Biomedical laboratory science is conducted as full-time studies, but part-time in that sense, that the studies consists both contact and online teaching. 

Goal

The Degree Programme Bachelor of Health Care, Biomedical Laboratory Science educates experts in clinical laboratory work. The studies are based on biomedical laboratory science supported with knowledge in biomedical sciences, and the work includes collecting specimens, performing diagnostic testing, as well as performing near-patient examinations in the presence of the patient.

Students will gain the knowledge required to be responsible for the laboratory examination process, which includes everything from informing and supervising patients during a laboratory examination to obtaining a result that is deemed reliable. Laboratory test results yield information for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, or treatment of disease.

A biomedical laboratory scientist works both independently and as part of a team. In the work, initiative, and accuracy are valued.

Content of Studies

The studies consist of Core Studies, Professional Studies, Practice, and a Bachelor’s Thesis.

The Core Studies are basic studies such as introduction and languages while the Professional Studies focus on biomedical and clinical competence, professional development, and research.

Practice consists of internships in laboratory work within a clinical environment, in hospitals, community care, or private health centres. The Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 has been implemented in the curriculum as competences.

The focus is on clinical laboratory work and cultural competence. The students can, through their thesis and final laboratory study module, focus on their special field within Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Degree Project

The Bachelor’s Thesis is 15 ECTS and is done in cooperation with hospital and health care centre based laboratories, as well as with the Research and Development Department where it can be part of a research project. The thesis supports the student’s interest for a certain area and can function as a personal profile of competence. The thesis is evidence based but can be presented in various formats.

These can be, for example:

• research (e.g. investigation and analysis of a certain problem in laboratory work)
• report
• handbook
• film
• drama
• instruction video

Career Opportunities

A graduated Biomedical Laboratory Scientist is qualified to work in clinical laboratories in hospitals and in other health care centers, as a member of a research project, as well as with sales and development activities in companies that sell equipment and instruments for the laboratories. At the moment there are a lot of job opportunities in Finland, but also in other countries.

Internationalisation

 Students at Novia UAS can participate in international activities through:

• undertaking a part of their studies abroad at a partner institution
• doing a part of the compulsory clinical training abroad
• participating in various projects and intensive courses together with other international students

Students can participate in student exchange programmes both for their theoretical and clinical studies. We encourage our students to do parts of their studies at our partner universities or as free mover students.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is English. All literature used is in English whilst some national recommendations are mainly available in Finnish and Swedish. However, a prerequisite for participating in the practice is a basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish, both of which are taught during the first year of study.

Gradually, during the study time, we encourage the students to use Swedish and Finnish during lectures, and in practical courses, in order to be prepared for the working environment in Finland. The supervision language during the clinical training within the hospitals is either Swedish or Finnish.

Before graduation, the student must show their competence in either Swedish or Finnish at B1 level (CEFR Levels).

Cooperation With Other Actors

We work with external projects, which means you get new contacts to small and large businesses in the region. Novia UAS also participates in EU-funded projects where we collaborate with other universities, colleges, and organisations.

Continuing Education Opportunities

The Bachelor of Health Care, Biomedical Laboratory Science functions as a springboard for further studies at a master's level in Biomedical Laboratory Science or other disciplines.