Embracing Competency-Based Education: Setting the Course for a Successful Curricular Change

BACKGROUND: To meet the evolving demands of health care, nursing education must better prepare graduates for practice. Leading nursing organizations advocate for curriculum reform and adoption of competency-based education to develop practice-ready graduates. METHOD: Guided by the Bridges Transition Model and the Ottawa Model for Nursing Curriculum Renewal, a College of Nursing developed a structured, theory-informed approach to revising its curriculum. RESULTS: This initiative offers meaningful insights with practical implications for institutions undertaking similar revisions. It has fostered sustained engagement and strengthened collaboration among faculty, and the faculty response has been overwhelmingly positive. Lessons learned include the importance of choosing frameworks to guide the process, securing leadership support, and engaging faculty throughout the process. CONCLUSION: Successful curriculum renewal demands thoughtful planning and preparation, a solid theoretical foundation, and early, meaningful faculty involvement. Building robust structures, clear processes, and cohesive teams is essential for driving system-level transformation.