Nursing Degree at Karlstad University
Completion of this programme provides general competence as a licensed nurse, allowing for work in medical or surgical fields, in geriatric care, and in both private and public health care. A licensed nurse works to provide care, examines/treats, educates/offers guidance, plans, and provides leadership as well as assists with research and development.
A nurse is responsible for the care of patients, but also leads and develops nursing. A nurse participates in preventive health measures as well as educates and provides guidance to patients, their families, students and employees. A nurse also provides medical assistance, i.e. is responsible for the care and treatment of patients under the guidance of a physician. Nursing offers constant interaction with other occupational groups and often work in teams. Upon examination, specialization in several fields is possible as is the pursuit of further academic studies. This programme follows EU guidelines and offers the possibility to work in other member states.
EDUCATION
The nursing programme consisting of 180 ECTS credits provides vocational qualification as well as a license. Clinical and theoretical studies are alternated in the programme. Constantly keeping abreast of scientific advances in the discipline are central to success in the programme. Throughout the programme, the student is stimulated to active learning with personal responsibility, both in a group and individually.
Nursing Science is the principal subject and (97.5 ECTS credits), covers issues such as ethics, health, healthcare environment, and interaction with patients. Other courses are biomedicine (30 ECTS credits), clinical medicine (37.5 ECTS credits) and psychology (7.5 ECTS credits). There is also an elective course (7.5 ECTS credits) in the programme.
The first year of study provides basic knowledge in biomedicine (anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pathological alterations), providing care, and psychology. Clinical studies throughout the fist year consist of laboratory work and field studies.
The second year offers coursework in nursing science and clinical medicine (diseases and pharmacology). The main focus is clinical knowledge in close patient care with studies in method training and treatment.
The third year includes continued studies in clinical medicine, in-depth studies in nursing science, and an elective course. Finally, there is a degree project of 15 ECTS credits, as well as studies in complex nursing, nursing care organisation, and leadership.
DEGREE
Passing the programme awards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This vocational qualification is necessary in order to obtain a license from The National Board of Health and Welfare. Both the programme study plan and syllabus meet the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Nursing Science and a Minor in Biomedicine. For examination and assessment regulations, see under the heading “Learning outcomes” in the programme study plan.
EXAMINATION
There are no set examination periods, and generally no final exam at the end of a semester, an academic year, or a complete study programme. Examination usually takes place at the end of each course, module, or unit.
STUDY ABROAD
Study abroad is possible in the programme; see www.hv.kau.se for further information. There is a well-developed system for student and teacher exchange in Scandinavia and the EU.
FURTHER STUDIES
Upon completion of the programme, one of the following Master’s programmes is possible: Primary Health Care 75 ECTS credits; Prehospital Nursing 60 ECTS credits; Psychiatric Care 60 ECTS credits; Intensive Care Nursing 60 ECTS credits; Operating Room Nursing 60 ECTS credits. It is also possible to continue towards a Master’s degree in Nursing. Another two Master’s programmes are also offered: European Perspectives on Social Inclusion 60 ECTS credits, and Community Care and Public Health 120 ECTS credits.
Tags: academic studies, active learning, anatomy physiology, basic knowledge, clinical medicine, ects credits, elective course, geriatric care, healthcare environment, licensed nurse, medical assistance, nursing science, occupational groups, preventive health, principal subject, public health care, scientific advances, states education, theoretical studies, vocational qualification