HEALTH EDUCTION SYSTEMS INC. ADMISSION ASSESSMENT EXAM (HESI-A2)

What is the HESI-A2?

The Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment Exam-A2 (HESI-A2) tests prospective nursing students in two main academic areas:  English (Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking are subcategories of the English Language Composite Score) and Math.

The test is a multiple choice assessment that is timed and takes approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes to complete.

Who Takes the HESI?

The HESI must be taken and passed prior to the application deadline for the traditional Nursing Program. If you have taken the HESI at another college you can submit those scores to the Nursing Division to determine if they are passing or not. RSCC waives the Nursing Pre-Admissions Exam requirement for applicants who have a college degree from an accredited college (SACS or equivalent).

To be eligible for admission, students must successfully pass both the math and reading portion of HESI by the application deadline which is the 3rd Friday in January, 2014.

What is the Fee for the HESI?

Currently, the fee for the HESI exam is $35.00 and NON-REFUNDABLE. A fee increase will go into affect in August of 2013. The increase is under review and further details will be posted when available. You may go by the Business Office at the Roane County or Oak Ridge Campus to pay your test fee. Please remember to KEEP YOUR RECEIPT - you are required to bring it on the day of your exam.

The testing fee is non-refundable. Failure to cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance will require a new testing fee. Cancellations prior to 48 hours will be allowed to retest within one academic calendar year at no charge. Please remember to retain your payment receipt if you intend on testing at a later date.

When and Where is the HESI Offered at RSCC?

The HESI-A2 is offered by appointment on the Roane County (Harriman) Campus and the Oak Ridge Branch Campus. Please see the following schedule for specific dates and times at the two locations:

Roane County (Harriman) Campus - Room T-203

Remember to bring a photo ID and testing fee payment receipt.

Oak Ridge Branch Campus - Room B-112

Remember to bring a photo ID and testing fee payment receipt.

How Do I Make an Appointment to Take the HESI?

To make an appointment, choose a date and time from the above schedule and click the following link:

Please note:  Your Roane State Identification Number (R#) is required! If you do not know your R#, log on to Raidernet and retrieve that information before trying to register for a test. If you have any problems, please contact Jill Robbins at (865) 481-2000 ext. 2251 or by email at robbinsjm1@roanestate.edu.

 

What Do I Need to Bring on the Day of My Test?

You will need to bring a government issued photo ID (Driver's License, State ID Card, Passport, or Military ID), receipt of test fee payment, AND your Roane State ID number (R#). These ARE REQUIREMENTS for your testing appointment. Failure to provide any of this information may result in cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your testing fee.

Any necessary testing materials will be provided (scratch paper, pencils, calculator) by the Testing Center. Dictionaries, personal calculators, electronic devices, instructional materials, or notes are NOT allowed during testing.

PLEASE NOTE:  ALL CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE TESTING CENTER. If a cell phone rings or a student is found using a cell phone for ANY purpose, they will immediately be asked to leave and their scores will be processed as and noted as invalid. A 6 month mandatory wait period for retesting will be effect under these circumstances.

What Kind of Questions Are On the HESI?

The computer based HESI-A2 consists of the following two academic exams which are scored:

• ENGLISH LANGUAGE / READING:  A 55-item exam that includes reading scenarios in order to measure reading comprehension, including:  identifying the main idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, making logical references, etc.
• MATHEMATICS / BASIC MATH SKILLS:  A 55-item exam that focuses on math skills needed for health care fields, including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, demimals, ration and proportion, household measures, and general math facts that are useful, for example, when calculating drug dosages and solutions.

The computer based HESI-A2 also includes two NON-scored assessments: 

• PERSONALITY PROFILE  
• LEARNING SKILLS 

How Can I Prepare for the HESI?

• Study Guides and Practice Tests are available for purchase online at  https://evolve.elsevier.com/EvolveWeb/flow/bookstore/product?isbn=9781455703333#
• Study guides may also be available at other online stores or local bookstores.

When Will I Get My HESI Scores?

Test results will appear on the computer screen immediately after you have completed the exam. RSCC Testing Centers will NOT print test results. You may access your results anytime through your Elsevier account which you will create at the time you take the exam. Keep a record of your Elsevier account username and password so that you may refer to the account if the scores are needed at a later time. Furthermore, a record of your LPN Challenge Exam scores will be posted in your Raidernet account under Student Self Service. Please allow 5 - 10 business days for your record to reflect the changes.

PLEASE NOTE:  The scores will automatically be sent to the Allied Health Sciences and Nursing Admissions Office to be recorded in your electronic file. You do NOT need to notify the Nursing Admissions Office that you have completed your testing requirement.

A passing score is required in BOTH Reading Comprehension and Math to be eligible for admission to the RSCC Nursing Program.

Are Re-Takes Allowed for the HESI?

RSCC allows students to re-take the exam after a minimum 6 month wait period.* Each time an exam is taken the examinee is required to pay the full fee.

*Scores from RSCC or any other institution must adhere to the above re-test procedures to be considered valid for RSCC admissions requirements and prerequisites. 

Please contact the Nursing Department for questions regarding the HESI Exam and its involvement with the Nursing program.