KATHMANDU - International Center for Academics (ICA) in affiliation with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched Post Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the first online course for in-service nurses in Nepal.

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According to Tuesday's The Himalayan Times daily, ICA is the first IGNOU study center in Nepal.

Biswajit Mukherjee, managing director of ICA, said 28 nurses from various hospitals were enrolled in the January session.

He said, "There were no opportunities to upgrade the skills of working nurses in Nepal so far," adding, "therefore, we launched this three-year course to fill the vacuum."

He said that they had approval from the government agencies including Nepal Nursing Council to begin the course.

According to Mukherjee, in the last 10 years, seven students from ICA have been honored with gold medals in various programs in the university exams worldwide.

"The ICA was also awarded the Best Overseas Partner Institution 2010 for the Best Services by IGNOU on April 2 last year," he said.

Around 3.5 million students in 350 programs are studying in the university.  

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has recognized IGNOU as the world's biggest university, according to media reports.