Competency-Based Education and Its Effect on Nursing Education: A Literature Review

An emerging trend in nursing education is competency-based education (CBE), which offers degree advancement at a significant time and cost savings. This educational trend may promote the attainment of the bachelor's degree in nursing science because it also allows students to progress at their own pace and has been well received by nursing students. Many associate degree graduates begin their career after graduation working full time and find returning to school difficult because of time and financial constraints. The push for nursing graduates from associate degree programs to continue their education continues to increase. The attainment of the bachelor's degree in nursing science is often needed for both personal attainment and career advancement. Critics of CBE state that this model of education does not allow authentic learning and is incompatible with liberal education. In addition, CBE offers significant challenges to both educators and college administrators. The purpose of this article is to explore this educational trend on nursing education through the perspectives of the student, faculty, and administration.