The qualification training is intended for biomedical laboratory scientists who have completed their degree outside the EU/EEA and have been assigned additional studies by the Finnish Supervisory Agency in order to obtain the right to practise in Finland. At Metropolia Open University of Applied Sciences (Metropolia Open UAS), you can complete the additional studies most commonly required by the Finnish Supervisory Agency.
Participation requires a decision from the Finnish Supervisory Agency on the additional studies and sufficient Finnish language skills (minimum level B2).
Qualification process
A person who has completed a biomedical laboratory science degree outside the EU and EEA must first apply for professional rights from the Finnish Supervisory Agency in order to practise their profession in Finland. If the Finnish Supervisory Agency requires additional studies to obtain professional rights, the applicant may apply to Metropolia Open UAS to complete the necessary qualification training.
A personal study plan (HOPS) based on the Finnish Supervisory Agency’s requirements is created for those selected for the qualification training. Once the additional studies have been completed, the applicant must submit a certificate of the completed qualification training and a language proficiency certificate to the Finnish Supervisory Agency. After this, the Finnish Supervisory Agency can grant the right to practise the profession, and the person will be authorised to work as a biomedical laboratory scientist in Finland. A biomedical laboratory scientist is granted the right to practise under the title of medical laboratory technologist.
Studies
The qualification training includes the course Terveysalan ammattilaisena Suomessa (As a Health Professional in Finland) and the additional studies required by the Finnish Supervisory Agency, according to the personal study plan.
Terveysalan ammattilaisena Suomessa: Bioanalyytikot
(As a Health Professional in Finland: Biomedical Laboratory Scientists), 2 ECTS
- 07.01.2026–31.12.2026
- 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 taken alongside Metropolia’s degree studies. Only courses included in the degree programme can be completed at Metropolia. Teaching for degree students is primarily in-person at the Myllypuro campus, Myllypurontie 1, 00920 Helsinki, but may also include remote teaching.
The cost of additional studies is 25 euros per ECTS credit.
Clinical placements
If the qualification training includes clinical placements, the content, objectives and duration are agreed individually according to the Finnish Supervisory Agency’s requirements. Students are responsible for finding their own clinical placement positions. The supervising teacher guides and advises in finding suitable placements.
The cost of clinical placements is 45 euros per ECTS credit. The fee covers the guidance fees paid to the workplace.
Language of tuition
The language of tuition is Finnish. Completing the qualification training successfully requires Finnish language skills at a minimum of B2 level. The language skill levels are described on the Council of Europe’s website.
Selection criteria
- A relevant bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory science completed outside the EU and EEA
- Finnish language skills at level B2 or higher (see Metropolia Open UAS website for details)
- A decision from the Finnish Supervisory Agency mandating additional studies required for obtaining professional rights
- Sufficient IT skills and access to a computer or laptop for completing the studies
Fees
The cost of the qualification training is 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 all application, decision and document fees charged by the Finnish Supervisory Agency.
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 qualification training at any time. Fill in the online application form and attach the required documents:
- Copy of the degree certificate and transcript of records
- Copy of the Finnish Supervisory Agency’s decision mandating additional studies required for obtaining practise rights
- Copy of an official language proficiency certificate, if applicable
Your application will be processed within two weeks. You may be contacted by phone or email for additional information. During the summer, 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 staff. The duration of a clinical placement varies depending on the individual’s educational background and work experience. The placement can be either paid or unpaid.
For more information about qualification training and clinical placements, please contact lecturer Jenny West. Contact details are provided below.
More information
Information about obtaining professional practise rights in social and health care in Finland
The Finnish Supervisory Agency - Health care professionals trained outside the EU/EEA
The Finnish Supervisory Agency- 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