Purpose This study aimed to examine the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) education on the doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) students’ learning outcomes. Design and methods This study used a one‐group with preposttest design. The sample consisted of 31 DNP students who received an MI training, including a didactic lecture, role‐playing exercise, and standardized patient simulation. Findings Findings indicated a significant increase in students’ knowledge and confidence regarding MI at both posttests compared with baseline. Practice implications Findings suggested that MI training with standardized patient simulation demonstrated preliminary promising effects on DNP students’ knowledge and confidence in MI techniques to manage prescription opioid abuse among older adults. This study showed the potential to enhance the care of older adults who abuse opioids to address this problem in practice.