This descriptive, correlational study describes academically-based nurse practice centers and the associated job satisfaction of nurse faculty members. The theoretical framework selected for the research was general systems theory. The Boettcher Nursing Center Inventory (BNCI) was developed for the study to identify characteristics of these centers. The Brayfield Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (BJSQ) was used to determine levels of job satisfaction. Thirty-two centers in 25 states and 124 nursing faculty members participated in the study. Findings reveal that academically-based nursing centers are offering a wide range of nursing care to clients throughout the life span in a variety of settings. Forces stimulating continued nursing center development are opportunities for clinical practice, student learning, public service, professional development, research, income generation, and professional development. High levels of job satisfaction were indicated by BJSQ mean score of 70.83 (maximum score, 90). Significant correlations were found between job satisfaction and the budget (p less than or equal to .007): when the budget increased, the level of job satisfaction decreased.