IGNOU DCCN Admission: 2026
The Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (DCCN) is a highly specialized one-year program offered by the School of Health Sciences (SOHS) at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). This program is exclusively designed for registered nurses to gain advanced theoretical and clinical competencies necessary for managing critically ill patients in specialized settings like Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and High Dependency Units (HDUs).
Last Updated: January 2026
Securing IGNOU DCCN Admission provides nurses with expertise in patient assessment, advanced life support interventions, monitoring technology, and the ethical/legal aspects of critical care. Due to its essential clinical component, the program is rigorous and aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided in acute healthcare environments.
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IGNOU DCCN (Diploma in Critical Care Nursing) Highlights
The DCCN program requires the completion of 32 credits, combining in-depth theoretical study with mandatory hands-on practical training and skill labs.
| Programme Name | Diploma in Critical Care Nursing |
| Programme Code | DCCN |
| School | School of Health Sciences (SOHS) |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Total Credits | 32 Credits |
| Specialization | Advanced Critical Care and Emergency Nursing |
Who Should Choose This Programme?
Registered nurses who are currently working in or aim to enter high-pressure environments like intensive care units will find this curriculum highly relevant. It is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to bridge the gap between general nursing practice and the specialized technical demands of critical care.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Students often select this course because it provides a structured theoretical framework for complex procedures such as hemodynamic monitoring and ventilator management that are difficult to master through experience alone. The flexibility allows working nurses to enhance their clinical reasoning skills without having to take a long-term leave of absence from their hospital duties.
Where Does This Programme Help?
This programme is particularly useful when dealing with life-threatening situations where rapid assessment and precise intervention are required to stabilize patients. It helps students understand the sophisticated medical technology found in cardiac care units and trauma centers, making them more confident during emergency shifts.
What Happens After Completing This Programme?
Completing this diploma often leads to increased responsibilities within clinical settings, such as being assigned to supervise specialized units or acting as a preceptor for junior staff. It serves as a strong academic foundation for those looking to pursue advanced certifications or leadership roles in acute care nursing across various healthcare sectors.
Programme Coordinator Details
For academic or administrative questions regarding the DCCN programme, students should contact the Programme Coordinator at the School of Health Sciences:
| Coordinator Name | Dr. S. K. Durgaprasad |
| Contact Email | skdurgaprasad@ignou.ac.in (or check official IGNOU site for current) |
| Contact Phone | 011-29572844 |
Programme Coordinator details mentioned above are based on information published in the official IGNOU Prospectus and are provided here only for general reference. IGNOUED is an independent educational information platform and does not represent Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, students are encouraged to refer directly to the official IGNOU prospectus or website.
IGNOU DCCN Admission – Important Details
Admission to the IGNOU DCCN programme is typically offered once a year during the January admission cycle. Since the diploma requires clinical skill development, the selection is often restricted to candidates who meet specific experience criteria and are practicing in hospitals recognized by the university for clinical training.
IGNOU DCCN Admission Last Date (Tentative)
The last date for IGNOU DCCN Admission generally falls towards the end of January for the academic cycle, but this is subject to official notifications and may vary. Applicants must check the official IGNOU admission portal for the definitive last date.
IGNOU DCCN Eligibility Criteria
To secure IGNOU DCCN Admission, candidates must satisfy the following mandatory requirements:
- Possession of a Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife (RNRM) qualification.
- Successful completion of a **3-year Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)** or holding a **B.Sc. Nursing** degree.
- A minimum of **two years of continuous working experience** as a Registered Nurse in a hospital (experience in a Critical Care Unit is highly preferred).
IGNOU DCCN Fees Structure
The total fee for the Diploma in Critical Care Nursing is payable annually. The fee structure for **IGNOU DCCN Admission** is outlined below:
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) | Notes |
| Programme Fee (Per Year) | Rs. 6,500/- (Approx.) | Payable annually |
| Registration Fee (One-time, non-refundable) | Rs. 300/- (Approx.) | Payable at the time of initial IGNOU DCCN Admission |
| Total Payable (Approx. at Admission) | Rs. 6,800/- | Excludes TEE and other hospital-related costs |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU DCCN Admission
The application for IGNOU DCCN Admission must be completed online through the official IGNOU Samarth portal. Follow these steps carefully for successful registration:
- Visit the official admission portal at IGNOU Admission Samarth Portal.
- Register as a new user, click on “Click for New Registration,” and create your login credentials.
- Log in, select the Programme Code DCCN (Diploma in Critical Care Nursing), and choose the English medium.
- Fill in all the required personal, academic, and nursing experience details accurately in the online application form.
- Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents, including the RNRM certificate, experience certificate (minimum two years), photograph, and signature.
- Pay the first year’s programme fee (Rs. 6,500/-) plus the Registration Fee (Rs. 300/-) through the secured online payment gateway.
- Submit the form and retain a printed or digital copy of the final acknowledgment slip for reference.
DCCN Curriculum and Course Structure (32 Credits)
The DCCN curriculum is heavily focused on specialized nursing interventions and practical skill development, spread across four core courses.
| S. No. | Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
| 1 | BNS-031 | Basic Sciences in Critical Care Nursing | 4 |
| 2 | BNS-032 | Critical Care Nursing-I (Patient Monitoring and Assessment) | 8 |
| 3 | BNS-033 | Critical Care Nursing-II (Management of Various Critical Conditions) | 8 |
| 4 | BNSL-034 | Critical Care Nursing Practical (Skill Labs & Clinical Component) | 12 |
| Total Programme Credits | 32 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU DCCN Admission
The Diploma in Critical Care Nursing formally validates a nurse’s specialization, leading to enhanced career prospects and often higher pay scales in advanced healthcare settings:
- Specialist Critical Care Nurse: Working in adult, pediatric, or neonatal ICUs, Coronary Care Units (CCUs), or Trauma Units.
- Advanced Clinical Roles: Serving as Charge Nurse or Nurse Coordinator within high-acuity units.
- Nurse Educator: Teaching and training other staff members in advanced critical care protocols and procedures.
- Emergency and Trauma Nursing: Specialized roles in casualty and emergency departments.
🔗 Also Read
These related pages provide additional clarity on syllabus structure, study resources, and assignment guidelines associated with this programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the DCCN program available for nurses with less than two years of experience?
No, a minimum of two years of continuous working experience as a Registered Nurse is a mandatory eligibility criterion for IGNOU DCCN Admission.
Q2: Does the DCCN program require mandatory clinical attendance?
Yes, the course BNSL-034 (Critical Care Nursing Practical), worth 12 credits, includes mandatory clinical skill labs and practical postings in a recognized hospital setting.
Q3: Is the IGNOU DCCN Admission available in the Hindi medium?
The DCCN programme is offered exclusively in the English medium of instruction, due to the technical nature of critical care terminology.
Q4: Can this diploma lead to a B.Sc. Nursing degree later?
The DCCN is a post-basic diploma. While it enhances career value, credits may be transferable to other higher nursing degrees (e.g., Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing) subject to IGNOU’s credit transfer scheme.