Community-Based Education enables interaction, communication and empathy with the patient, family and society. This study aims to develop a model of CBE that can support the achievement of student's empathy competence. Its research method included survey questionnaire, observation and correlational study involving 159 students of first semester and four lecturers at a selected university in Indonesia. Data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and path analysis. Learning methods in CBE using lectures, discussions, role play and field practice were also examined. It was found student empathy in communication increases with field practice, compared with role play