Master's Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) (Vaasa), Master of Health Sciences (2 years), Åbo Akademi University

About this programme

The study programme is designed to further develop nurses’ competencies in person-centred, evidence-based and effective clinical nursing. It covers both theoretical and clinical studies. This two-year programme of 120 ECTS follows the International Council of Nurses’ recommendations for Advanced Practice Nursing. The overall learning outcome is that students will gain advanced clinical competencies to work as advanced practice nurses, and skills to care for adults and older people with acute health problems and/or patients with complex and long-term health conditions. The International Council of Nurses (ICN; 2004) define an advanced practice nurse as: “A registered nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which are shaped by the context and/or country in which s/he is credentialed to practice.” According to the Nordic model of APN the core competencies are direct clinical care, ethical decision making, coaching and guidance (health pedagogical methods), collaboration, consultation, case management, research and development, and leadership (clinical, system and health policy). Readiness for advanced, systematic and clinical assessment and clinical decision-making is a central key competence. According to research, advanced practice nurses contribute to high quality care and, especially improved patient satisfaction and patient safety. For more information about the programme, please visit: https://www.abo.fi/en/study-programme/masters-degree-programme-in-advanced-practice-nursing/