According to The Glossary of Education Reform, “Competency-based learning refers to systems of instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting that are based on students demonstrating that they have learned the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education.” But what does that actually mean? The answer may be complex, as The Glossary of Education Reform goes on to say that “there is no single model or universally used approach.”
The benefits, or drawbacks, of competency-based learning (CBL) — also known as competency-based education, mastery-based education, performance-based education, standards-based education and proficiency-based education — are up for debate. Regardless, there are an increasing number of these types of programs, particularly in for-profit colleges.
Some registered nurses (RNs) seeking to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are looking to these programs as options that may — at first glance — be “easier” than a traditional BSN program. Prospective students may also wonder how a CBL program compares to a reputable online RN to BSN program, such as the fully accredited nursing program offered by The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). RNs should do their research to ensure they’re making the right decision for their careers and future.
Seat-Time vs. Mastery
Competency-based education, in short, focuses on mastery of content, not on how long it takes to learn that content — what’s referred to as “seat-time.” For example, a student may master a subject in one month during a four-month semester, whereas another student may not master the subject by the end of the semester. Competency-based programs may seem ideal for working nurses enrolled in online college courses. These students can work at their own pace, taking less time and spending less money to earn their degrees.
Not only is saving time a benefit of competency-based learning, according to proponents, but CBL also sets consistent standards of subject mastery. For example, in the traditional model, students can pass a course with any grade between 70 and 100, clearly showing a range of knowledge acquisition. One could argue that a student who earns a grade of 70 may not have subject mastery. After all, different teachers use different grading metrics, as do schools and districts.
Using the traditional method, a student can graduate from high school lacking basic literacy skills, for example. Conversely, a student would only receive a “competency-based diploma” after achieving competent levels of subject mastery.
Shifting the Role of Instructors
Competency-based learning also changes the role of the instructor. Instructors in the traditional method lecture a set number of times in a semester, setting a specific pace for learning. Because every student learns differently, the instructor’s pace may work for some students but not others.
Interestingly, while online education programs like UTA’s RN to BSN may not follow the competency-based learning model, they do offer the flexibility in timing that many students need. Teachers can deliver online courses asynchronously, allowing students to engage with studies when best works for them.
The Problems With Competency-based Learning
While CBL models have advantages, a clear evaluation of pros and cons is not so simple. As with other educational formats, competency-based education programs vary widely in terms of quality, many learners do not excel in this format, and some schools provide programs of questionable value or reputation.
The Glossary of Education Reform notes that certain schools “have been accused of offering low-quality educational experiences to students, exploiting students or public programs, and using the popularity of concepts such as ‘competency-based education’ to promote programs of dubious educational value.” While arguments can be made for both sides, CBL can be a problem for students in ways that have nothing to do with how much they learn.
Competency-based Systems Lack Accreditation
When prospective students choose a degree program that uses the competency-based system, they may have issues securing financial aid. Schools need certain types of accreditation for students to be eligible for federal financial aid. Many accrediting bodies are slow to accept competency-based programs. Accrediting bodies base accreditation standards on measurable metrics, evaluation and demonstration of continuous improvement. Many of these metrics can be hard to accurately quantify with competency-based programs.
In fact, students face a host of potential complications when attending an unaccredited institution. Students taking courses from an unaccredited school may face problems if they decide to change schools. Reputable universities like UTA generally do not accept transfer credits from a school without regional or national accreditation. Licensure can also be an issue when graduating from an unaccredited school (for students who are not already registered nurses).
Students who earn credentials from schools that lack accreditation also experience challenges after graduation. Many hospitals and other employers won’t hire nurses with degrees from unaccredited schools, no matter how great the candidate. Further, most graduate schools will not accept students without a degree from an accredited program, so those students may not be able to earn advanced degrees unless they’re willing to repeat classes — or degrees — through an accredited institution.
Nursing Students Must Weigh Their Options Carefully
When executed well, competency-based education has many benefits. Yet a degree from a competency-based system may not offer the best outcomes for nursing students. Nurses seeking to advance their education should investigate their options fully before moving forward.
ADN- and diploma-prepared RNs who enroll in UTA’s fully online RN to BSN program can be confident that their BSN degree will help them secure the jobs they want and support their continued education. UTA’s baccalaureate degree in nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, as are its master’s degrees in nursing, doctor of nursing practice and post-graduate APRN certificates.
Learn more about UTA’s online RN to BSN program.
