Better results and more flexibility — Simuna in practical nursing education
In vocational education, distance learning outcomes often fall short of in-person teaching. In the spring of 2025, Taitotalo (Vocational College) wanted to explore whether a solution could be found that would enable studying alongside work — without compromising on learning outcomes.
Experience with Simuna
With Simuna, approximately 40 practical nursing students completed their studies fully remotely over a six-month period. Feedback from both teachers and students was exceptionally positive: learning progressed flexibly alongside work, students advanced at their own pace — and results exceeded expectations.
New opportunities for students
Lead Teacher Outi Rintamäki saw Simuna transform the everyday reality of studying in many ways:
- Studies and working life ran in parallel throughout the entire program.
- Career changes became possible even without adult education subsidies.
- Unfinished studies could be completed regardless of time and place.
- Care assistants could advance to practical nurses while continuing to work.
- Simuna enabled differentiation: students could continue assignments at their own pace and progress faster than the rest of the group. Thanks to continuous enrollment, students can join at any time, and progress is not tied to the group's schedule.
"Thanks to Simuna, students didn't have to choose between work and studies. Their studies progressed flexibly, and the results were even better than in-person teaching."
— Outi Rintamäki, Lead Teacher, Taitotalo
Why does this matter?
Taitotalo's example demonstrates that learning can be both flexible and high-quality. With Simuna, students were able to study alongside work and still achieved excellent results. Teachers gained clearer visibility into where students needed support. For decision-makers, this model offers a new way to address the growing workforce shortage in the care sector.