Student health care in upper secondary education is being reformed – educational videos for public health nurses published
Student health care will be reformed starting from the 2026 autumn term. In the reform, the health examinations in student health care and the preliminary health examination of the Finnish Defence Forces are combined for people of compulsory education age. Student health care services will start using a digital health survey.
The reform is based on legislative amendments that improve the equality of health examinations and can better target support to students’ individual needs.
Digital health survey for all upper secondary school students
Starting in autumn 2026, all students beginning their upper secondary school will complete a digital health survey.
There are two versions of the digital health survey:
- students of compulsory education age
- adult students, meaning people aged 19 or over
The survey helps to target health examinations more precisely according to each student’s situation. A health examination is organised in the first or second year for people of compulsory education age. The health examination of adult students is arranged as necessary. Still, students can always seek out student health care services independently. Taking the survey digitally requires strong identification from the respondent.
Preliminary health examination for conscripts in student health care
Starting in 2027, the medical examination in student health care will be combined with the conscripts’ preliminary health examination. The examination is carried out simultaneously for the entire age group. The digital health survey is also used in the preparation of the conscript fitness assessment.
Training for student health care personnel
THL has produced training videos for public health nurses on the reform of student health care in upper secondary education. The videos are 5 to 10 minutes long and can be used in personnel training, for example.
The Defence Forces produce training material to support the conscript fitness assessment.
Training videos: thl.fi/opiskeluterveydenhuolto
More information
Johanna Jahnukainen
Development Manager
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Telephone: +358 29 5248032
email: [email protected]
