The competence of a nurse is something that is displayed thoroughly by a nurse in providing professional services to clients, including knowledge, skills, and considerations required in practical situations. The impact of students' lack of competence will lead to patient safety incidents. To increase competence in their field and experience in the industrial world, an effective learning model is needed, namely work-based learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the work-based learning model on the competence of nursing diploma students. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the work-based learning model affects improving the competence of Diploma III Nursing students at ITS PKU Muhammadiyah Surakarta.