Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland

The Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland is a professional supervisor of the interests of medical laboratory technologists and biomedical laboratory scientists. The Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland was founded on 18 January 1958.

The Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland is one of the nine co-operation members of the Union of Health and Social Care Professionals (Tehy). The objective of the association according to its rules is to bring together those who have qualified as medical laboratory technologists and biomedical laboratory scientists,to promote the development of the profession of medical laboratory technologists/biomedical laboratory scientists and to enhance their professional skills.

Educated and certificated medical laboratory technologists and biomedical laboratory scientists can join a local association of biomedical laboratory scientists. The membership does not require belonging to a trade organization (eg Tehy). At the end of 2007, there were 4235 members.

There are altogether 14 local associations and the members of the Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland are also members of these local associations.The Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland is located in Helsinki and its field of activities covers the whole country.

Objectives of the activities:

• Development of the profession and education and training
  • Working parties of the committee
  • Expert opinions to different sectors
  • Grants and scholarships
• Organisation of training
• Publication of Journal of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists
• Support of the operations of the local associations
• Co-operation with different educational institutions
• International activities

Working areas of medical laboratory technologists and biomedical laboratory scientists:

• Health care
• Medical research and technology
• Environmental health care
• Veterinary treatment of animal diseases

The promoter and strengthener of the development of the education

The aim of the Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland is to make sure that the education is properly proportioned, its content and objectives correspond to the needs of working life and that it fulfils both national and international quality requirements. The association also aims to maintain the professional skills of the graduated biomedical laboratory scientists and to secure the possibility to be promoted in their careers.

Education of biomedical laboratory science

The degree programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science is part of the following fields of study of the universities of applied sciences: Social Services, Health and Sports. The extent of the degree programme is 210 credit points, the degree: university of applied sciences degree of social and health care, biomedical laboratory scientist, Bachelor of Health Care.

Universities of Applied Sciences

Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Phone: +358 8 3127111 webpage: www.oamk.fi

Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Phone: +358 3 2452322, webpage: www.tamk.fi

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Phone: + 358 9 3108611, webpage: www.metropolia.fi

Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Phone: +358 17 2556422, webpage: www.savonia.fi

Novia University of Applied Siences
Phone: +358 6 3285361, +358 6 3285360, webpage: www.novia.fi (only in Swedish)

Turku University of Applied Sciences
Phone: +358 10 55350. webpage: www.turkuamk.fi

It is possible to check the entrance requirements, application periods, study programmes, the possibilities for an exchange period abroad etc on the websites of the universities of applied sciences.

Specialization studies and a higher level university of applied sciences degree

Universities of applied sciences can offer specialization studies (30-60 credit points) and studies that lead to a higher level university of applied sciences degree (90 credit points). Details of courses offered and the entrance requirements can be found on the websites of the universities of applied sciences.

Continuing and further education

The changes in the National Health Act and the Special Health Care Act came into force at the beginning of 2004. On the grounds of these laws and according to the decision in principle of the Council of State (2002), further education is offered for people working in public health service for 3-10 days a year depending on the length of the basic education, the change in the job description and how demanding the work is. The obligation to maintain and develop the professional skills is also defined in an act concerning health care professionals (L 559,15 § and 18 §). The duty of the employer is to create opportunities for and to pay the costs of further education. The association aims to follow and monitor the possibility for the members to participate in further education needed for maintaining and developing the professional skills. The instructions of the association and the recommendations for the quality requirements concerning further education can be found here.

Scientific studies can be carried out at different universities.