The validation studies are aimed at foreign-educated biomedical laboratory scientists, to whom The Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) has mandated additional studies in order to obtain practise rights in Finland. At Metropolia Open University of Applied Sciences (Metropolia Open UAS), it is possible to complete the additional studies most commonly required by Valvira. The prerequisites for the studies are a decision from Valvira regarding the additional studies and sufficient proficiency in the Finnish language (B2 level)
Legalisation process
A person who has completed a biomedical laboratory science degree abroad must first apply for professional rights from Valvira in order to practice their profession in Finland. Should Valvira require additional studies to obtain professional rights, the applicant may apply to Metropolia Open UAS to complete the necessary studies. A personal study plan (HOPS), based on Valvira’s study requirements, will be created for those selected for the validation studies. Once the additional studies have been completed, the applicant must submit a certificate of the completed validation studies and a language proficiency certificate to Valvira. After this, Valvira can grant the right to practice the profession, and the person will be authorized to work as a biomedical laboratory scientist in Finland. A biomedical laboratory scientist is granted the right to practice under the title of medical laboratory technologist.
Studies
The studies include the course Terveysalan ammattilaisena Suomessa (As a Health Professional in Finland) and the additional studies required by Valvira according to the personal study plan.
Terveysalan ammattilaisena Suomessa: Bioanalyytikot (As a Health Professional in Finland: Biomedical Laboratory Scientists), 2 ECTS
- 1.4.-31.12.2025
- Content: Competence assessment and personal study plan, career and study guidance
- Implementation: Personal face-to-face or online meetings and online studies
- Fee: 50 euros
Other studies according to the personal study plan
Other studies are completed according to the personal study plan. These studies are completed alongside the degree studies of Metropolia. Only courses included in the degree program can be completed at Metropolia. The teaching for degree students is primarily in-person at the Myllypuro campus, Myllypurontie 1, 00920 Helsinki, but it may also include remote teaching.
The cost of additional studies is determined based on the number of ECTS credits for the course, which is 25 euros per credit.
Clinical placements
If the studies include clinical placements, the contents, aims, and duration of the clinical placements are agreed individually according to Valvira's requirements. The students are responsible for finding their own clinical placement positions. The supervising teacher guides and advises in finding suitable placements.
The cost of the clinical placement is 45 euros per ECTS credit. The study fee covers the guidance fees paid for the workplace.
Language of tuition
Language of tuition is Finnish. Completing the validation studies successfully requires a minimum of B2-level English language skills. The language skill levels are described on the the Council of Europe's website.
Selection Criteria
- A relevant Bachelor's degree completed abroad
- Finnish language skills at level B2 or higher. Read more about the language skill requirements at Metropolia Open UAS.
- Valvira's decision mandating additional studies required for obtaining professional rights
- Sufficient IT skills and a computer or a laptop for completing the studies
Fees
The cost of the studies is determined based on the extent of the studies:
- Theory studies: 25 euros per ECTS credit
- Clinical placements: 45 euros per ECTS credit
The participant is responsible for Valvira's application and related decision and document fees
If the studies are paid by the employer, the employer's billing information must be provided when registering for the course.
Application
You can apply for the validation studies at any time. Fill out the application form online and attach the required documents.
- Copies of the degree certificate and transcript of records
- Copy of Valvira's decision mandating additional studies required for obtaining practise rights
- Copy of the official language proficiency certificate, if applicable
Your application will be processed within two weeks. The applicant may be contacted by phone or email for additional information. During the summer period, the processing time may be longer.
For Employers
Are you an employer seeking new professionals? Offering a clinical placement is an excellent way to find new personnel. The duration of a clinical placement varies depending on the individual's education background and work experience. The placement can be either paid or unpaid. For more information about validation studies and clinical placements, please contact lecturer Jenny West. Contact details are provided below.
More information
For more information about the application process and studies, Jenny West, lecturer, BiRaYa team
See Jenny's contact information in Metropolia People Finder
Information about obtaining professional practise rights in social and health care in Finland
Valvira - Health care professionals trained outside the EU/EEA
Valvira - Health care professionals trained in an EU or EEA member state
National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI)
National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) - Registration
Finnish language courses at Metropolia's Open University of Applied Sciences
Information about career and education opportunities in Finland
Register for Metropolia career guidance
Information about studying at Metropolia's Open University of Applied Sciences