Overview
Diploma in Pharmacy – AMDA Institute of Health Sciences, Butwal
The Diploma in Pharmacy program at AMDA Institute of Health Sciences (AIHS), located in Butwal, Lumbini Province, provides technical education for students aspiring to work in the pharmaceutical field. Affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), this course admits 40 students annually, including four seats under scholarship quotas, and spans three academic years.
This program prepares mid-level pharmacy professionals with the knowledge and skills to dispense medications, provide drug-related information, and support primary healthcare systems in community and institutional settings. AIHS's connection with Siddhartha Children and Women's Hospital allows students valuable field exposure to clinical and retail pharmacy practices.
Curriculum Details
The Diploma in Pharmacy follows the nationally recognized curriculum structured by CTEVT. The three-year program is divided into six semesters and includes a combination of theoretical instruction, laboratory work, and field practice.
Key subjects include:
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Pharmaceutics: Dosage forms, drug preparation, storage techniques
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Pharmacology and Toxicology: Drug actions, side effects, and interactions
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Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Composition, analysis, and quality control
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Pharmacognosy: Study of medicinal plants and natural products
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Hospital and Community Pharmacy: Prescription handling, drug counseling
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Health Education and First Aid
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Medical Ethics and Legal Frameworks
Students also complete a mandatory internship in their final year to apply learned concepts in practical settings such as hospitals, health centers, or licensed pharmacies.
Objectives
The main objectives of this program include:
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Preparing pharmacy professionals who can support drug dispensing, patient counseling, and stock management
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Strengthening technical capabilities for both public health and retail pharmacy roles
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Familiarizing students with ethical guidelines and regulatory policies of pharmaceutical services
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Promoting scientific thinking, communication, and accountability in medicine handling
Scope
Graduates of the Diploma in Pharmacy program are eligible to register with the Nepal Pharmacy Council and work in:
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Community and hospital pharmacies
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Pharmaceutical wholesalers or distributors
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Drug manufacturing industries
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Health-related NGOs and local government clinics
This diploma also serves as a foundation for advanced academic paths in pharmacy, public health, or laboratory sciences.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students are expected to:
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Dispense drugs accurately based on prescriptions and treatment plans
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Counsel patients about proper medication use and storage
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Maintain pharmacy records and stock inventories
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Monitor medication safety, adverse reactions, and potential interactions
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Comply with national drug standards and health regulations
Skill Development Modules
Students participate in:
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Drug compounding and tablet-making
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First aid and emergency care training
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Case-based prescription review exercises
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Patient interaction simulations
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Field visits to pharmaceutical industries and government supply centers
These activities aim to bridge classroom knowledge with practical application.
Teaching Methodology
Teaching strategies at AIHS include:
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Interactive lectures and lab-based instruction
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Demonstration of pharmacy techniques and drug dispensing
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Group projects and peer collaboration
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Industrial and hospital visits
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Final-year internship
Each semester concludes with internal assessments and practical examinations based on the curriculum requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Successfully pass the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) or equivalent
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Attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a 'C' grade in Science, Mathematics, and English
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Submit SEE/SLC mark sheet, character certificate, and proof of identity (citizenship or birth certificate)
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Pass the entrance exam administered by CTEVT
Selection is merit-based and determined through the entrance ranking published by CTEVT.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may work as:
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Assistant Pharmacists in government or private institutions
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Drug store managers or dispensers
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Field representatives for pharmaceutical companies
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Pharmacy technicians in hospitals, clinics, or health projects
They can also run their pharmacy or pursue bachelor-level pharmacy programs with proper licensing.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Four of the 40 seats are reserved for scholarships per CTEVT policy. AIHS also offers a 20% tuition discount for eligible students, making the course more financially accessible for those from underrepresented or economically challenged groups.
Why Choose This Course?
This program balances academic learning with practical pharmacy experience. With access to hospital-based training, experienced instructors, and CTEVT recognition, students graduate with skills that meet healthcare demands at both institutional and community levels.
Conclusion
The Diploma in Pharmacy at AMDA Institute of Health Sciences is a strong choice for SEE graduates aiming to build a career in pharmaceutical services. With structured learning, regulatory accreditation, and field-based exposure, this program offers a practical route into the healthcare profession.
