Master's degree Programme in Rehabilitation enabled advancement to supervisory and development positions

Who: Sanna Paavola
Education: Master of Health Care, Physiotherapy (Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation), Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, 2019

Sanna Paavola works in a rehabilitation leadership role at HUS Helsinki University Hospital. Completing Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation allowed her to transition from rehabilitation practice with clients to leadership and development positions. The knowledge and skills she gained during her studies are valuable in her daily work. In addition to strengthening her expertise in rehabilitation development and leadership, the Master´s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation provided experience and confidence in inter-disciplinary collaboration and building effective professional networks.

Current Role and Responsibilities

"I work as a head nurse at HUS Helsinki University Hospital, overseeing physiotherapy and occupational therapy services at Lohja Hospital and physiotherapy at Raasepori Hospital. My responsibilities include daily management of the units, human resource management, service development within the units and across HUS Rehabilitation Services, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Additionally, I participate in various working groups at the organizational level. For example, I have been involved in developing HUS’s Taitava ASTU (Career Transition Support) program, designed for healthcare or therapy professionals starting their careers."

How Have You Applied the Expertise Gained from the Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation in Your Current Role?

"I utilize the skills and knowledge I gained from the Master’s Degree almost daily. The expertise in development and various forms of engagement acquired during my studies has been an integral part of my work since the beginning of the Master’s Degree, continuing through my transition into a leadership role.

Additionally, I gained practical leadership skills and tools for developing my management abilities. For me, the most valuable competencies came from projects carried out in collaboration with working life, which gave me the courage and skills to conduct new methods and ways of working through agile collaboration."

How Has Completing the Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Benefited Your Career?

"Completing the Master´s Degree enabled me to move from clinical work into leadership and development roles, providing the necessary qualifications for my current position. It has advanced my career in rehabilitation management, allowing me to influence the role and recognition of rehabilitation both within the organization and on a societal level.

Beyond these concrete benefits, the Master’s Degree has provided practical expertise for various tasks and networks. I also gained valuable contacts and professional relationships that suppoted my career."

Why Should You Study the Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation?

"The Master’s Degree is ideal for anyone seeking practical development and leadership skills relevant to working life, a broad understanding of rehabilitation, and research expertise in the field. It offers comprehensive skills for planning and implementing development projects within your organization during your studies, providing immediate practical benefits at work. In fact, some methods we developed during my studies are still in use at my former workplace.

The Master’s Degree broadens your perspective and expertise through a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach, offering insights into the development of rehabilitation and its societal significance, both historically and currently."

How Did You Balance Work and Master’s Studies?

"For me, combining work and studies was very manageable, thanks largely to my supportive employer at the Oulunkylä Rehabilitation Center. Their positive attitude toward development enabled me to undertake various projects and complete my thesis during my studies. I didn’t take study leave; instead, I used a significant portion of my summer vacation for data analysis related to my thesis.

The Master’s Degree's flexibility allows everyone to find a suitable way to balance work and studies. While the studies require time and commitment, teachers and fellow students form a strong support network. Peer feedback often helped me move forward in challenging situations."

What Was the Best Part of Your Studies at Metropolia?

"Learning new things, expanding my understanding, and ultimately completing a Master´s degree that opened doors for career development. The multidisciplinary network I built with fellow students has continued beyond graduation, enabling us to share expertise.

The practical, work-oriented structure of the Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation and its assignments supported the progress of my thesis from the start. I was able to use materials for my thesis from the very first month of studies. I especially enjoyed the work-life-related projects and development tasks."

How Did a Multidisciplinary Team and Co-Creation Benefit Your Learning?

"A multidisciplinary team provided a broader perspective on the field of rehabilitation, helping me see the industry from different professional viewpoints. Experiences and knowledge from various workplaces enriched my learning significantly. In my professional life, I’ve also noticed that multidisciplinary and interprofessional co-development leads to excellent results.

Understanding the work of other professional groups increased during my studies and has been beneficial in my current role as a manager overseeing multiprofessional teams."

Who Would You Recommend the Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation To?

"I would recommend the Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation to all social and healthcare professionals interested in developing and leading rehabilitation services. If you want a deeper understanding of the development, management, and research in rehabilitation and wish to learn various ways to innovate and create new solutions, this Master’s Degree Programme is likely a perfect fit for you."

Master’s Degree Programme in Developing Rehabilitaion at Metropolia

"The Master’s Degree Programme in Developing Rehabilitation comprises 90 ECTS credits, including 30 ECTS of developing rehabilitation studies, 30 ECTS of complementary studies, and thesis 30 ECTS. In addition to developing rehabilitation courses, students can strengthen their expertise by selecting complementary studies in development, leadership, research, or other relevant fields based on their personal learning needs.

The Master’s Degree Programme's online learning environment fosters a multidisciplinary expert community where work is dialogue-based and collaborative, promoting the development of expertise in rehabilitation. Knowledge, practices, and skills co-created during the Master’s Degree Programme are applicable to career development, workplace development, and societal influence.

Graduates work as leaders in rehabilitation development across diverse and evolving environments, serving as team leaders, supervisors, project managers, and experts in research-driven development projects and activities."

More information

Master’s Degree Programme in Developing Rehabilitation (only in Finnish)