Take the stress out of preparing for your HESI exam with study guides and realistic practice tests.
You may be wondering, what is the HESI exam and what is it used for? HESI stands for 'Health Education Systems, Inc.' and is the company that creates the exam. The HESI nursing exam, which is formally titled the HESI A2 Exam or the HESI Admission Assessment, is used as an entrance exam for nursing schools. Not every nursing school uses the exam, but it is becoming common. The HESI nursing exam is ideal for students who want to pursue nursing careers of all types, such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and Registered Nurse (RN). Potential nursing students would take the HESI exam before applying for nursing school to test their basic knowledge in areas that are vital to their future success as nursing students. These areas include mathematics, vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and anatomy and physiology, among other areas. While the HESI Admission Assessment is not a strict requirement for entering nursing school or becoming a nurse, it can be a good way to determine which students show the most aptitude for nursing programs. The exam itself is administered through several testing companies and is usually taken on a college campus or at a testing center.
The HESI exam is divided into 9 different content areas. These content areas include reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, critical thinking skills, and anatomy and physiology. Not every school will test for all of the areas. Some schools will only test for grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, while other schools will additionally test for anatomy and physiology or other science areas.
The test covers only the basic information in these content areas in order to determine if students have enough foundational knowledge to begin studying nursing content. The reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary content areas cover basic medical terminology and English-language skills that are vital to understanding nursing and other health care field vocabulary in the future. The mathematics section covers areas such as subtraction, division, addition, etc., that are important in healthcare settings, like counting prescription doses.
The subjects of anatomy and physiology are more commonly on the test than biology, chemistry, and physics. Once again, this depends on the school. The anatomy and physiology section covers introductory topics relating to the body's systems and functions.
The test may also have a learning style and personality style section, but it does not count as part of the test score and the inclusion of this also depends on the school.
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Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe HESI entrance exam is divided into eight sections with a bonus personality section that is not scored but may be used as part of the screening process for admissions. The sections are divided as follows:
Each section has a certain number of multiple-choice questions, and an on-screen calculator is provided for math and science. Since all exam questions are multiple-choice, questions in the math section will not require you to show your work. Some math questions, though, may be fill-in-the-blank. Students take the HESI nursing entrance exam on a computer at a designated testing center or on a college campus. The option to take the HESI online is also available. A proctor, someone who watches students take the test, administers the test. Each section of the test can be taken separately, but it is recommended that all of the required sections be taken on the same day. The number of sections that are on the test is dependent on the school, and students will usually have from four to five and a half hours to complete the test. There is a testing fee. The amount is determined by each school, but $40 is a common figure to expect.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountIt is important to allow yourself enough time to study and prepare for the HESI admission assessment exam. Since this exam is required for nursing school applications, you'll want to ensure that you take the exam and have passing results before you start applying. The first step is to create a timeline to follow along. For example, pick an ideal date for taking the test and then determine points in time which you will dedicate to studying or meeting specific goals before that test date arrives.
Knowing what is on the exam is a good place to start. There are several study guides available online that are up to date with the latest version of the exam. You can start by reading through these study guides and determining the sections you'll need to work on.
Once you think you've studied enough, try taking some practice tests. Practice tests are a great way not only to simulate test day but also to determine which sections you're best at and which sections you need to work on. This can help you focus only on the sections you need to in order to maximize study time. It may also help to take a practice test in an environment that is set up like a testing center. For example, try setting a specific time to go to a local library and take a practice test on a computer. This can simulate what the day of the test will be like and mentally prepare you to show up on time and be familiar with a quiet environment.
A HESI study guide is a great tool to use for preparing for the HESI entrance exam. HESI study guides can be found as physical copies that you can order, but they are also available online. Some require payment for access, but others are free to use or to download. It may be a good idea to get multiple HESI study guides from different sources in order to ensure you are reviewing all of the material you may be tested on. Study guides cover the content areas you'll need to know in a casual format. Some study guides even have test-taking tips. Different study guides may have different questions than others, and it could be good to familiarize yourself with all of the types of questions that may be asked. Since the number of sections on the exam depends on the school, check your school's HESI exam requirements and start using study guides for the sections you'll need. To help retain information and break it up into digestible sections, try only studying one topic at a time.
Take an assessment and focus on the areas that need the most practice.
There are a number of useful practice tips you can use to ensure you get the most out of your studying for the HESI nursing admissions test.
In order to get enough time to prepare for the HESI admission assessment, create a schedule that allows you to find a balance between studying and your other commitments. For example, plan to study on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in order to space out your study sessions throughout the week so that you're not cramming all of your study time into one weekend, which could cause you not to retain information as well. This can help you to maintain discipline as well.
Studying with others who have the same goal as you do can increase productivity and motivation. Try finding friends or a group who are also studying for the HESI exam. These people can test you on your knowledge, help keep you committed to a schedule, and provide support.
Instead of trying to cram multiple subjects into your head at once, study one at a time. Dedicate a certain amount of time--a week, for example--to studying one subject, such as math. Move on to another subject when you are confident you've mastered the material or if you need a change.
Practice tests can help you determine where your strengths and weaknesses are and maximize study time. Taking a practice test more than once can ensure you've mastered the material, boost your confidence, and prepare you for test day. You could try taking sections of a practice quiz as you study different subjects. For example, spend a couple of weeks studying the math section of the HESI exam and then take at least one math practice test. If you do well on the math section, you'll be able to move on to other sections without having to review your entire study guide or take an entire practice test all over again.
Hripsime Melikyan, RN is a coronary care unit nurse with over 3 years of combined experience in ICUs, ERs, and training other nurses. She has passed the NCLEX and HESI exams. Hripsime holds an M.D. from the Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia, where she diagnosed and managed infectious diseases as a physician for 3 years.
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The HESI exam is used for applications to nursing programs and schools. It acts as an entrance exam or as a supplemental part of the application process.
The HESI exam consists of 8 subject areas that cover basic knowledge needed in order to understand future nursing subjects. They are reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, math, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics.
You can study for the HESI exam by obtaining a HESI study guide from various sources online, including the company that creates the exam.
The amount of time it takes to prepare for the HESI is up to each individual. It is a good idea to give yourself enough time to at least run through a HESI study guide and take some practice tests before taking the exam.
Nurse Educator
I practiced as a certified infection control nurse for over 10 years in a hospital setting. Infection control is embedded in every aspect of nursing, hence, I collaborated with multidisciplinary team to successfully achieve national benchmarks. We successfully decreased and sustained our hospital acquired clostridium infection below national benchmark and our institution benchmark that were much more aggressive. Furthermore, we attained zero Hospital Acquired Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection for 1 year. During the COVID epidemic we were very instrumental in creating in-time policies and procedures to align with the Center for Disease Control. Dissemination of information through education of very crucial, we were able to systematically provide accurate information to our staff and patients.
Engaging in socialization beyond the classroom, clinical and lab. Finding ways to unwind whether it is playing board games, or outdoor activities when weather permit. Mental health wellbeing is very important
I wished someone had told me that nursing is not just in the hospital at the bedside. There are various of location that nursing can be practice, including outpatient settings.
Empowering patients to take care of their health
Have the appropriate resource with NCLEX style questions with rationale that you can study from.
Nursing Instructor, West Virginia State University
I have taught nursing education for 17 years. My personal background includes practice in medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing. Around half way through my nursing education career, I designed and ran a simulation lab for primarily junior and senior students. In addition, I have taught medical-surgical, along with long term clinical rotations. Courses taught include pharmacology, physical assessment, cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology. In addition, I have taught online RN to BSN courses.
Organize, plan ahead, and manage time.
Watching a patient get better.
Save money, apply for any and all grants and scholarships you can find.
As a child, I always wanted to help others when I grew up.
Associate Director, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Dr. Gauderman earned her BSN in 2005 from the College of Saint Catherine, MS in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Minnesota in 2009 and DNAP from Medical University of South Carolina in 2020. She has been the Associate Director for Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesiology since 2019. Her education and experience over that time prepared her to take on many roles, including President for the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists, as well as Federal Political Director. For her current clinical practice she is the owner of Dream Safe Anesthesia PC which provides anesthesia to patients undergoing care for fertility treatment in Minneapolis.
Peer study groups are a fantastic way to have support from those that understand the workload and also share a vested interest in content mastery. Find a small group in your cohort that you get along well with and can match up schedules to carve out group study time. Then you stay productive and have a few people you are closer to to lean on when you need help.
Organization saves so much time. Using an old fashioned planner to track readings and assignments, along with clinical hours was critical to planning time appropriately to not be up all hours of the night finishing something.
The look in their eyes when they realize they made it through a stressful situation and they are safe. I went into Nurse Anesthesia and my favorite part about my job is helping patients feel safe, comfortable and to wake up with a sense of relief. There is nothing better than a happy patient postoperatively that doesn't realize they are already done with their procedure! I treat everyone how I would want to be treated and the day I can't put myself in their spot and make them my priority is the day I will retire.
It is not a mad dash, but a marathon. The more you can pace your training, the more successful and less stressed you will be. Plan study time into every day starting on day one.
Nursing Instructor, West Texas A&M University
My name is Christy Walker and I began my nursing career as a (LPN) Licensed Practical Nurse. While working as an LPN, I earned my (ADN) Associate Degree in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. While working as an RN, I furthered my education to obtain a (BSN) Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and (MSN) Master's Degree in Nursing. I worked in psychiatric nursing for 17 years, which I absolutely loved. I am currently in a new field of teaching. I teach in a Nursing Program at a local University, WV State University.
Student nursing association and instructors.
Practice and then practice more!
This is just the beginning. Learn now to balance life and work.
Make time for yourself. Mental health is a priority.
Seeing a patient improve. Getting to learn about your patient to include their past and future endeavors.
Reach out to all sources.
To help others and to grow in the field of science.
Nursing Instructor
I am a surgical nurse of 30 years with a special focus on vascular and cardiac procedures. I am a nursing instructor and served on the nursing faculty for 13 years. I hold a BSN, a Master in Nursing Education and a DNP in Nursing Administration.
Speak to nurses in your community, shadow a nurse for a day in different areas
Read before class and read and review material after class.
The people you are able to give aid to. The number of people you encounter.
Think about what is the first thing you want to address. What is going to harm them first.