The Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in General Medicine, commonly known as the Health Assistant (HA) program, is an 18-month paramedical course conducted at Bharatpur Samudayik Hospital.
Affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), the program focuses on preparing skilled mid-level healthcare professionals capable of delivering primary and emergency care. With 40 seats available, including 4 scholarship placements, the program follows the national curriculum framework approved by CTEVT and is recognized by the Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC).
The course is divided into three semesters. It balances theoretical knowledge with practical application through field exposure and clinical rotations.
Key subjects include:
Anatomy and Physiology
Pharmacology and Pathology
Community Health and Epidemiology
Medical and Surgical Care
First Aid and Emergency Management
Family Planning and Reproductive Health
Environmental Health and Nutrition
Health Education and Communication
Minor Procedures and Clinical Practice
Students learn through lectures, case-based learning, and hands-on experience in hospital and outreach settings.
The main purpose of the program is to:
Prepare health assistants who can diagnose and manage common illnesses and injuries
Promote preventive and promotive healthcare at the community level
Build communication and decision-making skills required for field practice
Support Nepal’s primary healthcare network through workforce development
Graduates of this program are eligible to work in health posts, community hospitals, and emergency care settings. Their responsibilities may include clinical assistance, minor procedures, basic treatment delivery, and health education. The HA program bridges local populations and formal health systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
After completing this course, students will be able to:
Identify and treat common illnesses under supervision
Perform basic surgical and clinical procedures
Conduct health screenings and organize outreach activities
Apply public health principles in real settings
Maintain patient records and deliver counseling services
Hands-on training areas include:
Measuring blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
Administering injections and wound dressing
Managing emergencies and first aid
Conducting maternal and child health assessments
Health education and community mobilization
The course uses a multi-modal approach, combining classroom instruction with clinical work. Students are placed in various departments, including OPD, emergency, inpatient care, minor OT, and community field assignments. Practical exposure enhances diagnostic ability, technical performance, and patient interaction skills.
Evaluation includes:
Internal assessment and attendance
Clinical performance tracking
Semester exams administered under CTEVT guidelines
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
Minimum educational qualification: SEE passed
Must meet CTEVT’s subject-specific GPA criteria
Successful performance in the entrance examination administered by CTEVT
Document verification at the time of admission
Graduates can pursue careers in:
Local health posts and sub-health centers
District and community hospitals
NGOs and community-based health programs
School and industrial health units
They may also continue studies in:
Bachelor in Public Health (BPH)
Bachelor in Health Care Management (BHCM)
Other undergraduate programs in health sciences
Of the 40 available seats, 4 are allocated for scholarship candidates based on the CTEVT policy. Scholarships are awarded to applicants from:
Economically marginalized backgrounds
Remote and rural areas
Specific inclusion categories (gender, ethnicity, disability)
Detailed criteria and application processes are announced before each intake.
The Health Assistant program at Bharatpur Samudayik Hospital offers academic depth and field-based training. Students develop the skills to respond to community health needs, manage outpatient cases, and support physicians in daily healthcare operations. The hospital setting allows for exposure to diverse medical conditions under professional supervision.
The PCL in General Medicine—Health Assistant program provides students with the practical training, clinical skills, and public health knowledge required to work at the frontlines of Nepal’s healthcare system. Conducted in an established healthcare environment, this course supports both personal career growth and community service.
