Objective To understand self-directed learning skills of nursing college students and its correlactive factors, so as to provide evidences for self-directed learning progress. Methods We conducted a survey of 316 full-time nursing students from Hubei College of Chinese Medicine by applying self-rating scale of self-directed learning (SRSSDL). Results The total score of self-directed learning skills was (210.59±22.51). The dimension of interpersonal skills scored (45.10±5.30), the dimension of learning strategies scored (42.07±3.82), the dimension of learning evaluation scored (41.70±4.08), the dimension of awareness scored (41.57±3.91), the dimension of learning activities scored (38.93±3.89). The scores of interpersonal skills and learning strategies were higher than that of learning evaluation and awareness. Learning activities scored the lowest. Conclusions Nursing college students had certain self-directed learning skills. According to correlactive factors of self-directed learning skills, and nursing educators can adopt relevant instructions and teaching strategies to promote their self-directed learning skills. Key words: Nursing college students; Self-directed learning; State analysis