Abstract: Objective To introduce transformative learning theory in nursing education in the United States and Canada and identify its implications to China.Methods Literature review was conducted to summarize the utilization of transformative learning theory in nursing education in the United States and Canada.Results In the United States and Canada, transformative learning theory has been increasingly utilized for shaping nursing education and provided theoretical guidance to nursing education reform and innovations. Comparing with traditional teaching approaches, transformative learning has its unique advantages in transforming nursing students' cognition and strengthening the development of competence building, which may futher promote the cultivation of nursing students' competence, including critical thinking and professionalism.Conclusions Transformative learning theory has exerted important influences on nursing education and innovations in the United States and Canada. It may be necessary to introduce and promote the theory in China in order to improve the quality of nursing workforce training and gradually fill the gap with the international advanced standard of nursing education.

Key words: Transformative learning, Nursing education, The United States of America, Canada, Implication