PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to propose and test a predictive model that could explain and predict the core competencies of nursing students. METHODS: A survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted with 361 nursing students. The data was analyzed using SPSS Windows 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. RESULTS: The elements that directly influence the core competencies of nursing students were satisfaction with their academic discipline (nursing) and critical thinking disposition in which the disposition toward critical thinking directly influenced their satisfaction with nursing as an academic discipline and clinical practice. Conversely, satisfaction with clinical practice indirectly influenced core competencies through critical thinking disposition. CONCLUSION: This result provides the basic data for a competence-based curriculum intent on strengthening the core competencies (communication, problem-solving, and self-directed learning) by improving satisfaction with both clinical practice with their major and disposition toward critical thinking on the part of nursing students.