Embarking on a career in nursing is a noble and rewarding journey that begins with a crucial step—the entrance exam for nursing. The landscape of nursing education is evolving, demanding aspiring nurses to stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you're a passionate high school graduate with dreams of making a difference in healthcare or a career-changer seeking a more fulfilling path, the nursing entrance exam is your gateway to nursing schools.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of the entrance exams for nursing in 2023. From demystifying the exam formats to offering expert tips on preparation, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of the admissions process.
Entrance exam for nursing
Getting into nursing school goes beyond just having good grades. Whether you're studying in a regular classroom or online, most nursing programs ask for an entrance exam. You might take many different types of tests, and what’s required depends on your program and your degree level.
When applying for a nursing program, you might have to take a test specifically for nurses, a general exam like the SAT, or both.
If you're considering entering a nursing program, keep reading to discover more about the common entrance exams and what you can anticipate.
#1 Nursing-specific exams
#1-1 National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX)
The National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX) is a standardized nursing school entrance exam used by nursing schools as part of their admission process.
It is designed for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are pursuing a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing.
This assessment evaluates verbal aptitude, mathematical proficiency, and comprehension of scientific concepts. The exam comprises 160 multiple-choice questions spanning three key areas:
60 questions in reading comprehension and word knowledge
40 mathematical questions
These are the specific topics that will be covered:
Integers
Details
Fractions
Percentages
Ratios
Measurement conversions
Algebra
Geometry
Math concepts
60 science-related questions
These are the topics that will be covered:
Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Physics
Chemistry
Health
Test-takers have two hours and five minutes to complete the entire exam. The PAX can be registered through the schools you are applying to, with exam fees typically ranging from $60 to $100.
#1-2 Nursing Entrance Test (NET)
The NET serves as a common nursing exam assessment for prospective students entering LPN and RN programs in nursing schools. Split into six parts, examinees have 155 minutes to complete the exam.
Much like the PAX nursing school entrance exam, it evaluates proficiency in mathematics, reading speed, learning styles, social decision-making, and the capacity to handle stressful situations.
Overall, this entrance exam for nursing consists of 60 math, 33 reading, 44 learning style, 17 social decisions, 49 stressful situations and 30 exam-taking skills.
The mathematical component of the test delves into concepts typically covered in high school math courses, prompting students to invest extra time in preparation.
The remaining five sections encompass a broader range of non-nursing topics. Success in these areas depends on academic skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and reading comprehension.
Attaining scores of 65 and 55 in the math and reading sections, respectively, positions an aspiring nursing student as a competitive applicant.
Schools evaluate performance in the other four sections based on their internal criteria for a passing score. The cost of the NET nursing entry exam varies depending on the school.
#1-3 Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test
The Kaplan nursing school examination evaluates students' potential success in LPN or RN programs without requiring prior nursing education.
This pre nursing test contains 91 multiple-choice questions, and you will be given a time limit of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The test is split into four main sections:
Reading comprehension (22 questions)
Writing (21 questions)
Math (28 questions)
Science (20 questions)
The Kaplan nursing school admission test carries a cost ranging from $50 to $70. Achieving a passing score typically requires scoring between 60% and 70%, although individual schools may set their own standards.
Many test-takers opt to review high school-level topics in reading, writing, math, and science as part of their preparation. Lansing Community College's nursing program suggests various resources for Kaplan nursing school exam preparation, including the Kaplan study guide, TEAS prep books, YouTube instructional videos, and SAT prep materials.
#1-4 PSB Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam
The PSB nursing school exam caters to individuals aspiring to join healthcare programs, encompassing LPNs seeking entry into practical and vocational nursing programs.
This entrance exam for nursing evaluates the skills, knowledge, and abilities that candidates have acquired.
This assessment focuses less on psychological or abstract personality traits. However, it does include a vocational adjustment index that examines test-takers' behavioral traits. However, it does incorporate a vocational adjustment index to examine the behavioral traits of test-takers.
Comprising 360 questions to be completed in 105 minutes, the PSB nursing school exam's four remaining sections assess academic aptitude in vocabulary, math, nonverbal comprehension, spelling, natural sciences, and judgment and comprehension in practical nursing situations. Notably, there is no dedicated section for reading comprehension.
To prepare for the PSB test to get into nursing school, applicants can utilize resources such as the Mometrix Secrets Study Guide and the Ascencia PSB Practice Nursing Exam Study Guide. A $25 exam fee is applicable for candidates.
#1-5 PSB Registered Nursing School Aptitude Exam
The PSB RN nursing school aptitude exam is specifically crafted for individuals aspiring to become Registered Nurses (RNs). It consists of a 105-minute, 360-question format divided into five multiple-choice sections:
Academic aptitude
Spelling
Reading comprehension
Natural sciences
A vocational adjustment index
The academic aptitude section comprises 30 questions distributed across three parts: verbal, arithmetic, and nonverbal.
Mometrix describes the nonverbal section as a type of IQ test requiring test-takers to find the relationships and differences between objects.
Lots of students put in additional study time for the verbal and arithmetic sections of the exam. To get ready for the PSB RN nursing school entrance test, use the Mometrix Secrets Study Guide and flashcards. The guide helps with verbal and arithmetic skills and gives tips for boosting nonverbal abilities. PSB RN test-takers typically pay $25-$45 to take the exam.
#2 Healthcare Exams
#2-1 Test of Essential Academic Skills Exam (TEAS)
The TEAS evaluation is a commonly administered test for prospective RNs and LPNs in nursing schools. This multiple-choice examination comprises four sections:
Reading
Mathematics
English and language use
Science
Completing the entire nursing admission test takes 209 minutes. Online resources for exam preparation include TEASpracticetest.com's practice tests and study guides, as well as ATI's TEAS prep products.
Participants respond to a total of 170 questions based on high school-level knowledge in each category.
The reading section includes 53 questions on passages, maps, and graphs, while the math section, consisting of 36 questions, covers general problem-solving, algebra, statistics, and geometric calculations.
The science section, with 53 questions, addresses physiology, anatomy, life and physical sciences, and general scientific reasoning.
Finally, the English portion assesses comprehension of standard language conventions and vocabulary.
The TEAS entrance exam for nursing can be taken online, at specified testing centers, or through the desired school. There is a fee ranging from $35 to $70 for the TEAS exam.
#2-2 PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Exam
Educational institutions utilize the PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (PSB HOAE) as an assessment tool for students pursuing healthcare training, particularly those aspiring to become nurses. This entrance exam for nursing is commonly employed for RNs intending to enroll in an ADN or BSN program.
The assessment gauges foundational knowledge in reading comprehension, spelling, and the natural sciences. Additionally, it evaluates the academic aptitude of test-takers in math, verbal, and nonverbal domains.
The PSB HOAE exam incorporates a vocational adjustment index, which analyzes the behavioral traits and personality characteristics of candidates to assess their potential for success in the healthcare profession. Individuals are required to pay a fee ranging from $25 to $60 to take the PSB HOAE nursing school exam.
#2-3 Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Assessment (HESI A2)
The Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI A2) is a widely utilized exam in the realm of nursing, and it is occasionally mandated for students pursuing various healthcare degrees.
Specifically designed to measure high school-level proficiency in math and English, the HESI A2 places additional emphasis on assessing candidates' knowledge in science. Notably, it goes beyond the academic scope by incorporating a personality profile and learning style inventory into its evaluation.
Geared towards both LPNs and RNs, the HESI A2 follows a format consisting of nine sections, each comprising multiple-choice questions.
These sections cover diverse subjects such as math, grammar, vocabulary, reading, biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy/physiology.
Additionally, the exam includes a profile portion with critical thinking questions and inquiries related to personality and learning styles.
The duration of the test varies by institution, typically falling within the range of 2 to 3 hours. To pass, most schools require a minimum score of 75%, and the cost of the exam varies among institutions, often ranging from $35 to $75.
The HESI A2 serves as a comprehensive assessment tool, not only appraising academic aptitude but also delving into personal attributes and learning preferences, providing a holistic evaluation for prospective healthcare students.
#3 General Exams
#3-1 SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a widely recognized standardized test suitable for any individual aspiring to enter the field of nursing, be it as a nursing assistant, licensed professional nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN).
The SAT format comprises two multiple-choice sections, one section featuring a mix of questions, and an optional essay (though some institutions may require it).
Within the 154 questions, test-takers encounter 58 math questions, 52 reading questions, and 44 writing and language questions.
The SAT, excluding breaks, takes approximately 3 hours to complete, with a total duration just over 4 hours if the optional essay is included.
A competitive score for most universities is considered to be at least 1400 out of 1600, though a score of 1200 is typically sufficient for entry into lower-level nursing programs.
The cost of taking the SAT is around $50, with an additional fee for those who choose to complete the optional essay. The SAT offers a comprehensive assessment of academic skills and critical thinking abilities, providing valuable insights for nursing school applicants.
#3-2 ACT
The ACT, standing as the second most widely accepted standardized test after the SAT, covers a spectrum of subjects similar to its counterpart. However, what sets the ACT apart is its inclusion of science-related questions, making it a potentially advantageous choice for individuals aspiring to pursue nursing careers.
Tailored for any prospective nursing assistant, licensed professional nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN), the ACT comprises four sections of multiple-choice questions, accompanied by an optional essay.
Comprising a total of 215 questions, the ACT involves 75 questions in English, 60 in math, 40 in reading, and an additional 40 specifically focused on science.
The entrance exam for nursing takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete, excluding breaks, and extends to 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay.
A passing score on the ACT is considered 23 out of 36, surpassing the national average, although more competitive schools may necessitate a higher score, often around 30 or above for acceptance.
The cost of the ACT is approximately $50, with an additional fee for those opting to write the optional essay, providing a comprehensive evaluation for nursing school applicants with a well-rounded assessment of their academic and analytical skills.
#3-3 GRE
For registered nurses aiming to advance their careers and pursue master's degrees, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) often stands as a prerequisite for admission to advanced practice nurse programs.
Specifically tailored for current RNs seeking further education, the GRE is a comprehensive test measuring verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing ability. Additionally, subject-specific tests are available, focusing on areas such as biology and chemistry.
The GRE format consists of two sections featuring a mix of multiple-choice, select-in-passage, and numeric entry questions, complemented by one writing section.
The number of questions varies depending on the test format. Computerized tests include 40 verbal and 40 quantitative reasoning questions, along with two analytical writing tasks, taking a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, the written test comprises 50 questions each for verbal and quantitative reasoning, accompanied by two analytical writing tasks, with a total duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Competitive scores for the GRE are typically considered to be in the high 150s for verbal and quantitative sections, and a score of 4.5 for the writing section.
The cost of the General GRE is $205, with an additional $150 fee for those opting to take a subject test. This information provides valuable insights for RNs considering advanced education and the GRE as part of their journey.
NCLEX- a standardized exam that nursing graduates must pass
NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is not an entrance exam but a standardized exam that nursing graduates in the United States must pass in order to obtain a nursing license. It is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.
Nursing students typically take the NCLEX after completing their nursing education programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Passing the NCLEX is a crucial step for individuals seeking licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) in the United States.
The exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
If you want to prepare for the NCLEX exam and need a quality NCLEX study tool, you can use Smart’n.
Smart'n is a platform that helps nursing students with their studies. It offers access to lots of practice questions, explanations, and assessments.
There are over 2,500 practice questions and more than 60 hours of NextGen NCLEX-style nursing case studies available.
These questions and case studies are short and organized by topic, making it simpler for students to concentrate on specific areas like respiratory, cardiac, mental health, neurological, and others.
Preparing for nursing entrance exams
Understand the exam format
Familiarize yourself with the format of the specific nursing entrance exam you will be taking. Understand the types of questions, time constraints, and any specific sections.
Create a study schedule
Develop a realistic study schedule that allows you to cover all the necessary topics. Be consistent and allocate specific times for studying each subject.
Review basic sciences
Ensure a solid foundation in basic sciences such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Many nursing entrance exams include questions related to these subjects.
Focus on core subjects
Emphasize core subjects relevant to nursing, including biology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. Strengthen your understanding of these subjects as they form the basis of nursing knowledge.
Practice with sample questions
Use practice exams and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the type of questions you may encounter. This helps improve your test-taking skills and boosts confidence.
Brush up on math skills
Nursing entrance exams often include a math section. Review essential math skills, including basic arithmetic, algebra, and conversions. Practice dosage and calculation problems.
Improve reading comprehension
Develop strong reading comprehension skills as many nursing exams involve interpreting complex scenarios. Practice summarizing passages and extracting key information.
Stay updated on current events
Some nursing entrance exams may include questions related to healthcare policies or current events in the medical field. Stay informed about healthcare news.
Use review books and resources
Invest in reputable review books and study guides designed for nursing entrance exams. These resources often provide helpful summaries and practice questions.
Join study groups
Consider joining a study group with fellow nursing school applicants. Discussing concepts with others can enhance your understanding and provide different perspectives.
Take care of yourself
Ensure you get enough rest, eat well, and manage stress. A healthy lifestyle contributes to better concentration and memory retention.
Simulate test conditions
Practice under conditions similar to the actual exam. This includes timing yourself and creating a quiet, distraction-free environment to simulate the testing atmosphere.
Seek additional help
If you find certain topics challenging, don't hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or online resources. Understanding difficult concepts is crucial for success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the entrance exam for nursing in 2023 demands a strategic and comprehensive approach. Aspiring nurses must not only grasp the core academic subjects but also prioritize critical thinking, time management, and a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape. This ultimate guide has provided invaluable insights into the key components of preparation, from mastering essential content to adopting effective study techniques. Remember, success in the entrance exam is not just about the destination but the journey of growth and learning. Embrace the challenges, stay focused, and let your passion for nursing drive you towards achieving your goals.
FAQs
1- What is the hardest subject in nursing?
The perception of difficulty can vary among individuals, but one subject often considered challenging in nursing programs is Pharmacology. Pharmacology involves the study of medications, their actions, interactions, and side effects.
2- Is nursing easy in USA?
The difficulty of nursing education in the USA can vary from person to person and is influenced by factors such as individual aptitude, study habits, and prior education. Generally, nursing education in the USA is known for its rigor and comprehensive curriculum.
