Entrance exams are standard in nursing education today. Getting into a nursing program has many requirements. These include college or university entrance requirements: a high school diploma or GED, an essay, and completion of specific courses in high school such as English, math, and biology. Schools also may require an entrance exam such as the SAT or ACT. Many colleges are moving away from these tests or making them optional. Vocational or technical colleges may not require testing or as many requirements as the 4-year universities.
You must meet other special entrance requirements when choosing nursing as your major. You must complete health requirements, including a physical exam, proof of immunizations, and TB testing for the program’s clinical component. Another requirement will be a background check. Clinical agencies deny clinical placement for certain legal infractions, and the state could also deny licensure. (Discuss your legal history with an admissions counselor when considering nursing.) Some schools require a specific grade point average (GPA). Certain courses with specific grades are needed at some schools. For example, a school may require chemistry, anatomy and physiology, or other science courses to be taken with a grade of no lower than a B or C. A nursing assistant course is sometimes required before admission into the nursing program. A nursing entrance exam is also a step toward admission.
Why would nursing require a special entrance exam requirement? In most schools, nursing is a challenging and competitive program or major. To determine student selection and ensure the success of those admitted, some schools have opted to test students, setting a minimum level of competency in certain areas before starting the program. The testing areas are English (vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension), math, and science, specifically anatomy and physiology. One must demonstrate high school-level performance.
Different companies that offer entrance exams and nursing schools often use one of these exams. Educators and testing professionals develop the exams. They test them extensively to ensure they are valid and reliable. Some of the exams you may include the HESI-A2, TEAS, NLN PAX, NET, and the Kaplan entrance exam. Meet with a school advisor or representative of the nursing program to learn as much as possible about the entrance exam offered at the school you select.
Each school will set the minimum scores for the components of the exam. The school will also set the number of attempts a student may have and the time that must be allowed between each exam. Once an applicant achieves the required score on the entrance exam, the student meets admission requirements. If many students meet eligibility for admission, a waiting list may be in place.
Should a student prep for the nursing entrance exam? Absolutely! Most of us don’t use a lot of math or algebra in our day-to-day lives. We also may not read a great deal to expand our vocabulary continually. Preparation ahead of taking the entrance exam will offer a chance to “bone up” on topics you haven’t reviewed for a while. Schools often offer a review course or sessions free of charge. Take advantage of these reviews. If you may take the entrance exam after some of the general education courses and science requirements (chemistry, anatomy and physiology), wait to take the entrance exam until after you have taken these courses.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021, 2022), applications for baccalaureate nursing programs rose 5.6% in 2020 and another 3% in 2021. Admission to nursing programs remains very competitive. With faculty shortages and insufficient clinical sites, schools can only accept a limited number of students. The nursing entrance exam is an extra step to getting into your desired program. The exam will gauge your readiness for the program and lead to a more successful educational experience. While nursing entrance exams are only part of the admission process, preparing for the exam to achieve a passing score is a priority to ensure you are a top candidate in the applicant pool.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021, April 1). Student enrollment surged in U.S. schools of nursing in 2020 despite challenges presented by the pandemic. https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Press-Releases/View/ArticleId/24802/2020-survey-data-student-enrollment
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2022, April 5). Nursing schools see enrollment increases in entry-level programs, signaling strong interest in nursing careers. https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Press-Releases/View/ArticleId/25183/Nursing-Schools-See-Enrollment-Increases-in-Entry-Level-Programs
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