECTS
  • Education duration
    1 year
  • Entry requirements
    A previous Nursing education that is completed outside of EU, work experience, and sufficient skills in English (B2) and Finnish or Swedish (B1). Applicants who live in Finland and already have sufficient English and Finnish or Swedish language skills can apply through an entrance exam held on campus. The application to this programme for applicants residing outside of Finland has been stopped indefinitely. If Arcada continues with the International Nursing TopUp programme in the future, updates about this will be published on Arcada's website.

Arcada's Nursing TopUp programme is aimed at you who already have a previous Nursing education completed outside of the EU/EEA, work experience and sufficient skills in English and Finnish or Swedish.

Programme

The Nursing TopUp programme offers internationally educated nurses the possibility of obtaining a Finnish Bachelor of Health Care, 210 ECTS, in approximately one year. This is possible through accreditation of former studies, practical training and work experience up to the extent of 150 ECTS, leaving to study the remaining credits that have a specific focus on EU and Finnish competencies.

Courses are built on a multiform principle. Methods used in this format may include lectures, individual reading assignments, workshops, case-based exercises, simulations, web-based courses, real-life projects and work practise.

In the Nursing TopUp programme you will study both online and on campus. All exams and simulations or practical sessions take place on campus. It is possible to study alongside work, as long as you make sure that you can attend the compulsory campus days. You will be informed of the on-campus dates well in advance. In some cases, your current work can be accredited as practical training, but this requires individual planning with the relevant teachers once the studies have begun.

The Arcada Patient Safety and Learning Centre (APSLC) provides an active simulation-based environment where theory and practice are combined. Through simulation-based training students learn to handle high-risk situations and special equipment, while at the same time improving their Finnish language, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills. A broad spectrum of difficult crisis and accident situations can be recreated in this simulation environment, which is safe and secure, easily adjustable and realistic.

The TopUp programme is taught in English, but please note that language skills in Finnish are necessary to complete work practice periods.

Remote video URL

What you will learn

As a student in the Nursing TopUp programme, you will focus on gaining the following competencies, but from a Finnish perspective:

  • Professional engagement competence
  • Clinical care competence
  • Health promoting competence
  • Learning and Tutoring competence
  • Nursing ethics competence
  • Interprofessional work and safety culture
  • Leadership and decision-making compete

How to apply

Please visit the Application pages for all the information on how to apply. The application to this programme is held twice a year: through the joint application in January with studies starting in August, and through the joint application in autumn with studies starting in January. 

Cost of studies

Applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA are required to pay tuition fees. Scholarships are not offered for the Nursing TopUp programme. Learn more on our Tuition fees page.

Laptop requirement

All students enrolled in the programme are expected to have a laptop they can use in their studies.

Structure of studies

Explore the structure of the degree programme.

The curriculum presented reflects the current programme, but individual study paths may vary. For the latest details, please contact the Degree Programme Director.

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