Practical Nurse, Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care
You may apply for this education if you meet requirements regarding sufficient language skills (Finnish and English), health requirements and, are generally eligible for secondary education and interested to work with elderly.
Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care gives you the opportunity to work as a practical nurse specialising in elderly care.
The job tasks include supporting the functional independence in the elderly by providing care, assisting with daily activities, monitoring health conditions, and offering emotional support. As a practical nurse you may work for example in home care, nursing homes, or day centers. If you value independent work and wish to support the elderly in their daily activities, choosing a career as a practical nurse allows you to make a meaningful impact and contribute to improving the quality of life for the elderly. Generally, there is a large demand for practical nurses in Finland.
The Content of Education
The scope of the studies is 180 competence points (cps) and it is composed of vocational units (145 cps) and common units (35 cps). Completing the studies takes 2-3 years.
Vocational units
- Customer interaction and guidance (20 cps)
- Promotion of well-being and functional capacity (25 cps)
- Medication care in the area of practical nurse´s responsibility (10 cps)
- Competence area of elderly care and rehabilitation (60 cps)
- Optional Modules of the Vocational Qualification (15-30 cps)
Common units
- Communication and interaction competence
- Mathematics and science competence
- Citizenship and working life competence
A personal study plan will be made for each student based on their previous experience and studies.
Form of Instruction, Teaching Time and Language
Studies are organized as contact studies during daytime at the Pohjolankatu Campus in Savonlinna. Studies are arranged in both Finnish and English.
Who can apply?
This education is suitable for everyone interested in social and health care. You can also apply from abroad. *) There are some requirements that must be met:
- Basic level (A2.2) skills in Finnish (will be tested in an aptitude test, which cannot be completed online / via an app)
- Minimum score of 85 points in Duolingo English test (other language tests will not be admitted)
- General upper secondary school certificate or school-leaving certificate
- Good physical and mental condition to study and work as practical nurse. Additional information at Opintopolku.fi; Applicant´s health and functional capacity (the page is currently in Finnish only)
If your application fails to meet the requirements, it will not proceed to the next stage.
If your application lacks the compulsory attachments (Duolingo English test, certificate of previous education, and a bilingual video of yourself answering the required questions), it will not be processed or it may be considered invalid.
Applications sent per email will not be processed.
Please follow all steps of the Application Procedure given below.
*) Attention! If you do not live in Finland and are admitted as a student to Samiedu, the Finnish Immigration Service will make the final decision on your residence permit.
Price
The education is free of charge for students.
The aptitude test is free of charge, but you are responsible for covering the cost of the Duolingo test certificate.
Students are responsible for covering expenses related to material fees, housing, and travel.
Samiedu does not offer scholarships or other financial aid options.
For the resident permit, the applicant must give evidence for the Finnish Immigration Service of having the necessary funds (account) to cover living expenses. Additional information can be found at the Finnish Immigration Service.
Application information
The application period is 17th Mars – 30th April 2025.
The aptitude test will be conducted on the 10th June 2025 at the Pohjolankatu Campus in Savonlinna, Finland. Conducting an online aptitude test is not feasible.
Student admissions will be made by 16th June 2025. *)
A maximum of 25 students will be selected for the education based on sufficient language skills, preliminary assignment, and the aptitude test. A minimum of 15 students must be selected to start the education.
The education is scheduled to start on the 2th September 2025.
*) Attention! If you do not live in Finland and are admitted as a student to Samiedu, the Finnish Immigration Service will make the final decision on your residence permit.
Application Procedure:
1.Take the Duolingo English Test
Every applicant must attach a Duolingo English test score certificate (minimum score of 85 points) to their application. Duolingo English Test is an online exam that assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and takes less than an hour to complete. Official results will be accessible within 48 hours following the examination. This link takes you to the Duolingo English test.
2. Record a max. 2-minute video where you answer the following questions in Finnish and English:
- Vastaa suomeksi: Miksi haet Practical nurse -koulutukseen?
- Vastaa suomeksi: Miten ja missä olet oppinut suomen kieltä?
- Answer in English: How do you think you will cope with your studies?
- Answer in English: What kind of expectations do you have for the education?
You need to be visible in the video. Please attach a link to your video in your application (do not send the video as an attachment; please ensure the link works). Videos longer than 2 minutes will not be assessed.
3. Attach certificates of your previous education as well as Duolingo English test certificate and video link to the application.
All applicants who have submitted the necessary certificates and meet the requirements will be invited to an aptitude test via email. The aptitude test will be arranged in Pohjolankatu Campus, Pohjolankatu 4-6, Savonlinna on the 10th June 2025.
The aptitude test begins at 9:00 AM, please allocate the entire day. The aptitude tests are conducted in collaboration with the Finnish Psychological Center. The aptitude test will be conducted in Finnish, with English assistance available if necessary.
If you do not participate in the aptitude test, or if you receive a score of 0, or if you do not meet the health requirements, you cannot be selected for the specific qualification.
