Integrating telehealth education through a competency-based framework in pre-licensure nursing programs

The nursing profession is increasingly challenged to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and modern models of clinical care, including telehealth. This article explores how a university nursing program applied a competency-based education (CBE) framework to design and implement a comprehensive telehealth curriculum. The program is grounded in evidence-based best practices and supported by technology-enhanced instructional strategies.

This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a competency-based telehealth education program aligned with the AACN Essentials, integrating standardized patient simulation to develop and promote foundational telehealth competencies in pre-licensure nursing students.

Over a four-year period, 1137 undergraduate nursing students engaged in more than 2000 telehealth simulation experiences using standardized patients across six clinical courses. Post-program evaluations revealed statistically significant increases in self-reported confidence in students' ability to use telehealth technologies following simulation experiences. Faculty also used telehealth debrief assessments to provide formative, competency-aligned feedback during simulations.

These findings highlight the value of integrating telehealth education into undergraduate nursing curricula. The program offers a scalable and sustainable model that other nursing schools can replicate to advance digital healthcare delivery and prepare students for modern clinical practice.