PCL Nursing stands for Proficiency Certificate Level in Nursing. It is a 3-year diploma-level nursing programme that trains students to work as professional Staff Nurses. It is one of the most popular health science programmes in Nepal – accessible directly after SEE, with a clear career path and strong demand both in Nepal and abroad.
This page covers the PCL Nursing full form, eligibility requirements, how to apply, fee structure, and specific information about the programme at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS).
PCL Nursing Full Form
PCL = Proficiency Certificate Level
PCL Nursing = Proficiency Certificate Level in Nursing (Staff Nurse)
In Nepal, PCL Nursing graduates are commonly called Staff Nurses. After completing the 3-year programme and registering with the Nepal Nursing Council (NNC), a PCL Nursing graduate is licensed to practise as a professional nurse in hospitals, health posts, community health settings, and other healthcare institutions.
PCL Nursing is different from B.Sc Nursing – PCL is a 3-year diploma-level programme entered directly after SEE, while B.Sc Nursing is a 4-year bachelor’s degree requiring +2 Science. PCL Nursing graduates who want to upgrade later can pursue PBNS (Post-Basic Bachelor of Nursing Science), a 3-year bachelor’s upgrade programme.
KUSMS – Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
KUSMS stands for Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. It is the medical faculty of Kathmandu University, located in Dhulikhel, Kavre District, approximately 30 km east of Kathmandu. KUSMS runs undergraduate and postgraduate health science programmes including MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, and PCL Nursing, all affiliated with Kathmandu University.
- Full form: Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
- Location: Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
- Official website: kusms.edu.np
- Affiliation: Kathmandu University (KU)
- Teaching hospital: Dhulikhel Hospital (on campus)
- Programmes: MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, PCL Nursing, postgraduate medical programmes
KUSMS is one of the few institutions in Nepal where PCL Nursing is offered under Kathmandu University affiliation rather than CTEVT or TU. This means the curriculum, examination, and degree are regulated by KU rather than CTEVT’s standard system.
PCL Nursing at KUSMS – Programme Details
- Duration: 3 years
- Total seats: 40 per intake
- Intake: Annual (typically August/September)
- Affiliation: Kathmandu University
- Teaching hospital: Dhulikhel Hospital – students get clinical training in an active referral hospital serving eastern Bagmati Province
- Medium of instruction: English
PCL Nursing Requirements – Eligibility
At KUSMS (KU affiliated)
- Passed SEE (Secondary Education Examination) or SLC or equivalent
- Minimum Grade C in all subjects in SEE, with GPA 2.0 or above
- Must pass the KUSMS entrance examination
- Minimum age: 17 years at time of admission
- Medical fitness certificate required at time of admission
- Open to both Nepali and non-Nepali nationals
General PCL Nursing Requirements (CTEVT affiliated colleges)
- Passed SEE/SLC with minimum GPA 2.0 and at least Grade C in English, Mathematics, and Science
- From 2082/83: admission is merit-based on SEE GPA – no separate entrance exam for CTEVT (process revised)
- Community school graduates get 1 grade point added to their GPA; institutional school graduates get 0.85 grade points added
- In case of equal GPA, priority is given based on individual subject grades: Mathematics first, then Science, then English
- No +2 Science required – PCL Nursing is entered directly after SEE
How to Apply for PCL Nursing at KUSMS
- Visit the official KUSMS website at kusms.edu.np when the admission notice is published (typically June–July each year)
- Fill out the online application form on the KUSMS website within the deadline
- Pay the application fee via bank voucher as specified in the notice (historically deposited at Nepal Investment Bank in KUSMS’s account – verify current bank details in the active notice)
- Download your admit card from the KUSMS website after the distribution date
- Appear in the entrance examination at the KUSMS campus, Dhulikhel
- Check the merit list on the KUSMS website
- Complete document verification and fee payment if selected
Application forms and admit cards are managed entirely online through the KUSMS website. Always refer to the current year’s official admission notice – dates, bank details, and process may change each cycle.
PCL Nursing Fee Structure
At KUSMS
- Total programme fee (3 years): Approximately NPR 3,98,000
- First year payment: NPR 1,90,000
- Second year payment: NPR 1,02,000
- Third year payment: NPR 1,06,000
- Additional costs: hostel, mess, examination fees (variable)
CTEVT Affiliated Colleges
- Official total fee (CTEVT regulated, 2082/83): NPR 6,24,230 (includes tuition, practical, registration, and examination fees for all 3 years)
- Year 1: NPR 2,49,690 | Year 2: NPR 1,87,270 | Year 3: NPR 1,87,270
- CTEVT sets the maximum fee – colleges cannot charge above this cap
- Government CTEVT colleges charge significantly less; private CTEVT colleges charge up to the cap
- Additional hostel and food costs: NPR 60,000 – 1,20,000 per year depending on location
PCL Nursing Subjects and Curriculum
The PCL Nursing curriculum is structured across 3 years with theory and practicum components:
Year 1 – Foundation
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Psychology and Sociology
- Clinical practicum at affiliated hospital
Year 2 – Clinical Care
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternity Nursing (Midwifery)
- Paediatric Nursing (Child Health)
- Community Health Nursing
- Clinical rotations across hospital departments
Year 3 – Advanced and Leadership
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Administration and Management
- Advanced clinical rotations
- Community health posting
- Research and thesis/project
Students must maintain minimum attendance (typically 80% theory, 90% practicum) to be eligible for examinations.
After PCL Nursing – Registration and Career
After completing PCL Nursing, graduates must register with the Nepal Nursing Council (NNC) before they can legally practise as a nurse in Nepal. Without NNC registration, employment in any hospital – government or private – is not permitted.
Career Options After PCL Nursing
- Staff Nurse in Nepal: Government hospitals, private hospitals, nursing homes, health posts – the most common path
- Government service: Staff Nurse positions in Nepal government health services through Lok Sewa Aayog (Public Service Commission) examinations
- International nursing: Gulf countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain) actively recruit Nepali PCL nurses; licensing exams (Prometric, DataFlow) are required depending on destination
- UK, Australia, Canada: PCL Nursing alone is generally not sufficient for direct registration in these countries – a bachelor’s level qualification (PBNS or B.Sc Nursing) is typically required first
- Upgrade to bachelor’s: After 1–2 years of work experience with NNC registration, PCL graduates can pursue PBNS (Post-Basic Bachelor of Nursing Science) – a 3-year upgrade programme offered by Purbanchal University, TU, and others
PCL Nursing vs B.Sc Nursing – Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | PCL Nursing | B.Sc Nursing |
| Entry requirement | After SEE (no +2 needed) | After +2 Science with Biology |
| Duration | 3 years | 4 years |
| Qualification level | Diploma / Certificate | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Total fee (approx.) | NPR 4,00,000 – 6,25,000 | NPR 8,00,000 – 10,50,000 |
| Employment after graduation | Staff Nurse (immediate) | Staff Nurse / senior roles |
| International mobility | Good (Gulf); limited (UK/AUS/CAN) | Strong (most destinations) |
| Upgrade path | PBNS (3 years after NNC + experience) | M.Sc Nursing or abroad |
| Best for | Students who want to start earning quickly and upgrade later | Students who want a full degree from the start with stronger global options |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of PCL Nursing?
PCL Nursing stands for Proficiency Certificate Level in Nursing. It is a 3-year diploma-level nursing programme that trains graduates to work as professional Staff Nurses. It is entered directly after SEE – no +2 Science is required.
What is KUSMS full form?
KUSMS stands for Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. It is the medical faculty of Kathmandu University, located at Dhulikhel, Kavre. It offers PCL Nursing, B.Sc Nursing, MBBS, BDS, and postgraduate medical programmes. The official website is kusms.edu.np.
What are the requirements for PCL Nursing in Nepal?
The main requirements for PCL Nursing are: passed SEE/SLC with minimum GPA 2.0 and at least Grade C in English, Mathematics, and Science; minimum age of 17 years; and passing the entrance examination of the relevant institution (KUSMS, CTEVT, or university-affiliated college). No +2 Science is required – PCL Nursing is designed for students coming directly from SEE.
How to fill the PCL Nursing form at KUSMS?
The PCL Nursing application form at KUSMS is filled online at kusms.edu.np when the admission notice is published each year. You fill the form online, pay the application fee at the specified bank (details in the notice), download your admit card from the same website, and appear in the entrance exam at Dhulikhel campus. Always check the current year’s notice for exact dates and bank details – these change each cycle.
What is the fee for PCL Nursing at KUSMS?
The total fee for PCL Nursing at KUSMS is approximately NPR 3,98,000 for the full 3-year programme, payable in three installments: NPR 1,90,000 in year one, NPR 1,02,000 in year two, and NPR 1,06,000 in year three. Hostel and food costs are additional.
Can PCL Nurses work abroad?
Yes – PCL Nursing graduates regularly work in Gulf countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain) after passing the required licensing exams (Prometric for most Gulf countries). For countries like UK, Australia, or Canada, a bachelor’s level nursing qualification (PBNS or B.Sc Nursing) is generally required for direct registration. Many PCL nurses work in the Gulf first, gain experience, complete PBNS, and then pursue higher-destination countries.
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