Nursing Entrance Exam: Prerequisites, Resources, and How to Prepare

Before applying to nursing school programs, carefully examine each program’s prerequisites including entrance exam requirements.   

Let’s explore the primary nursing entrance exams, the prerequisites for taking these exams, and resources to help you prepare for them.   

Main nursing entrance exams   

1. Health Education Systems Admission Assessment (HESI A2): The HESI A2 is split into multiple sections covering math, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy/physiology and learning styles/personality. 
2. National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX): The NLN PAX tests the following three core areas: verbal skills, mathematics, and science.  
3. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS): The TEAS exam, administered by the Assessment Technologies Institute, covers four areas: reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage.   
4. Nursing Entrance Test (NET): The NET includes sections on reading comprehension, math, test-taking skills, stress level, social interaction, and learning style. 
5. Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (HOAE): The PSB HOAE exam is used by certain nursing schools to assess students' aptitudes in five areas: academic aptitude, spelling, reading comprehension, natural science, and vocational adjustment index.   

Prerequisites for taking the exams   

The prerequisites for taking nursing entrance exams vary depending on the specific exam and the requirements of the nursing school. Generally, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent.  

Some nursing schools may require you to complete certain courses, such as biology, chemistry, or algebra, before taking the exam. It's crucial to check with the specific nursing school or the exam's administering body to determine the exact prerequisites.   

Resources to prepare for the entrance exam   

Preparing for a nursing entrance exam can feel overwhelming, but there are numerous resources available to help you succeed.   

• Study guides: Comprehensive study guides for each exam are available both online and in print. These guides provide an overview of the exam, practice questions, and test-taking strategies. Examples include the "ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide" for the TEAS exam and the "NLN PAX RN & PN Study Guide" for the PAX exam.   
• Online courses: Online preparatory courses offer structured and interactive study plans. They typically include video lessons, practice tests, and other interactive materials. Websites like Khan Academy, Mometrix, and TestPrep-Online offer courses specifically designed for nursing entrance exams.   
• Practice tests: Practice tests allow you to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types. They can also help you identify areas where you may need to focus your study efforts.   
• Tutoring: If you need extra help, consider hiring a tutor that specializes in nursing entrance exams. Tutoring can provide personalized instruction and feedback to improve your understanding and performance.   
• Flashcards: Flashcards can be useful for memorizing key concepts, especially for subjects like biology and chemistry. You can make your own or use online flashcard resources like Quizlet.   
• Mobile apps: Several mobile apps, such as ATI TEAS Pocket Prep and PAX PN Exam Prep can help you study on the go.   

Remember, the key to succeeding in a nursing entrance exam is understanding the content, knowing the format, and practicing extensively.  

Start preparing early and study consistently. With determination, focus, and the right resources, you can excel in your nursing entrance exam and move one step closer to your nursing career.