Language skills
Programme length
2 years
Study mode
Mostly distance learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Are you interested in furthering your education?
- Do you want to develop your knowledge and skills to meet societal demand?
- Do you want a programme that you can complete alongside work?
This is a 30 ECTS micro-credential programme in specialised nursing open to students who have completed a BS in nursing.
Specialisations vary from year to year, since they are organised to align with current societal demand for nurses in specific areas.
Programme structure
The programme is 30 ECTS and is organised as a part-time study for one or two years.
Specialisations are two:
- Primary care nursing with a focus on breastfeeding
- Nursing management and leadership
Main objectives
The micro-credential is designed to give students opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in line with societal impact demand for nursing specialists.
Organisation of teaching
This programme is taught in Icelandic and most textbooks are in English.
Attendance is compulsory for most mandatory courses.
Other
Further information about the programme
Credits from this programme may be transferred to a Master's programme, subject to certain conditions.
Bachelor's degree in nursing or a similar program with a minimum grade point average of 6.5 and an Icelandic nursing license. At the same time, the student must have good Icelandic and English skills. Teaching takes place in Icelandic.
Courses in micro-credential studies must be at master's level and meet the requirements for that. A part-time study does not end with a recognized university degree, but a student who completes such a program receives a certified certificate to that effect and can apply to have it evaluated as a shortening of a graduate study. The minimum grade in micro-credential courses must be 6.0. The length of a micro-credential study is usually one to two years, but the study as a whole must be completed within three years. The students' learning speed must be in accordance with the advertised curriculum and course availability.
In the micro-credential program with an emphasis on nursing management and leadership, the emphasis is on deepening students' knowledge, understanding, and skills in the field of management and leadership in nursing and health services, thereby preparing them for work as managers and leaders in nursing.
The aim of the micro-credential program in primary care nursing with an emphasis on breastfeeding is to increase the knowledge and skills of nurses and midwives who apply for the study program about breastfeeding. Students gain evidence-based knowledge of topics related to breastfeeding, ranging from the anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding to more specialized knowledge of the various challenges and tasks that can arise during breastfeeding. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on the holistic health assessment of the mother, child and family, the impact on breastfeeding success, communication skills, counseling training and leadership roles.
The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
- CV
- Reference 1, Name and email
- Reference 2, Name and email
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
- First year
- Fall
- Skills for theoretical work
- Health assessment of a mother and a child
- Breastfeeding basics for successful breastfeeding
- Spring 1
- Breastfeeding support and councelling
First year | Fall
Skills for theoretical work (HJÚ140F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
2 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of this course is to enhance the students‘ skills in applying knowledge to their nursing practice. The spotlights is obtaining literature from databases and literature assessment. Evidence-based practice is introduced such as use of clinical guidelines and best practice guidelines. The main focus is on practicing methods for searching for and assessing scientific material as well as developing good text.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Attendance required in class
First year | Fall
Health assessment of a mother and a child (HJÚ166F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
6 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The main focus will be on mothers and children´s health assessments especially in relation to issues that might affect breastfeeding. This will include a holistic assessment of their physical, physiological and psychosocial adjustment. Emphasis will also be placed on students acquiring knowledge and skills in recognizing and evaluating child's behavior and signals and the effect of child's development and health on breastfeeding and nutrition. Special emphasis will be placed on children's developmental assessment.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Attendance required in class
First year | Fall
Breastfeeding basics for successful breastfeeding (HJÚ165F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
8 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Basic knowledge regarding breastfeeding will be covered, such as breast anatomy and physiology of lactation. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and skills on various stimulating and inhibiting factors affecting milk production and the general success of breastfeeding. The course will also cover the evidence on other issues like on the composition of human breast milk in comparison with, for example, formula milk and the health benefits of breastfeeding for mother, babies and the community.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Breastfeeding support and councelling (HJÚ275F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
8 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Special emphasis will be placed on the analysis of risk factors, assessment and treatment of the main challenges and problems that may arise in relation to child's nutrition, especially related to breastfeeding. Also, in collaboration with breastfeeding counselors and clinical institutions, clinical training in providing support to breastfeeding mothers will be arranged.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Attendance required in class
- Year unspecified
- Year unspecified
- Not taught this semesterAdvanced Family Nursing Practice
- Leadership in health care
Not taught this semester
Year unspecified | Year unspecified
Advanced Family Nursing Practice (HJÚ0ADF)
Free elective course within the programme
6 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course aims to give nurses and other health care professionals the opportunity to enhance their skills in evaluating and implementing the philosophy that family care-based as well as focus on developing clinical skills of nurses in their persons and their families who are dealing with various diseases, disorders and or shocks.
On this occasion, the focus will be on working with the support of individuals and families, a family activity and attitude of family members to diseases/trauma. Communication Theories and ideas Wright and Bell (2009) and Wright and Leahey (2019) changed the relationship of family members to chronic or acute disease or trauma and ideology of cooperation with the families of the clinical arena is among the materials that will be considered.
The main focus of the course is on evidence-based practice in family care and the development of therapeutic dialogue with individuals and families, with the views of family members, health workers attitude and attitude to disease and the interaction between them include examined.
Full coverage will be the preparation and implementation of family interviews coercion and development styrkleikamiðaðra treatments for individuals and families.
The course is also designed to give students the opportunity to develop their skills in assisting families with adjustment/experience of serious illness and trauma such as loss and thus enable families in their own health.
Special emphasis will be placed on individual training where students receive personal guidance on the implementation of treatment discussion with family members. Assessment is in the form of individual projects and group projects, but as the test release phase of the case requires 80% attendance in the course.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Attendance required in class
Year unspecified | Year unspecified
Leadership in health care (HJÚ258F)
Free elective course within the programme
6 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The work environment of health care services has changed constantly in recent years requiring more than ever leadership skills of nurses as well as other healthcare professionals, whether in clinical roles, teaching or education. The course should prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare.
The course content includes concepts, models and theories in leadership. The role and characteristics of leaders and the role of leaders as change agents are discussed, within health care organizations and generally in the community, locally and globally, at present and in the future. A global approach and innovation are emphasized.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Attendance required in class
First year
- Fall
- HJÚ140FSkills for theoretical workMandatory (required) course2A mandatory (required) course for the programme2 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of this course is to enhance the students‘ skills in applying knowledge to their nursing practice. The spotlights is obtaining literature from databases and literature assessment. Evidence-based practice is introduced such as use of clinical guidelines and best practice guidelines. The main focus is on practicing methods for searching for and assessing scientific material as well as developing good text.
PrerequisitesAttendance required in classHJÚ166FHealth assessment of a mother and a childMandatory (required) course6A mandatory (required) course for the programme6 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe main focus will be on mothers and children´s health assessments especially in relation to issues that might affect breastfeeding. This will include a holistic assessment of their physical, physiological and psychosocial adjustment. Emphasis will also be placed on students acquiring knowledge and skills in recognizing and evaluating child's behavior and signals and the effect of child's development and health on breastfeeding and nutrition. Special emphasis will be placed on children's developmental assessment.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in classHJÚ165FBreastfeeding basics for successful breastfeedingMandatory (required) course8A mandatory (required) course for the programme8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionBasic knowledge regarding breastfeeding will be covered, such as breast anatomy and physiology of lactation. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and skills on various stimulating and inhibiting factors affecting milk production and the general success of breastfeeding. The course will also cover the evidence on other issues like on the composition of human breast milk in comparison with, for example, formula milk and the health benefits of breastfeeding for mother, babies and the community.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Spring 2
HJÚ275FBreastfeeding support and councellingMandatory (required) course8A mandatory (required) course for the programme8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionSpecial emphasis will be placed on the analysis of risk factors, assessment and treatment of the main challenges and problems that may arise in relation to child's nutrition, especially related to breastfeeding. Also, in collaboration with breastfeeding counselors and clinical institutions, clinical training in providing support to breastfeeding mothers will be arranged.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Year unspecified
- Not taught this semesterHJÚ0ADFAdvanced Family Nursing PracticeElective course6Free elective course within the programme6 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The course aims to give nurses and other health care professionals the opportunity to enhance their skills in evaluating and implementing the philosophy that family care-based as well as focus on developing clinical skills of nurses in their persons and their families who are dealing with various diseases, disorders and or shocks.
On this occasion, the focus will be on working with the support of individuals and families, a family activity and attitude of family members to diseases/trauma. Communication Theories and ideas Wright and Bell (2009) and Wright and Leahey (2019) changed the relationship of family members to chronic or acute disease or trauma and ideology of cooperation with the families of the clinical arena is among the materials that will be considered.
The main focus of the course is on evidence-based practice in family care and the development of therapeutic dialogue with individuals and families, with the views of family members, health workers attitude and attitude to disease and the interaction between them include examined.
Full coverage will be the preparation and implementation of family interviews coercion and development styrkleikamiðaðra treatments for individuals and families.
The course is also designed to give students the opportunity to develop their skills in assisting families with adjustment/experience of serious illness and trauma such as loss and thus enable families in their own health.
Special emphasis will be placed on individual training where students receive personal guidance on the implementation of treatment discussion with family members. Assessment is in the form of individual projects and group projects, but as the test release phase of the case requires 80% attendance in the course.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in classHJÚ258FLeadership in health careElective course6Free elective course within the programme6 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe work environment of health care services has changed constantly in recent years requiring more than ever leadership skills of nurses as well as other healthcare professionals, whether in clinical roles, teaching or education. The course should prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare.
The course content includes concepts, models and theories in leadership. The role and characteristics of leaders and the role of leaders as change agents are discussed, within health care organizations and generally in the community, locally and globally, at present and in the future. A global approach and innovation are emphasized.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in class
Year unspecified- Fall
- HJÚ140FSkills for theoretical workMandatory (required) course2A mandatory (required) course for the programme2 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of this course is to enhance the students‘ skills in applying knowledge to their nursing practice. The spotlights is obtaining literature from databases and literature assessment. Evidence-based practice is introduced such as use of clinical guidelines and best practice guidelines. The main focus is on practicing methods for searching for and assessing scientific material as well as developing good text.
PrerequisitesAttendance required in classHJÚ166FHealth assessment of a mother and a childMandatory (required) course6A mandatory (required) course for the programme6 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe main focus will be on mothers and children´s health assessments especially in relation to issues that might affect breastfeeding. This will include a holistic assessment of their physical, physiological and psychosocial adjustment. Emphasis will also be placed on students acquiring knowledge and skills in recognizing and evaluating child's behavior and signals and the effect of child's development and health on breastfeeding and nutrition. Special emphasis will be placed on children's developmental assessment.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in classHJÚ165FBreastfeeding basics for successful breastfeedingMandatory (required) course8A mandatory (required) course for the programme8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionBasic knowledge regarding breastfeeding will be covered, such as breast anatomy and physiology of lactation. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and skills on various stimulating and inhibiting factors affecting milk production and the general success of breastfeeding. The course will also cover the evidence on other issues like on the composition of human breast milk in comparison with, for example, formula milk and the health benefits of breastfeeding for mother, babies and the community.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Spring 2
HJÚ275FBreastfeeding support and councellingMandatory (required) course8A mandatory (required) course for the programme8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionSpecial emphasis will be placed on the analysis of risk factors, assessment and treatment of the main challenges and problems that may arise in relation to child's nutrition, especially related to breastfeeding. Also, in collaboration with breastfeeding counselors and clinical institutions, clinical training in providing support to breastfeeding mothers will be arranged.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Year unspecified
- Not taught this semesterHJÚ0ADFAdvanced Family Nursing PracticeElective course6Free elective course within the programme6 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The course aims to give nurses and other health care professionals the opportunity to enhance their skills in evaluating and implementing the philosophy that family care-based as well as focus on developing clinical skills of nurses in their persons and their families who are dealing with various diseases, disorders and or shocks.
On this occasion, the focus will be on working with the support of individuals and families, a family activity and attitude of family members to diseases/trauma. Communication Theories and ideas Wright and Bell (2009) and Wright and Leahey (2019) changed the relationship of family members to chronic or acute disease or trauma and ideology of cooperation with the families of the clinical arena is among the materials that will be considered.
The main focus of the course is on evidence-based practice in family care and the development of therapeutic dialogue with individuals and families, with the views of family members, health workers attitude and attitude to disease and the interaction between them include examined.
Full coverage will be the preparation and implementation of family interviews coercion and development styrkleikamiðaðra treatments for individuals and families.
The course is also designed to give students the opportunity to develop their skills in assisting families with adjustment/experience of serious illness and trauma such as loss and thus enable families in their own health.
Special emphasis will be placed on individual training where students receive personal guidance on the implementation of treatment discussion with family members. Assessment is in the form of individual projects and group projects, but as the test release phase of the case requires 80% attendance in the course.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in classHJÚ258FLeadership in health careElective course6Free elective course within the programme6 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe work environment of health care services has changed constantly in recent years requiring more than ever leadership skills of nurses as well as other healthcare professionals, whether in clinical roles, teaching or education. The course should prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare.
The course content includes concepts, models and theories in leadership. The role and characteristics of leaders and the role of leaders as change agents are discussed, within health care organizations and generally in the community, locally and globally, at present and in the future. A global approach and innovation are emphasized.
The course is taught if the specified conditions are metPrerequisitesAttendance required in class
