Non-EU citizens trained in the EU/EEA area

If you are not a EU/EEA citizen but have received your licensed practical nurse (LPN) diploma in an EU/EEA country, your education will be compared to a Finnish LPN education.  In some cases there are major differences between your education and Finnish nursing education so you need to take part in compensation measures.

 

The measures include an aptitude test and an adaptation period. The aptitude test measures general nursing skills and the adaptation period means working under supervision for a maximum of three years.

When you have sent your application to Valvira, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, you will receive a conditional recognition of your qualification. In that letter you will be given further information on main contents of a possible aptitude test or duration and main tasks of a possible adaptation period. You can decide yourself whether you wish to take the test or work the adaptation period. If you wish to work, you need to find a suitable workplace for the adaptation period yourself, Valvira does not have information on job openings.

 

Language skills

Non-EU citizens must have an official language certificate of their knowledge of Finnish or Swedish. You need to show a passable language certificate to Valvira before you will be given the right to use title of a LPN. We accept only the Civil Service Language Proficiency Test certificate (satisfactory level) or the National Proficiency in Finnish certificate (medium level 3-4).

 

How to apply

  • Please use a freely worded application or use the application form below
  • Fill the application manually or electronically but print and mail the form to address at bottom of the form
  • Write your own application in Finnish, Swedish or English
  • Remember to date and sign the application

Professional Practice Rights application (pdf)

 

Please send all the documents below. Note that if you do not send the documents below, then processing your application will take more time.

  • Officially certified copy of your passport or another officially certified document that states your citizenship
  • Officially certified copy of your original LPN diploma and study records
  • Translations of the LPN diploma and study records. The documents need to be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English by an authorised translator.
  • Officially certified copy of original good standing certificate. The certificate shows that you are allowed to work legally in your profession and are not disqualified from practicing.
  • Translation of the good standing certificate. The certificate needs to be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English by an authorised translator.
  • Officially certified copies of employment certificates after graduation if you have any
  • Translations of the employment certificates. The documents need to be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English by an authorised translator.
  • Official certified copy of your Finnish language certificate

 

All copies and copies of translations must be certified. All translations must be authorised.