Nursing TopUp

Qualification awarded: Bachelor of Health Care; equivalent to Yrkeshögskoleexamen inom hälsovård och det sociala området, Sjukskötare (YH)
Level of qualification: 1st cycle
Scope: 210 ECTS credits (1cr is approx. 27h)
Duration: 1–1.5 years (study right: 3.5 years)
Mode of study: hybrid full-time
Language of tuition: English
Programme director: Terése Sjölund

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.

The student can develop methods for evidence-based procedures and contribute to the development of the health and medical care both nationally and internationally. The student will gain experience in participating in multi-professional teams and functions from a holistic caring perspective. The competencies also include health promotion, infection control and competencies for further education (e.g., leadership, education and research).

This competence-based curriculum is build on national competencies and the EU regulations. These competencies enable a lifelong learning process with constant updating and acquisition of new knowledge. The student is supported in gaining independence and responsibility while the education simultaneously prepares for work in multi-professional teams.

Study environment

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 responsible 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 or Swedish are necessary to complete work practice periods.

Collaboration

Arcada has close contacts to working life. Twice a year we organise a Networking Day online where students get to meet potential employers and relevant organisations.

Arcada is active in participating in national networks with the other Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland with the aim of developing the nursing education such as ProHarkka and SaiLa.

Placement in working life/career openings

Degrees from Universities of Applied Sciences are vocationally oriented undergraduate degrees at bachelor level and contribute university competencies and professional skills to the labour market. Students who have studied at Arcada have placed themselves well in working life and the degree of employment for students from Arcada after finished studies is high. After graduating you are able to work as a specialist within your field both in private and public social- and healthcare or in the third sector.

Further studies

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree at a University of Applied Sciences and acquired at least two years’ experience in working life can extend their professional competence by completing a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences. As a TopUp student with a previous bachelor's degree you can apply directly to a master's after graduation. The master’s degree programmes consist of 90 ECTS credits and can often be completed as part-time studies while working. The education involves a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities aiming at developing the student’s prerequisites to engage in professional endeavours requiring independence or research, development and innovation activities within the field. A master’s degree at a University of Applied Sciences provides eligibility for public employment with requirement of higher academic degree.

Arcada offers two Master’s programmes within social and healthcare: Healthcare Leadership and Emergency Care Systems Development and Leadership. These programmes are taught as hybrid teaching in English.

A person who has graduated with a master's degree has access to third-cycle university programmes (doctorate programmes) at universities. The university assesses individually for each case whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and skills for university post graduate education.