Nursing Admissions Assessment
The Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 admission assessment is a tool used to evaluate nursing applicants and their potential for successful program completion. The assessment consists of two academic exams, mathematics and reading comprehension, and two non-scored sections identifying a student's learning style and personality profile.
All students applying to a Nursing program at Northeast Iowa Community College are required to complete the HESI A2 admission assessment in addition to the courses required for program admission. Scores may be transferred from another institution as long as they meet the NICC criteria and were completed within five years of the student's application date.
Advanced-standing students who are current LPNs can articulate into the sophomore year only after meeting program requirements. Advanced standing students must successfully complete the HESI LPN to ADN Assessment with a minimum score of 850 as an entry requirement to the ADN program.
The minimum requirement for acceptance to an NICC Nursing program is a score of 80 percent or above on both the mathematics and reading comprehension sections of the exam. Results of the personality and learning style sections are not scored but provide valuable information to the nursing department and the student. The scores are not used for the admission criteria.
Assessment Preparation
Students should consult with their academic advisor to determine the most appropriate time to complete the HESI assessment. All students should prepare for the assessment by accessing one or more of the following resources.
- Schedule one-on-one or group tutoring at the Learning Center.
- Reserve study resources from the campus library or Learning Center.
- Use online resources by searching for "HESI A2 admission assessment study guides or practice tests."
Purchasing
Students must purchase the assessment online through Evolve/HESI. A credit or debit card can be used for the purchase. A payment ID code is required and is available by contacting Nancy Brincks at brincksn@nicc.edu. Resources for creating a student account and making payment are provided when the student requests a payment code. Please be specific with the exam needed (A2-Entry Level-1st Time Tester) to ensure the correct payment ID is provided.
Test Dates and Scheduling
Due to COVID restrictions, exams are remotely taken and proctored until further notice.
Test Dates/Times for each campus
If you have any questions or need additional information, please email Nancy Brincks brincksn@nicc.edu or call 844.642.2338 ext 1281.
Assessment Results and Next Steps
Results are available immediately upon completion. Students are emailed once their test results are posted online within their Elsevier student account. Assessment results are also provided to the nursing department at NICC for review and documentation. The nursing department notifies the Admissions Office of students who have completed the assessment.
Retesting
Students who score below the minimum 80 percent are allowed to test a second time. A minimum of two weeks is required before attempting the second test, which will allow the student time to study and prepare for retesting. If the second test is unsuccessful, the student must wait 60 days before attempting the test again. A new payment ID must be issued. Please email brincksn@nicc.edu for a new payment code.