Swedish Gymnasieprogram - Health and Social Care Programme (Vård- och omsorgsprogrammet)

This vocational programme prepares students for a career in healthcare, social care, and related fields. It provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for working with people of all ages in various care settings. The programme has been designed to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Sweden. Since 2023, the program has been structured to provide general university entrance eligibility.

Curriculum

The Health and Social Care Programme curriculum combines core subjects with specialized courses focusing on healthcare and social care.

Core Subjects: These subjects provide a foundation in general knowledge and skills. They include:

• Swedish or Swedish as a Second Language
• English
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• History
• Religious Studies
• Physical Education and Health
• Natural Sciences

Specialized Courses: These courses focus on the specific knowledge and skills required for a career in health and social care. They cover topics such as:

• Health, Ill-health, and Disability
• Human Needs and Lifestyles
• Medical Basics
• Pedagogy
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Care Science
• Ethics and Moral Considerations in Care
• Laws and Regulations in the Healthcare Sector
• Technical Systems Used in Healthcare
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Child and Youth Care
• Gerontology and Geriatrics
• Psychiatry
• Special Education

Practical Training (APL): The programme includes periods of practical training (APL) in real-world healthcare settings. This allows students to apply their knowledge and skills, gain practical experience, and develop their professional identity.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Health and Social Care Programme are qualified to work as undersköterska (assistant nurses). They can find employment in various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Healthcare Centers
• Elderly Care Facilities
• Social Services
• Group Homes
• Home Care Services
• Psychiatry
• Care for Individuals with Disabilities

The programme also provides a foundation for further studies in healthcare and social care at universities and vocational colleges. Graduates can pursue careers as registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Program Structure

The Health and Social Care Programme is a three-year programme. The program structure was revised on July 1, 2021, with the program-specific subjects increasing from 1100 to 1300 points. This revision introduced seven new subjects and removed five previous ones. The program consists of:

• Core Subjects (900 points)
• Program-Specific Subjects (1400 points)
• Program Specialization (200 points): Students can choose a specialization to further develop their skills and knowledge in a specific area of interest. There are two options:
• University Preparatory Specialization: Prepares students for university studies in healthcare and related fields.
• In-depth Specialization in Healthcare and Social Care: Provides further specialization within the vocational field.
• Individual Choice (200 points): Students can choose courses based on their individual interests and career goals.
• Final Project (100 points)

Further Information

For more detailed information about the Health and Social Care Programme, please refer to the following resources:

• Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket):
• GymnasieGuiden: