Making a difference in people’s lives
Do you want to work with people and support their well-being in everyday life? This programme prepares you for a meaningful and rewarding career as a practical nurse in Finland’s social and health care sector.
During your studies, you will develop practical skills, professional competence, and the confidence needed to work in real care environments. The training combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, helping you build the skills required in working life.
Who is the vocational qualification suitable for?
Applicants should have:
- Motivation to work in the social and health care field
- Basic Finnish language skills (minimum level A2.2)
- Sufficient health and functional ability (SORA requirements, see link for more information) SORA
- The ability to commit to and fund their studies
- Readiness for vocational-level studies
- Basic digital and mathematical skills required for studies
- Willingness to work in shifts, including evenings and weekends
- Willingness to obtain the required vaccinations Vaccination programme for children and adults - THL
- A criminal record extract is required for work-based learning involving children and young people
Applicants must achieve the required Finnish language level (A2.2) before the start of their studies. If your current level is below A2.2, you can improve your skills through Finnish language courses, including those offered by Taitotalo.
What can you become?
After graduation, depending on your chosen field of specialisation, you can work in roles such as:
- Early childhood education
- Elderly care services (nursing homes, assisted living)
- Home care
- Nursing care (hospitals and clinical settings)
- Mental health and substance abuse work
- Disability services
- Dental care
Linfeng Liu, who worked in early childhood education in China for years, moved to Finland to better understand its education system. Studying to become a practical nurse at Taitotalo has strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to use Finnish.
Read the article
Linfeng Liu moved to Finland to study at Taitotalo
About the programme
- Qualification: Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care
- Scope: 180 competence points (credits)
- Duration: approximately 24 months
- The programme follows the Finnish national curriculum (updated 1 August 2026).
- The programme includes scheduled holiday periods during the academic year.
The study parts of the vocational programme
- Interaction and guidance of clients
- Promoting wellbeing and functional ability
- Medication in practical nursing After completing the core studies, you will deepen your competence in one chosen specialisation area.
The vocational specialization options
- Care and rehabilitation of older people
- Early childhood and youth education and care
- Mental health and substance abuse work
- Caring for the disabled
- Oral health care
- Nursing and care (hospital and clinical settings)
The program also includes common studies (such as language and communication skills) and optional units that support your individual learning path.
You will learn how to
- Support the well-being, health, and functional ability of clients in different life situations
- Communicate and interact professionally in care and guidance situations
- Work responsibly and safely as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Provide care and support in a variety of social and health care settings
Support for Finnish language learning
- Professional Finnish language studies
- Support for communication in working life
- Guidance for further studies and employment
Completion of the vocational qualification
The duration of the vocational qualification programme is determined on an individual basis. The programme lasts approximately 2 years.
Teaching takes place in person at the Taitotalo Pitäjänmäki campus.
More information
Price
9800e per academic year (students outside of the EU or ETA).
How to apply
Apply through Taitotalo’s partners listed on our web pages: Taitotalo's fee-based and commissioned training partners.
Form of training
- Classroom learning at Taitotalo
- Guided online learning
- Work-based learning in real workplaces
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