Nursing: HESI Admission Assessment Prep Guide

Welcome to the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) resource and review guide for Western Technical College students! This guide collects a variety of resources and strategies to help you prepare for your upcoming exam. Use the tabs on the left to navigate through the guide.

This prep guide was created collaboratively by a group of Western Technical College Learner Support and Transition instructors, Assessment Center staff, and Advisors. It is meant to provide information and support as you work through the testing requirement in the Nursing Petition Process. Please be sure to check that website for the most current information, requirements, and dates about the process of petitioning for the nursing program at Western.

This guide is maintained by Student Learning Librarian, Ellen Range. If you have questions or suggestions, you can contact her directly or reach out to the Learning Commons team at learningcommons@westerntc.edu.

The HESI Admission Assessment Exam measures students' knowledge of various academic subjects including mathematics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and anatomy and physiology. 

This is the required exam for admission to the Nursing – Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs at Western Technical College. 

Students can find information about test dates and the registration process on Western's Assessment Center website, linked below.

You will then register for the exam by calling the Assessment Center.

Western's Learning Commons team has put together a 5-minute video to answer many questions that students ask about the HESI A2 once they are registered for the exam. It covers basic information about the exam structure, test day logistics, and tips to help you prepare.

The HESI Admission Assessment offers more subjects, but Western requires the following exam sections: 

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary and General Knowledge
• Mathematics

Other testing logistics:

• The HESI A2 is a computer-based exam.
• You can register to take the exam at Western by calling the Assessment Center (608-785-9566).
• The cost for the exam is approximately $73 (the Assessment Center will tell you the exact price when you call).
• 210 minutes are allotted for the entire exam. 
• Test sections may be completed in any order.
• Most questions are multiple choice but there are also some short answer questions.
• Students will be given scratch paper and pencils which they may use during the exam. 
• A calculator is displayed on the monitor that students may use during the exam. Students are also provided a basic handheld calculator that may be used during the exam.
• Once a question has been answered, you cannot return to it. You can't skip questions and return to them later.

At Western, students need to receive a score of 75 or above in order to meet our program's petition requirements. If you have questions or concerns about this, please talk to your advisor.  

You will receive your score immediately upon completion of the exam. After you have taken the exam, the Assessment Center will send your score report to the Admissions team.

YES! There are a lot of different prep books and packages available to buy or borrow.

Here are a few resources that we use and recommend to students:

These additional study books are available to use in the Science Center (located inside the Learning Commons):

This guide offers a starting point to help you get familiar with the test structure, access practice tests, and guide your preparations.

But, there are also many Western staff people that can help you prepare for the HESI Admission Assessment:

• In particular, your Advisor can be a great source of information and advice as you plan. Reach out to your Advisor if you're not sure when or how to register for the HESI, if you've been unsuccessful taking the exam in the past, or if you want to discuss your academic plan or future goals.
• If you have questions about test dates, other testing logistics or are ready to register for the exam, connect with Western's Assessment Center.
• Drop in at the Science Center or reach out to the Learning Commons team to ask about getting connected with support for HESI Admission Assessment preparation. There is a whole team of instructors who can help you prepare! They can help you make a personalized study plan, build your test-taking or content skills, access review materials, and help you review content that will be covered on the exam.
• Your instructors will also be able to answer questions and offer words of wisdom.
• Your peers are a great resource as well. Talk to friends in the nursing program and ask about their experience taking the exam or find a classmate that wants to study together. 

Reach out. We want to help!

Yes. Please check the Nursing Program page for additional information and admission requirements.