MEC Proposes Class 12 Pass in Any Subject as Eligibility to Study PCL Nursing

The Medical Education Commission (MEC) proposed changes to Nepal's nursing education system mark a significant shift in the academic requirements for aspiring nurses. Under the new regulations, passing Class 12 will become mandatory to enroll in nursing programs, aligning Nepal with international standards.

This change is being implemented after careful study and recommendations from a task force led by the Nepal Nursing Council. The new system aims to enhance the quality of nursing education by providing students with a solid academic foundation before they begin specialized training.

This transition is expected to better prepare students for the demands of the nursing profession while ensuring consistency with global practices. Additionally, the new regulations will broaden access to nursing education, allowing students from diverse academic backgrounds to pursue a career in nursing. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, these changes reflect a proactive approach to improving the quality and accessibility of nursing education in Nepal, ultimately contributing to a more competent and professional nursing workforce.

• It is being proposed that passing Class 12 will become mandatory to pursue nursing education in Nepal.

• The Medical Education Commission is currently studying this matter and has formed a task force to evaluate the situation.

• The task force has submitted a report recommending that only students who have passed Class 12 should be allowed to study nursing.

• The commission is in discussions with relevant stakeholders to finalize the standards for nursing education, bringing the process to its final stage.

• Last year, the commission formed a task force headed by the Chairman of the Nepal Nursing Council to study the scope of nursing education and align it with international practices.

• The task force found that in many countries, students are only allowed to study nursing after completing Class 12, and it has recommended that Nepal adopt the same system.

• Under the new system, students who have passed Class 12 will be eligible to enroll in a three-year nursing program, providing them with a solid foundation in the field.

• The new regulations will allow students from any subject background in Class 12 to pursue nursing education, modifying the current system that allows students to enter nursing after completing their SEE.

• Currently, students who pass the SEE can pursue nursing, and those who complete the certificate level can advance to a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program.

• The commission believes that requiring two years of foundational studies after SEE before starting nursing education will better prepare students and align with international standards. Currently, around 4,000 nurses enter the job market annually in Nepal, and 83,966 nurses are registered with the Nepal Nursing Council.