What does HESI stand for?

HESI is Health Education Systems, Inc., a testing company specializing in producing standardized and custom tests for nursing schools. This company is located in Houston, Texas.

Why did the College of Nursing at ETSU choose this company for testing?

This company has a proven record of quality products, which assist students in their readiness for success on the National Council of Licensing Examination for the Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), the professional licensing exam for registered nurses.

How many times do I have to take a HESI test during nursing school at ETSU?

Students are required to take a HESI test at three different points during nursing school. Second semester sophomores take an Assessment test as part of the entrance process into the College of Nursing. The second HESI test is during the second semester junior year, and is part of the clinical course, FCNU 3051.Finally, prior to graduation, the exit exam is given and is part of the clinical course, PMNU 4061.

Do I have to pass the HESI tests?

The Entrance Assessment is used as a self-evaluation test in the areas of math, reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Student scores are used to identify strengths and weaknesses in particular areas. Students are required to pass the test with a score of 80% on the cumulative and reading comprehension portions. Students may be required to take FCNU 3300, Promoting Academic Success in Nursing, if their scores are below 80%. All students are encouraged and welcome to take the success course.

The Mid-Curricular Junior test is a comprehensive custom test, which covers all the concepts up to the first 10 weeks into the second semester junior semester. Students are required to pass this exam at a set score, called the probability score. It is not a percentage number. The probability score needed to pass the Mid-Curricular Junior test is 850. Students are allowed to repeat this test up to three times. Students will receive an incomplete in FCNU 3051 until the HESI Mid-Curricular test is successfully passed.

The Exit exam is a comprehensive standardized test that is required to be completed and passed in order for the student to graduate. The passing probability score is 850.This is not a percentage number. This test may be taken until it is successfully passed.

What is the cost of the HESI tests?

The student pays for each HESI test during the semester it is administered. The Entrance test is $25.00, the Mid-Curricular test is $37.00, and the Exit exam is $35.00.

What are the ways to prepare for these tests?

HESI now has available for purchase an Admission Assessment Study Guide. This can be purchased from the HESI website: http://www.hesitest.com/students/selfstudy.asp. Students are asked to do their very best in order for it to be a true reflection of their abilities.

The College of Nursing, through the Testing Center, offers review sessions for the Mid-Curricular exam. The review sessions for the juniors will be held approximately six weeks prior to the test, and are voluntary regarding attendance. Seniors are required to document 10 hours of NCLEX-RN practice. They are given clinical time for this. In addition to attending these sessions, students are encouraged to:

Practice NCLEX-RN questions via computer, books, or other resources.

Participate actively in all courses, using critical thinking skills and problem-solving.

What are some resources to help me get started?

The following College of Nursing support services are available:

Testing Center: Library of NCLEX-RN resources and personal assistance for test taking help (439-4262, Lamb 372, Carolyn Merriman, Director)

Learning Resource Center: Computer-assisted programs for review (439-4546, Lamb 134, Cathy Jo Damoth, Computer Operations Coordinator)

N.U.R.S.E. Center: Tutoring and Mentoring resources (439-4528, Lamb 111, Janelle Grooms, Manager)

Web site: http://www.hesitest.com – Official site for HESI company offering student resources and sample questions that can be downloaded.

NCLEX-RN review books and other resources.

Where do I go if I have any other questions?

Contact Carolyn Merriman in the Testing Center at 439-4262 if any other questions need answering.