If there is any profession that smart and forward-looking expats come over to study or practice in the Nordics generally and Finland specifically then its Nursing. For emphasis sake, practicing nursing in Finland as an expat isn’t only self fulfilling but also places one on the coveted path of job satisfaction and career growth. Healthcare system in Finland, just like the entire Nordic region is well developed but local capacity can’t be enough. So for anyone outside Finland thinking of what marketable courses to study in Finland, Nursing should be it.
Of course any expat who entered Finland first as a student will advise that the choice of course to take in the prestigious universities over there will determine next moves after completion. If you belong to a category of people planning to start off a career in Finland, choosing Nursing course or related healthcare education puts you a step ahead of the rest.
Study Nursing in Finland as a foreign student
Finland is known worldwide for its flourishing higher education system. It’s why they receive many expats from across the world every year. Nursing is one of the sectors that is targeted by most of these people since it’s in high demand. Remember that nurses play a critical role in the healthcare industry, so every country requires a good number.
Fortunately, as a nursing student in Finland, you will have access to many affordable Finnish institutions. Some of these universities offer nursing courses in English, which is an added advantage. Finland also has a significant shortage of nurses so you stand a greater chance of getting employed here. Here are a few things to note about studying and practicing nursing as an expat in Finland.
Practicing nursing in Finland
As a nurse in Finland, you can expect to handle clients of all ages, races and gender. Your main role will be to support their health and offer any other relevant services. Remember that the Finnish healthcare system is pretty advanced. So, you will have the chance to operate in a cross-disciplinary, national, and international environment.
As a nursing student in the country, you are expected to participate in a clinical practice placement. The study duration varies depending on the level of nursing you are studying. For instance, a bachelor’s degree needs a study duration of 3 ½ years. The application and admission deadlines and period will differ from one institution to another.
You can also expect to pay a tuition fee of approximately 8000 to 11000 euros for every academic year for a Bachelor’s degree. Non-EU/EEA applicants will also pay the same for some master’s programs. You will also need at least a high school diploma or an upper general certificate of education. Some institutions might also ask for a higher secondary school certificate (SSCE Certificate). You should also keep in mind that your language skills are critical. In most cases you must have a minimum of a B.1 in the (CEFR) Common European Framework for Languages skills.
Living and Working as a Nurse in Finland
Luckily for you, finding employment as an expat nurse in Finland is fairly easy. The country is currently experiencing a nursing shortage. As a result, stakeholders have had to rely more on nurses from other countries. However, there are requirements that you must meet to be fully registered as a nurse.
For a start, you will need a nursing education background to become a nurse in Finland. Most institutions will also expect you to get an additional nursing degree in Finland. Subsequently, nurses must possess a Valvira registration and have adequate command of the Finnish or Swedish language. Last but not least, you will need a residence permit.
Nurse Application in Finland
Your best bet is to visit the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Employment and Work in Finland website. It provides important information on the challenges you should address before moving to Finland. Non-EU/EEA citizens must have a job prior to relocating to Finland. Here are the steps to follow.
Apply for a top-up degree in Finland
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from another country, you will have to join the Nursing TopUp program. It is also reserved for expats with nursing job experience, and with intermediate Finnish abilities. However, your minimum working experience should be two years after completing your bachelor’s degree. Another catch is that you must have worked within the last seven years.
Valvira Registration
All nurses in Finland must be licensed whether you are a foreigner or local. So, your best bet is to apply for one from the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira). Valvira keeps a record of all registered nurses while also registering everyone with professional practice rights in the Terhikki-register. Working as a nurse without a license in Finland will attract fines or imprisonment. Membership in the Finnish Nurses Association and Tehy, the Finnish Union of Health and Social Care Professionals is voluntary.
Experience Finnish or Swedish Proficiency when practicing nursing
As an expat nurse, you will be required to learn Finnish and acknowledge the cultural differences you might come across. Though it might sound like a daunting process, it’s very straightforward once you get the hang of it.
The Visa Type you Need in Finland as an Expat Nurse
As a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must have a residence permit to work as a nurse in Finland. So, you should begin your expat journey by applying for a residence permit. However, you should also note that to get a residence permit, you will need to find work in Finland. So, finding employment opportunities should be high on your priority list. Subsequently, you will also need a residence permit that allows you to work in the country. However, this will depend on the type of work you are looking for.
Nurses Salaries in Finland
As a nurse in Finland, you can expect to earn approximately 4,530 EUR every month. However, you can also earn as low as 2,910 EUR and as high as 8,720 EUR depending on various factors. The good news is that Finland has an efficient healthcare system with many firms providing digital solutions to boost efficiency.