The document provides information about physiotherapy education in Finland. It discusses that physiotherapy education takes place at Universities of Applied Sciences and involves a 210 ECTS credit Bachelor's degree program that typically takes 3.5-4 years of full-time study. It also describes opportunities for continuing education, including a Master of Health Care degree or doctoral studies. The curriculum at Savonia University of Applied Sciences is outlined, with examples of themes covered in different semesters and courses within the first and third semesters.

1. Tuija Sairanen
Senior Lecturer in
Physiotherapy
Savonia University of Applied Sciences
(Savonia UAS)
Physiotherapy, Bachelor degree,
210 ECTS credits

2. General points of Physiotherapy Ecucation in
Finland 1/2
• The Finnish higher education system consists of two
complementary sectors: Universities of applied sciences
and universities
• Physiotherapists are educated at Universities of Applied
sciences
• Education is arranged at Bachelor degree, 210 ECTS
credits
• 3,5-4 years of full-time study
• The entry requirement is a certificate from an upper
secondary school or the matriculation certificate
2

3. General points of Physiotherapy Ecucation in
Finland 2/2
• Master of Health Care studies in University of Applied Sciences
• The requirements for studies are a Bachelor degree studies and at least
three years of work experience
• 60-90 ECTS credits, this takes 1,5-2 years
• The Master of Health Care is equivalent to a university Master of
Science in Health Care in the labour market
• A qualified physiotherapist can pursue postgraduate university studies,
continuing to a doctorate`s degree in health sciences in Universities .
• University of Jyväskylä is only university in Finland where
physiotherapy is one subject in Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
https://www.jyu.fi/sport/en/
3

4. Physiotherapy Curriculum (2010)
in Savonia UAS based
• EQF level 6 (Framework for Qualifications of European higher
education area)
• ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health)
WHO
• Framework of Physiotherapy Elements named by Finnish Association
of Physiotherapists (FAP)
• National Classification of Physiotherapy Practice
• Study outcomes are expressed by short statements of competencies
based rather on performing than just knowing
• Authentic leaning, experimentation and action
• Team Teaching
• Cooperative Learning
• Each student group has a tutoring teacher

5. Themes for semesters
1. Basics of physiotherapy and development into expert 29 credits
2. Functioning and Moving in Environment 31 credits
3. Active participant in Rehabilitation 29 credits
4. Physiotherapy practices to promote health and function 31 credits
5. Physiotherapy in different dysfunctions 30 credits
6. Physiotherapy in promotion of public welfare and health 30 credits
7. Development of Professionalism 30 credits

6. Example: 1st semester
Theme:
Basics of physiotherapy and development into expert 29 credits
- Supporting the learning process in UAS 5 op
- Basics of physiotherapy 4 op
- Body structure and functions 5 op
- Basics of function in physiotherapy 5 op
- Growth, development and learning in lifespan 5 op
- Guiding and teaching in physiotherapy 5 op
Students practise with authentic clients and different courses share
common tasks.

7. Example: 3th semester
Theme :Active participant in rehabilitation 29 op
- Rehabilitation 10 op
- Councelling in health promotion 6 op
- Accessibility and participation 5 op
- Applied exercises 3 op
- Research as a way to learn and work 5 op
Home visits at client´s home, workshops and portfolio
integrate all subjects together

8. Muchas gracias