Methylphenidate is not a nootropic. If you are wondering if amphetamines and their friends improve your work output, the answer is yes, yes they do. They won't make you smarter though.
"Nootropics are drugs, supplements, and other substances that may improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals."
So CNS stimulants like methylphenidate (which definitely increase motivation in healthy individuals) are nootropics by that definition.