By Iben With

In the project “Together for Lifelong Learning”, we held a webinar on nursing education in the Nordic region on January 17, 2025. We focused on how flexibility and customization can open new doors for both students and the labor market. The Nordic countries have different approaches to making nursing education more accessible, and this diversity is a gift that can inspire us all.

Differences as strength: The Nordic countries share many common values, but the structural and legislative frameworks vary considerably. From flexible options in Norway, to hybrid models in Sweden and decentralized education in Denmark, we see how local needs and challenges shape unique solutions. These differences are not obstacles, but rather resources that can inspire new ideas.

Høgskulen in Vestlandet and StudieHub – Fjordane Studiesenter: Høgskulen in Vestlandet in collaboration with Fjordane Studiesenter, has created a flexible, decentralized model that allows students in remote areas to take a nursing degree without having to move to a larger city. In addition, several municipalities have chosen to employ students during the program, as the financial basis can be crucial for completing the program and it is ultimately profitable for communities struggling to retain healthcare professionals.

Jönköping University, the School of Health and Welfare and Campus Värnamo: Sweden also contributes with an inspiring model through Jönköping University, which, in collaboration with Campus Värnamo, offers teaching at three locations simultaneously (Jönköping with students and teachers physically together and Värnamo and Eksjö remotely). In this way, students in Värnamo and Eksjö can follow the teaching synchronously via a large screen while classes are being held in Jönköping. This solution creates flexibility for those who live far from major study cities and gives more people the opportunity to start an education closer to home.

University College Absalon and HUSC - Holbæk Education and Study Center: In Denmark, we are also working to increase the accessibility of nursing education. University College Absalon has made flexibility coupled with proximity a central part of its approach. This includes the opportunity to study nursing at a small campus in Holbæk. The collaboration between Absalon and HUSC - Holbæk Uddannelses- og Studiecenter is an example of how small, local campuses can make education more accessible and support regional needs. In 2025, Absalon will also start up a credit program, which makes it possible for students with a professional background in the healthcare sector and who have already acquired some competencies to take the program in a shorter time.

A future of lifelong learning: Our healthcare systems face significant workforce recruitment challenges. To ensure future prosperity, it is important that we not only make education attractive, but also possible for many more people to complete. It's about lifelong learning and creating structures where adults who are already in work can continue their education without leaving the labor market.

Opportunities in collaboration: The webinar illustrated how we in the Nordic region can learn from each other's approaches. Sharing experiences and successes can open doors to innovative solutions. At the same time, it is important to recognize that a model can rarely be copied directly. Local and national conditions require us to adapt, but by being inspired, we can find common answers to our challenges.

A call to action - join the Lifelong Learning Conference 2-3 October 2025: In light of the challenges we face, there is a need for more dialog and collaboration across borders. By bridging different approaches, we can create a future where education - and not just in healthcare - is both accessible and attractive to all.

Lifelong learning is the theme of a major conference we are planning in Bergen on October 2-3, 2025. Here we will gather educational institutions, study centers, decision makers and others who are concerned about lifelong learning. Stay tuned to the project website where the program and registration will be published.

Project partners:
StudieHub – Fjordane Studiesenter
Campus Värnamo
HUSC – Holbæk Uddannelses- og Studiecenter

Project website: https://www.nordicstudycenters.org/