The validation studies are aimed at foreign-educated physiotherapists, 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 physiotherapy degree abroad must first apply for professional practise rights from Valvira. If 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 grants the right to practice the profession, and the person will be authorized to work as a physiotherapist in Finland.
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.
The studies usually include the following courses, but individual variations are possible:
Terveysalan ammattilaisena Suomessa: Fysioterapeutit (As a Health Professional in Finland: Physiotherapists), 1 ECTS
- 1.3.-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
- Language of study: Finnish
Sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon lainsäädäntö, palvelujärjestelmä ja etiikka (Social and Health Care Legislation, Service System, and Ethics), 3 ECTS
- 1.4.-31.12.2025
- Content: Key legislation of Finnish social and health services, patient status and rights, responsibilities and duties of social and health care workers, ethical principles and collegiality, Finnish health care service system
- Implementation: Independently completed online studies
- Language of study: Finnish
Clinical placement, 10 ECTS
- Schedule is agreed individually. Duration is determined by Valvira's additional study requirements. In general, the training requires about eight weeks of full-time work in the workplace, but it can vary depending on the student’s education and previous work experience
- Contents, aims, time, 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 positions.
- Working language: Finnish
Other studies
Should Valvira require other additional studies for the licensure candidate, the possibility of completing them with Metropolia's degree students will be explored. At Metropolia, only studies included in degree education can be completed. Degree students' education takes place mainly at the Myllypuro campus, Myllypurontie 1, 00920 Helsinki, but it may also include online teaching.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction is Finnish. Successful completion of the studies requires at least a B2 level of Finnish. The language proficiency levels (A-C) are described on the Europass 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 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 should be provided when registering for the courses.
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. Typically, a clinical placement lasts about eight weeks, though the duration may vary based on the individual's degree and previous work experience. The placement can be either paid or unpaid. Please note that unpaid training during validation studies does not qualify for AVI compensation. For more information about training, please contact Lecturer Leena Piironen. Contact details are provided below.
More information
For more information about the application process and studies
Leena Piironen, lecturer, Team for Rehabilitation
See Leena's contact information in Metropolia People Finder
Information about obtaining professional practise rights in social and health care in Finland
Valvira - Health care professional trained outside the EU/EEA
Valvira - Health care professionals trained in an EU or EEA member state
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: