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HESI A2 Exam (HESI Exam)
About the HESI A2 Exam:
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) exam, is often referred to as the HESI exam. The 170 multiple choice questions are designed to evaluate both your academic knowledge and your critical thinking skills across various areas:
- Grammar
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
These subjects draw from secondary education curriculum, especially on the physical sciences and science material.
Entrance Exam Fee:
The HESI exam ranges between $30 and $110 based on your location and how you take the exam.
Exam Time Limit:
Test takers have a time limit of three to four hours depending on the location.
Passing Score Requirement:
A passing score on the HESI A2 exam can vary from one nursing program or nursing school to another, but generally, scoring above 75%–85% signals competency not only in the topics, but also in a healthcare setting.
You can use your HESI exam score to enroll these Rasmussen University programs:
- Medical Lab Technician Associate's
- Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s
- Radiologic Technology Associate's
- Surgical Technologist Associate’s
Rasmussen University does not accept every nursing entrance exam listed for entrance into a nursing program. Please read and review the School of Nursing Entrance Exam policy in the course catalog for full details.
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TEAS Exam
About the TEAS Exam:
The TEAS exam is a fundamental benchmark test covering important academic abilities required for nursing school. The test consists of 170 questions, including multiple choice, multiple select (select all that apply), fill in the blank, ordered response and hot spots.
Students prepare by studying the four key areas of the nursing entrance exam:
- Reading
- Mathematics
- English language use
- Science
Entrance Exam Fee:
The TEAS exam varies by where you take your exam. On average, the cost of the TEAS exam is around $120.
Exam Time Limit:
Test takers have an allocated testing time of 209 minutes.
The time limit not only tests your knowledge, but also endurance—both your mental capacity and familiarity with concepts taught at the high school level are challenged—an important factor for advancing into nursing school. Nursing, in general, also in stressful situations requires rigorous quick-thinking skills.
Passing Score Requirement:
What is considered a passing score can vary between nursing schools and specific entrance exam. At Rasmussen University, for example, there are a range of required composite scores based on the different sections of the TEAS exam.
For questions about Rasmussen University TEAS exam passing scores, contact an admissions advisor.
Skip the TEAS Exam at Rasmussen:
Did you know? Potential nursing students interested in Rasmussen University Nursing programs, including our BSN, RN and LPN programs, can skip the TEAS exam if they have a conferred Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree with a GPA of 2.25 or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning as recognized by the US Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Learn more about our pre-licensure Nursing programs:
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NLN PAX Exam
About the NLN PAX Exam:
The NLN PAX exam, conducted by the National league for Nursing, features 160 multiple-choice questions to test your aptitude as a future nursing student. You’ll demonstrate comprehension across these subjects:
- Reading comprehension
- Math
- Science
Entrance Exam Fee:
The NLN PAX exam has a registration fee between $60 and $100.
Exam Time Limit:
Test takers have an exam window of 125 minutes.
Passing Score Requirement:
The minimum required scores can vary among health education systems and nursing schools.
While certain questions might be trial-based and not contribute toward your cumulative score, each question is incremental in proving your capabilities within some LPN or RN programs.
Rasmussen University does not accept every nursing entrance exam listed for entrance into a nursing program. Please read and review the School of Nursing Entrance Exam policy in the course catalog for full details.
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PSB Aptitude Exam
About the PSB Aptitude Exam:
The goal of the PSB exam, or PSB Aptitude Exam, is to capture your essential academic skills, practical capabilities, personal competencies and character strengths. This nursing entrance exam is aimed for nursing students looking into a variety of healthcare professions, including practical and vocational nursing programs.
The Health Occupations Aptitude Exam, orchestrated by PSB, covers an array of subjects, including:
- Reading comprehension
- Natural sciences
- Verbal communication skills
- Vocational Adjustment Index
The Vocational Adjustment Index measures suitability for work within healthcare settings.
Entrance Exam Fee:
The PSB Aptitude exam costs between $25 to $60.
Exam Time Limit:
Test takers have a time limit of at least two to two-and-a-half hours, depending on your location. Some time limits are in place knowing you are not expected to complete each section of the nursing entrance exam.
Passing Score Requirement:
Results are provided to test takers by section and with a raw score (correct answers) and percentile rank (percentage compared to other test takers). The minimum required score can vary among health education systems and nursing schools.
Rasmussen University does not accept every nursing entrance exam listed for entrance into a nursing program. Please read and review the School of Nursing Entrance Exam policy in the course catalog for full details.
Nursing Entrance Exam
Your Guide to Nursing Entrance Exams
Pursuing nursing school and a thriving nursing career starts with acing the nursing entrance exam. These exams are pivotal in assessing your foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a successful nursing education.
To help you feel prepared, we’ll explore the key components of these popular nursing school exams: TEAS, HESI A2, NLN PAX and PSB. From structured study strategies to deep-dive insights, you’ll be able to navigate your nursing school entrance exam with confidence.
Rasmussen University does not accept every nursing entrance exam listed for entrance into a nursing program. Please read and review the School of Nursing Entrance Exam policy in the course catalog for full details.
Understanding Nursing School Entrance Exams
Preparing for a nursing school entrance exam might seem like an annoying obstacle, but it’s an essential step to becoming a nursing student and start pursuing a nursing career. They help nursing schools evaluate your critical thinking skills, communication and foundational healthcare knowledge—all crucial indicators of your academic capabilities.
The best way to start preparing for a nursing entrance test? Get familiar with the material. Knowing how these nursing entrance exams are structured, the specific requirements and the subject matters can ensure that your studying strategies are effective and efficient. You’ll feel more confident in getting a passing score and entering nursing school.
Overcoming Test Anxiety
As your nursing entrance exam day nears, it’s normal to feel nervous and overwhelmed by test-related anxiety. Push that shadow of doubt away by continuing to study and utilizing these calming strategies.Pursue Enjoyable Activities
School, work and life can be stressful—pursue activities you enjoy into your daily life, such as yoga, music or exercise (however you prefer to move). Start a relaxing sleep routine to calm your nerves and sharpen your focus.
Implement Relaxation Techniques
Regular mindfulness practice can help you cultivate a calm mental presence and focus. Start incorporating some of these techniques to enhance your performance: rhythmic breathing, mindful walks, visualization strategies or progressive muscle relaxation. Before you take your exam, take deep breaths to calm your anxieties and align your concentration.
Practice Self-Talk and Affirmations
Words have power—make sure the ones you use about yourself nurture your heart and head. Participate in constructive internal dialogue and remind yourself of the effort you’ve invested to strengthen your essential skills and future achievement as a nurse.
Seek Professional Guidance
If you sense anxiety reaching overwhelming levels, reach out for professional guidance. Asking for help takes courage, not weakness, and will help your talents and knowledge come through on test day.
Don’t Fear the TEAS Test
If you know what to expect on the TEAS exam, you have a better chance of conquering it. Take a closer look at this nursing entrance exam and prepare to pass your test without fear.Read more
How to Choose Your Nursing Program
Now that you have a better understanding of the different nursing entrance exams, you can continue exploring the right nursing program for you. At Rasmussen University, we have a variety of Nursing programs to fit your needs, whether you’re just starting out as a pre-licensure Nursing student or working toward the highest level of nursing. Once you’ve picked your program, start when it works for you with eight start dates per year at most campuses (while some offer four start dates). Check out our Nursing programs and discover the nurse you’re meant to be.Accreditation
Accreditation serves as reassurance that an educational experience adheres to the highest standards, opening doors for financial assistance, for those who qualify, and future opportunities. You can also review your state’s Board of Nursing to bolster your ability to obtain your licensure post-graduation.
Classroom Dynamics
Consider the foundation of the program and the classroom experience. At Rasmussen University, you’ll work alongside other Nursing students in small class sizes. Every program features some online courses that work with your schedule. You’ll also receive practical training during labs and clinical rotations to help you transition into your nursing practice.
Admissions Requirements
Sometimes admissions requirements can seem like cracking a complicated code, but at Rasmussen University, our Admissions team will walk you through the process. There are also no pre-requisite coursework requirements for our pre-licensure programs. Plus, if you continue your nursing education at Rasmussen, our programs smoothly transition from one level to the next.