Nursing graduates refer to the number of students who have obtained a recognised qualification required to become a licensed or registered nurse.
In response to concerns about current or future nurse shortages, many OECD countries have expanded nursing education programmes in recent years. This is especially important as the nursing workforce is ageing in many countries. The data include graduates from both higher and lower level nursing programmes, but exclude those obtaining a Master's or PhD in nursing to avoid double-counting.
This indicator is measured per 100 000 inhabitants.