The HESI exam, which stands for Health Education Systems, Inc., is a comprehensive test used in nursing schools for admissions and as an exit exam.
It consists of two types: the HESI Admissions (HESI A2) and the HESI Exit Exams.
This blog post will provide an overview of both types of exams, their formats, and offer tips on how to prepare effectively.
HESI Admissions (HESI A2): The HESI A2 exam is administered by nursing schools as part of the admission acceptance criteria. It is a four-hour examination that evaluates the knowledge and abilities of prospective nursing students. It is important to note that different schools may use different versions of the exam, including variations in question types, marking schemes, and scoring criteria. Therefore, it is recommended to research the specific requirements and curriculum of your intended nursing school.
Format and Sections: The HESI A2 exam consists of a total of 326 questions divided into nine sections:
- Reading: This section assesses the ability to comprehend health-related passages and make logical conclusions.
- Grammar/Comprehension/Vocabulary: These sections test knowledge of basic health terms, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills.
- Chemistry: This section evaluates understanding of chemical equations, reactions, bonding, and the periodic table.
- Physics: Physics questions cover topics such as chemical equations, properties, and energy theories.
- Mathematics: This section includes topics like dosage calculations, fractions, decimals, ratios, and basic mathematical operations.
- Anatomy/Physiology: This section tests knowledge of body structures, systems, and health terminologies.
- Biology: This section focuses on cellular respiration, metabolism, photosynthesis, and other biological concepts.
HESI Exit Exams: The HESI Exit Exams are mock examinations given to nursing students to assess their readiness for the licensure exam, such as the NCLEX. There are two types: the HESI RN Examination and the HESI LPN Exit Examination. These exams consist of approximately 150 questions and aim to evaluate critical thinking skills and logical abilities.
Exam Registration: The HESI exams are typically registered and conducted at post-secondary institutions, such as colleges or universities, or at Prometric Testing Sites.
Accommodations: Students with disabilities or specific health conditions may apply for accommodations during the HESI exams. To do so, they need to submit a detailed letter on medical organization letterhead, explaining their disabilities or health conditions, along with contact information and potential emergency situations.
Cost of the Test: The cost of the HESI test varies depending on the nursing school and the type of exam (admissions or exit). It is generally more affordable to take the test at an on-campus testing location rather than at a Prometric center. Other fees may include retake fees, test prep fees, rescheduling fees, and proctoring fees.
Preparing for the Exam: To prepare effectively for the HESI exam, follow these tips:
- Understand the exam format, including the subjects, number of questions, grading system, duration, and cutoff points.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it to ensure thorough coverage of all exam topics.
- Obtain a HESI study guide, which can be downloaded online, to help you focus your study efforts.
- Enroll in HESI prep courses or utilize online resources that provide practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions.
- Consider using flashcards and other study aids to reinforce your knowledge of key concepts.
Conclusion
The HESI exam is an essential assessment for nursing students, both for admission into nursing schools and as a predictor of readiness for licensure exams.
Understanding the exam format, creating a study plan, utilizing study materials, and practicing with sample questions are all crucial steps in preparing effectively for the HESI exam.
By investing time and effort into preparation, you can increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome on this important examination.