Overview
Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) in Oncology
Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) in Oncology is a three-year bachelor's-level nursing program under the Faculty of Health Sciences of Pokhara University. The program is offered at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Nursing College, Chitwan, a joint constituent college of Pokhara University and BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital.
The program combines advanced nursing study with oncology-focused theory and practical learning. Students begin with nursing foundations, basic sciences, adult and community health nursing before moving into oncology nursing, child health nursing, obstetric and gynecological nursing, educational science, research, biostatistics, leadership, and management. Clinical learning takes place within the setting of BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital.
BNS in Oncology at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) in Oncology |
| Level | Bachelor's Degree |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| University | Pokhara University |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
| College | BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Nursing College |
| Location | Bharatpur, Chitwan |
| Professional Approval | Nepal Nursing Council |
| Listed Seats | 40 |
| Entrance | MECEE-BL |
| Major Area | Oncology Nursing |
The 40-seat intake is subject to annual seat determination under the Medical Education Commission system and may vary between admission cycles.
About the BNS in Oncology Program
Pokhara University started the Bachelor of Nursing Science specialization in Oncology as a constituent academic program at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Chitwan.
The course is structured for nurses who already hold a Proficiency Certificate Level or Diploma in Nursing and meet the required professional registration condition. It advances their nursing education through a curriculum that combines general nursing sciences with oncology as the principal specialization.
The first year establishes a broader nursing and health science base. Oncology Nursing is introduced as a major subject in the second year and receives greater theoretical and practical emphasis in the third year.
The hospital setting is an important part of the academic arrangement. BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital is a 450-bed cancer hospital, giving students opportunities to learn about different cancer treatment modalities and develop nursing skills within a specialized clinical environment.
Eligibility
Applicants for BNS in Oncology are required to have:
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Proficiency Certificate Level or Diploma in Nursing.
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At least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying nursing program.
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Registration with the Nepal Nursing Council.
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Qualification in the applicable Medical Education Common Entrance Examination for Bachelor Level (MECEE-BL) admission process.
Pokhara University's undergraduate health sciences admission framework includes Bachelor of Nursing Sciences among the programs requiring the Medical Education Commission's common entrance examination.
BNS in Oncology Admission Process
Admission to bachelor's-level nursing education follows the prevailing rules and admission framework of the Medical Education Commission (MEC), Nepal.
Candidates seeking admission to BNS in Oncology must participate in the MECEE-BL process and meet the qualifying requirement applicable to the program.
The stated admission provisions include:
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A minimum of 50% marks in the integrated admission process.
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Merit-based selection through the entrance process.
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Seat allocation according to the applicable MEC system.
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Compliance with the prevailing admission, scholarship, fee, matching, and code-of-conduct provisions.
Health sciences programs under Pokhara University, including BNS, fall within the MEC common entrance framework.
Seats, fee structures, scholarships, examination provisions, and admission procedures can be revised under MEC decisions and the academic calendar applicable to each admission year.
MECEE-BL Examination Format
The admission information for the BNS entrance process specifies a single-best-response multiple-choice examination.
| Examination Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Single best response MCQ |
| Number of Questions | 200 |
| Full Marks | 200 |
| Options | Four options: A, B, C, D |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Correct Answer | 1 Mark |
| Incorrect Answer | 0.25 Mark Deduction |
| Cognitive Ratio | Recall 30%, Understanding 50%, Application 20% |
The entrance syllabus places the greatest weight on core nursing subjects, together with basic and integrated health sciences applied to nursing and a Mental Agility Test.
Entrance Subject Weightage
| Area | Questions | Main Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Core Subjects | 150 | Major nursing disciplines |
| Basic and Integrated Health Science | 30 | Health sciences applied to nursing |
| Mental Agility Test | 20 | Verbal, numerical, logical and abstract reasoning |
The core nursing section covers Community Health Nursing, Adult Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Midwifery and Gynaecological Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Leadership and Management, and Behavioral Science and Mental Health.
Documents for Admission
Candidates selected through the admission process are required to submit original documents together with the specified photocopies at the concerned educational institution.
The listed documents include:
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Academic qualification certificates
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Transcripts
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Character certificates
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SLC/SEE and relevant higher-level academic records
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Citizenship certificate or passport
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Entrance examination admit card
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Reservation-related documents, where applicable
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Equivalence certificate for qualifications obtained from foreign institutions
Foreign applicants are subject to the admission provisions and application process applicable to seats designated for foreign students.
BNS in Oncology Curriculum
The three-year curriculum combines classroom study with substantial practical nursing work. Oncology becomes progressively more prominent as students advance through the program.
First Year
The first year develops the scientific, nursing, community health, and communication foundation required for later specialized study.
| Course | Component | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Sciences I | Theory | 6 |
| Basic Sciences II | Theory | 6 |
| Basic Sciences III | Theory | 6 |
| Basic Sciences | Practical | 6 |
| Nursing Concept & Principles | Theory | 6 |
| Adult Health Nursing | Theory | 3 |
| Adult Health Nursing | Practical | 5 |
| Community Health Nursing | Theory | 6 |
| Community Health Nursing | Practical | 10 |
| Health Sociology and Psychology | Theory | 3 |
| English | Theory | 3 |
| Computer Science | Theory | Non-Credit |
Basic sciences and nursing concepts form the academic base, while Adult Health Nursing and Community Health Nursing contain practical components. Community Health Nursing carries a substantial practical workload during this stage.
Second Year
The second year introduces Oncology Nursing I as a major subject while continuing study in major areas of nursing care and nursing education.
| Course | Component | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Oncology Nursing I | Theory | 3 |
| Oncology Nursing I | Practical | 5 |
| Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing | Theory | 3 |
| Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing | Practical | 5 |
| Child Health Nursing | Theory | 3 |
| Child Health Nursing | Practical | 5 |
| Educational Science | Theory | 6 |
| Educational Science | Practical | 10 |
The inclusion of Oncology Nursing at this stage marks the transition from general nursing foundations toward the program's specialized area.
Students also continue practical learning in maternal health, gynecological nursing, child health nursing, and educational science.
Third Year
The third year places the strongest academic emphasis on Oncology Nursing and adds research and nursing management components.
| Course | Component | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Oncology Nursing | Theory | 9 |
| Oncology Nursing | Practical | 15 |
| Research and Biostatistics | Theory | 6 |
| Research and Biostatistics | Practical | 10 |
| Leadership and Management | Theory | 8 |
| Leadership and Management | Practical | 10 |
Oncology Nursing carries both a major theoretical component and extensive practical study. Research and Biostatistics introduces students to research-related academic work, while Leadership and Management adds organizational and management preparation within nursing education.
Clinical and Practical Learning
BNS in Oncology is delivered in the academic setting of BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Nursing College, located within BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital.
The clinical environment gives students opportunities to:
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Learn about different cancer treatment modalities.
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Develop practical nursing skills in a hospital environment.
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Connect oncology theory with clinical nursing practice.
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Undertake practical components included throughout the curriculum.
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Use nursing skill laboratory facilities alongside hospital-based learning.
The college also has a nursing skill laboratory, library, and computer laboratory as part of its academic facilities.
Scholarship and Seat Provision
The program has a listed intake of 40 seats. The college identifies 20% of seats as available under scholarship arrangements.
For nursing education governed through the Medical Education Commission system, scholarship allocation follows the prevailing MEC provisions. Pokhara University's health sciences framework also places nursing scholarships within MEC regulation.
Annual seat numbers, scholarship distribution, matching arrangements, fees, and other admission conditions remain subject to the applicable MEC decision and academic calendar.
Professional Registration and Licensing
Applicants enter the BNS program as nursing professionals already registered with the Nepal Nursing Council as part of the eligibility requirement.
After completing the course, graduates must also fulfill the respective professional council licensing requirements applicable to entry into professional practice.
Academic completion and professional licensing are separate requirements. Completion of the degree therefore does not replace the licensing process required by the relevant professional council.
Academic Focus of BNS in Oncology
The structure of the course shows three connected areas of study:
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General and community nursing foundations
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Specialized oncology nursing
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Research, education, leadership, and management
The program does not begin with oncology alone. Students first study broader nursing sciences and clinical areas before oncology develops into the major specialization.
This progression allows the final year to devote substantial theory and practical credit hours to Oncology Nursing while retaining research and leadership components relevant to graduate-level nursing responsibilities.
Who Can Apply for BNS in Oncology?
The program is designed for applicants who have already completed PCL or Diploma-level nursing education, secured at least 50% aggregate marks, and hold Nepal Nursing Council registration.
Because admission is conducted through the bachelor-level medical education entrance framework, applicants also need to qualify through MECEE-BL according to the rules applicable to the relevant admission session.
FAQ
What is BNS in Oncology?
BNS in Oncology is a three-year Bachelor of Nursing Science program with Oncology Nursing as its major specialization. It is offered under Pokhara University's Faculty of Health Sciences at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Nursing College.
Where is BNS in Oncology offered?
The program is offered at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Nursing College in Bharatpur, Chitwan.
How long is the BNS in Oncology course?
The program has a duration of three academic years.
What is the eligibility for BNS in Oncology?
Applicants need a Proficiency Certificate Level or Diploma in Nursing with at least 50% aggregate marks and registration with the Nepal Nursing Council. They must also meet the applicable MECEE-BL admission requirements.
Is MECEE-BL required for BNS in Oncology?
Yes. Bachelor of Nursing Sciences is included among Pokhara University health science programs requiring participation in the Medical Education Commission's common entrance examination.
How many seats are available?
The program has a listed intake of 40 seats. The number applicable to a particular academic year is subject to MEC seat determination.
Does BNS in Oncology include practical study?
Yes. Practical components are included throughout the curriculum, including Adult Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing, Educational Science, Research and Biostatistics, and Leadership and Management.
When does Oncology Nursing begin in the curriculum?
Oncology Nursing I is introduced as a major subject in the second year. It receives greater theoretical and practical emphasis during the third year.
Is professional licensing required after completing BNS in Oncology?
Yes. Graduates must meet the licensing requirements of the respective professional council before entering professional practice.
