Diploma in Pharmacy

Diploma in Pharmacy at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital

Diploma in Pharmacy at Nobel Medical College is a three-year CTEVT-affiliated health science program offered by Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH), Biratnagar. The program prepares middle-level pharmacy personnel through foundational sciences, pharmaceutical subjects, practical laboratory work, hospital and community pharmacy study, and professional field practice.

Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital is located at Kanchanbari, Biratnagar–4, Morang, Nepal. The institution operates as a medical college and teaching hospital and also offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-specialty health programs. Students may review the institutional details of Nobel Medical College, Morang.

The Diploma in Pharmacy curriculum is structured around medication use, pharmaceutical preparation, dispensing, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, patient counseling, hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical management, and pharmacy-related legal and ethical requirements.

Diploma in Pharmacy: Quick Overview

The listed intake at Nobel Medical College is 40 seats.

About the Diploma in Pharmacy Program

Diploma in Pharmacy is a technical health science program designed to prepare middle-level pharmacy personnel. The course develops knowledge and practical ability related to medicines, pharmaceutical services, medication safety, pharmaceutical preparation, supply management, and patient-related pharmacy services.

The CTEVT curriculum is organized across three academic years. The first year develops a foundation in science, mathematics, anatomy and physiology, and communication-related subjects. The second year introduces the major pharmacy disciplines. The third year continues advanced pharmaceutical subjects and includes hospital, community, and professional field practice.

The program is connected with pharmacy work in different settings, including hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical services, and medicine production and preparation.

Program Aim

The course aims to prepare skilled middle-level health personnel with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional attitudes required in pharmacy.

Its academic objectives include developing the ability to:

• Give appropriate information to patients about medicines and their use.

• Apply standards and established practices related to safe medication use.

• Provide pharmacy services in hospital and community settings.

• Read and interpret prescriptions within the professional scope of the qualification.

• Support the appropriate supply and rational use of medicines.

• Participate in the preparation and production of pharmaceutical products.

• Understand medicine quality and pharmaceutical quality-related procedures.

• Work with professional responsibility and appropriate pharmacy ethics.

These objectives are addressed through theory, laboratory work, practical classes, and workplace-based field practice.

Course Duration and Structure

Diploma in Pharmacy has a total duration of three years.

The academic progression is organized as follows:

• First year: foundational and academic subjects

• Second year: core pharmacy disciplines

• Third year: advanced pharmacy subjects and comprehensive professional field practice

The third year includes an eight-week comprehensive field-practice component divided between hospital pharmacy and other pharmacy-related practice settings.

Diploma in Pharmacy Curriculum

The curriculum combines general sciences with pharmacy-specific subjects.

First Year

The first year establishes the science and academic foundation needed for later pharmaceutical study.

Subjects include:

• English

• Nepali

• Social Studies

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Zoology

• Botany

• Mathematics and Statistics

Anatomy and Physiology introduces students to the structure and function of the human body. Chemistry and the biological sciences provide foundations that are later applied to pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and therapeutics.

Mathematics and Statistics support calculations used during later pharmaceutical study, while English and Nepali contribute to academic and professional communication.

Second Year

The second year introduces the principal pharmacy disciplines.

Subjects include:

• Pharmaceutics I

• Pharmacology I

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry I

• Pharmacognosy

• Biochemistry and Microbiology

• Pharmacotherapeutics I

• Pharmaceutical Management

• Public Health Pharmacy

Most of the major science-based pharmacy subjects include practical components.

Pharmaceutics

Pharmaceutics introduces students to pharmaceutical dosage forms, calculations, pharmaceutical processes, and the preparation of medicines.

Study areas include different forms of medicines such as:

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Powders

• Granules

• Solutions

• Syrups

• Emulsions

• Suspensions

• Ointments

• Creams

• Gels

• Injections

• Aerosols

Students also study pharmaceutical processes such as size reduction, size separation, mixing, filtration, and drying. Practical work supports the preparation and handling of pharmaceutical products.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology develops understanding of medicines and their effects on the body.

The subject forms part of both the second and third years through Pharmacology I and Pharmacology II. It connects knowledge of medicines with areas such as their actions, appropriate use, effects, and safety.

This study supports later work in pharmacotherapeutics, hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy, and patient counseling.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Pharmaceutical Chemistry is studied at two levels.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry I includes chemical principles relevant to pharmaceutical ingredients, official standards, preparation, physical and chemical properties, storage, use, and methods of quality control.

Students also undertake practical laboratory activities involving pharmaceutical substances, chemical analysis, identification procedures, preparation of solutions, and quantitative testing.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry II continues the subject during the third year with further study and practical work.

Pharmacognosy

Pharmacognosy is included in the second year and forms part of the course's study of medicinal substances derived from natural sources.

The subject includes both theory and practical learning within the pharmacy curriculum.

Biochemistry and Microbiology

Biochemistry and Microbiology provide students with scientific knowledge relevant to biological processes and microorganisms.

The course contains both theoretical and practical components and supports understanding required for pharmaceutical and health-related study.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Pharmacotherapeutics is studied as:

• Pharmacotherapeutics I in the second year

• Pharmacotherapeutics II in the third year

The subject connects knowledge of medicines with their therapeutic application. It complements pharmacology and the patient-care components of hospital and community pharmacy.

Pharmaceutical Management

Pharmaceutical Management is introduced in the second year.

It contributes to the management side of pharmacy services, complementing the scientific and clinical subjects of the diploma.

This area is particularly relevant to the handling and supply of pharmaceutical products and the organizational responsibilities associated with pharmacy services.

Public Health Pharmacy

Public Health Pharmacy is studied in the second year and contains both theory and practical components.

The subject brings pharmacy education into a wider public-health context and complements community pharmacy and medicine-use education.

Third-Year Curriculum

The final year includes:

• Pharmaceutics II

• Pharmacology II

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry II

• Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy

• Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and Community Pharmacy Practice

• Pharmacotherapeutics II

• Comprehensive Field Practice

The third year places greater emphasis on applying knowledge developed during the earlier stages of the course.

Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy

Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy addresses pharmaceutical services in the hospital and patient-care environment.

The course covers hospital pharmacy together with clinical aspects of medication use and safety.

Students develop understanding related to:

• Hospital pharmacy services

• Pharmaceutical care

• Medicine-related patient care

• Medication information

• Patient counseling

• Pharmacotherapy

• Adverse drug reaction monitoring

• Drug information services

• Hospital formulary systems

The subject includes practical study in addition to theory.

Community Pharmacy Practice

Community Pharmacy Practice forms part of Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and Community Pharmacy Practice.

Students study areas such as:

• Community pharmacy management

• Good pharmacy practice

• Communication with patients

• Appropriate medicine use

• Labeling of dispensed medicines

• Patient counseling

• Medication compliance

• Drug-use evaluation

The practical component also includes selected basic health procedures and first-aid-related learning within the prescribed curriculum.

Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and Ethics

Pharmacy practice has legal and ethical responsibilities connected with medicines and pharmaceutical services.

The curriculum introduces students to pharmacy-related laws, regulations, professional standards, and codes of conduct.

Study areas include references to:

• Drug legislation

• Drug registration

• Drug inspection

• Drug standards

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements

• Drug sale and distribution

• Hospital pharmacy guidelines

• Consumer protection

• Professional ethics

• Nepal Pharmacy Council Act and Regulations

This part of the course connects technical pharmacy education with the legal responsibilities attached to pharmaceutical work.

Comprehensive Professional Field Practice

The third year includes eight weeks of comprehensive field practice.

The field-practice structure consists of:

• Four weeks of Hospital Pharmacy Practice

• Four weeks in a health facility, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, or regulatory-body setting

The total field-practice component carries 200 marks. Assessment includes attendance, practical performance, internal evaluation, final evaluation, and viva voce components.

This field-based component allows students to apply their academic and laboratory learning within pharmacy-related workplaces.

Eligibility

The CTEVT curriculum specifies SEE or SLC as the entry qualification for Diploma in Pharmacy.

The stated academic standard includes:

• SEE or SLC pass

• Minimum GPA of 2.0

• Minimum C grade in Compulsory English

• Minimum C grade in Mathematics

• Minimum C grade in Science

Admission remains subject to the applicable CTEVT admission provisions.

Selection and Admission

Candidates must meet the prescribed academic eligibility and submit the required academic and identification documents.

The curriculum identifies documents including:

• SEE/SLC pass certificates

• Citizenship certificate or birth registration certificate

Selection is based on merit among applicants who satisfy the required entry conditions, under the applicable CTEVT admission framework.

Attendance Requirement

Students must maintain at least 90 percent attendance in each subject to become eligible to appear in the respective final examination.

The attendance requirement reflects the practical nature of the course, where laboratory and field activities form part of academic assessment.

Examination and Assessment

Diploma in Pharmacy uses both theoretical and practical assessment.

Students must secure:

• At least 40 percent in theory

• At least 50 percent in practical components

Students must also pass the required internal assessment and yearly final examination components for each subject.

Practical examinations involve evaluation of performance in relevant practical settings. The program also has provisions for re-examination under CTEVT rules.

Grading System

The curriculum uses the following grading structure:

Students must complete all required components of the three-year program to qualify for certification.

Diploma Award

Students who successfully pass all components of all subjects across the three academic years complete the program.

The qualification awarded is Diploma in Pharmacy.

CTEVT is the academic body connected with the curriculum and certification of the program at Nobel Medical College.

Professional Registration

Graduation and professional registration are separate stages.

The Diploma in Pharmacy curriculum recognizes professional council registration as part of the professional pathway after completion of the course. Pharmacy graduates entering regulated pharmacy practice must meet the applicable registration and licensing requirements of the Nepal Pharmacy Council.

Students should therefore distinguish between completing the CTEVT diploma and completing the professional registration requirements needed for pharmacy practice.

Skills Developed Through the Course

The curriculum supports practical development in areas such as:

• Pharmaceutical calculations

• Preparation of pharmaceutical products

• Handling of dosage forms

• Medication-related communication

• Prescription interpretation within professional scope

• Patient counseling

• Pharmaceutical management

• Hospital pharmacy services

• Community pharmacy practice

• Medicine supply

• Pharmaceutical quality procedures

• Basic pharmaceutical laboratory work

• Professional ethics and pharmacy law

These abilities develop progressively through classroom study, laboratory work, practical assessment, and professional field practice.

Career and Work Settings

The curriculum is designed around the work expected of pharmacy assistants in public and private health institutions.

Depending on professional registration requirements and available opportunities, graduates may work in settings connected with:

• Hospital pharmacy services

• Community pharmacies

• Health institutions

• Pharmaceutical supply

• Pharmaceutical production and preparation

• Medicine-related quality activities

• Pharmaceutical industry settings

Career outcomes depend on professional registration, skills, experience, institutional requirements, and available positions.

Who May Consider Diploma in Pharmacy?

The program may suit students who have completed SEE and are interested in medicines, chemistry, health services, laboratory-based study, pharmaceutical preparation, and patient-related pharmacy services.

Students should be prepared for a course that combines science with substantial practical work.

The curriculum requires study of chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, therapeutic use of medicines, pharmacy management, legal responsibilities, and field practice.

Important Points for Students

Before enrolling in Diploma in Pharmacy at Nobel Medical College, students should understand that:

• It is a three-year diploma program.

• The program is affiliated with CTEVT.

• The listed intake is 40 seats.

• Entry is at SEE/SLC level under the applicable CTEVT requirements.

• The first year focuses on foundational sciences and academic subjects.

• The second and third years contain the principal pharmacy subjects.

• Laboratory and practical work form an important part of the curriculum.

• The third year includes eight weeks of professional field practice.

• Students must meet both theory and practical examination requirements.

• Professional pharmacy practice requires compliance with Nepal Pharmacy Council requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of Diploma in Pharmacy at Nobel Medical College?

The Diploma in Pharmacy program has a duration of three academic years.

Which body is the Diploma in Pharmacy affiliated with?

The program is affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).

How many Diploma in Pharmacy seats are listed at Nobel Medical College?

The listed intake is 40 seats.

What is the minimum entry qualification?

The curriculum specifies SEE or SLC pass with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and C grade in Compulsory English, Mathematics, and Science, subject to applicable CTEVT admission provisions.

What subjects are studied in Diploma in Pharmacy?

Students study foundational subjects in the first year, followed by Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry and Microbiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, Pharmaceutical Management, Public Health Pharmacy, Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, and Community Pharmacy Practice.

Does the program include practical training?

Yes. Practical classes are included throughout the pharmacy subjects, and the third year contains eight weeks of comprehensive professional field practice.

Where is the professional field practice conducted?

The curriculum includes hospital pharmacy practice along with placement in settings such as a health facility, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, or regulatory body.

What are the pass marks?

Students must obtain at least 40 percent in theory and 50 percent in practical components, together with the required internal and final assessment marks.

What qualification is awarded after completion?

Students who successfully complete all required components of the three-year program are awarded Diploma in Pharmacy.

Is professional registration required after completing Diploma in Pharmacy?

Graduates entering regulated pharmacy practice must meet the applicable registration and licensing requirements of the Nepal Pharmacy Council.