In recent years, more people have wanted to study in the healthcare and nursing field. For example, Tallinn Health Care College has received more applications for nursing studies. Last year, there were 10% more applications than before.
Tallinn Health Care College received nearly 1500 applications for nursing studies this summer. Tartu Health Care College received 875 applications. This is 40% more than last year.
The nursing field has become more popular because nursing work is more prestigious. Additionally, there are now more career opportunities. Laura Keidong, president of the Estonian Nurses' Association, says she wants to help nurses who have left the field to return.
According to OSKA's estimate, Estonia may lack approximately 770 nurses over the next 10 years. The reasons for the labor shortage are high workload and poor work culture.
Many nurses also go to work in Finland, but this trend is decreasing. To solve the problem, the work environment needs to be analyzed. The state is also providing more support to the healthcare sector and increasing nurses' salaries.
Currently, the two colleges admit a total of 700 students to nursing studies. It is good that very few students drop out before completing their studies.