Information for students who have completed the nursing admission test, HESI Admission Assessment™ (A²)
Please read this document after taking the nursing admission test. This document will explain how to interpret your scores. It will provide information on retaking the test if necessary, and recommendations for review prior to retaking. It will tell you whom to contact for more information, and your next steps.
What is the passing score?
Only the Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, and Grammar subtests are scored. The passing score on each subtest is 75.
What do my scores mean?
Vocabulary and General Knowledge
Pass=75 or higher
| Score | Score Description/Recommendations |
|---|---|
| 90% and above | A well-read individual whose vocabulary skills are at the tenth to the eleventh grade level. Should be successful in reading and understanding nursing textbooks. |
| 80-89% | Should be successful in your nursing program but may need to carefully re-read areas you do not understand and look up words you do not know the meaning of in an effort to increase your vocabulary skills. |
| 79-70% | Keeping up with reading assignments may be more difficult and you may need to seek additional tutoring services. Applicants who score 70-74% should review using the HESI Admission Assessment Study Guide as well as other vocabulary and critical thinking skills review workbooks; retake after a minimum of two months. |
| 69% and Below | Should seek additional assistance by taking a reading course at GRCC such as RD097 or RD098. Report to the Enrollment Center to take the Accuplacer Reading subtest to determine the correct reading course placement. Retake test after successful completion of reading course(s) (grade of C or higher). |
Math
Pass=75 or higher
| Score | Score Description/Recommendations |
|---|---|
| 90% and Above | Should be able to calculate all levels of medication administration problems. |
| 80-89% | Should be able to calculate basic medication administration problems. |
| 79-70% | Will require varying degrees of assistance to be successful with medication calculations. Applicants who score 70-74% should review using the HESI Admission Assessment Study Guide as well as other mathematics review workbooks; retake after a minimum of two months. |
| 69% and Below | Should seek additional assistance by taking a math course at GRCC such as MA098 before retaking this subtest. Retake test after successful completion of MA098 (grade of C or higher) |
Reading Comprehension
Pass=75 or higher
| Score | Score Description/Recommendations |
|---|---|
| 90% and Above | Should be able to read and comprehend nursing textbook content. |
| 80-90% | Should be successful in understanding most nursing textbook content though may need to reread more difficult material. |
| 79-70% | Will have difficulty in keeping up with heavy reading assignments. Applicants who score 70-74% should review using the HESI Admission Assessment Study Guide as well as other reading comprehension review workbooks, retake after a minimum of two months. |
| 69% and Below | Should seek additional assistance by taking a reading course at GRCC such as RD097 or RD098. Report to the Assessment Center to take the Accuplacer Reading subtest to determine the correct reading course placement. Retake test after successful completion of reading course(s) (grade of C or higher). |
Grammar
Pass=75 or higher
| Score | Score Description/Recommendations |
|---|---|
| 90% and Above | Students should be able to complete written assignments with no difficulty in terms of writing grammatically correct assignments. Students should be able to read and comprehend most nursing or health professions textbooks. |
| 80-89% | Students should be able to complete written assignments in terms of writing grammatically correct assignments. However, written assignments may need to be reviewed by a knowledgeable person prior to submitting them for grading. |
| 79-70% | Students will have difficulty with grammar when completing written assignments and when speaking to clients, teachers, etc. Obtaining outside assistance in English/Grammar will probably be helpful. Applicants who score 70-74% should review using the HESI Admission Assessment Study Guide as well as other grammar review workbooks, retake after a minimum of two months. |
| 69% and Below | Enrolling in an English/Grammar remediation program prior to program entry is likely to be required in order to be successful in a nursing or health professions program. |
How do I retake one or more subtests on the nursing admission test?
After you have completed the review and or courses needed (see above) and have waited at least 60 days, the first step is to go to the Student Financial Services Office, 1st floor RJF Hall. Pay $50.00 (regardless of the need to take one, two or three subtests, the fee is the same) and obtain a receipt.
Obtain a Testing Record Sheet from the Assessment Center, 3rd floor Student Center, Room 325 or online.
Complete the Testing Record Sheet; bring the Testing Record Sheet, picture ID, and your receipt to the Assessment Center to schedule your testing appointment. The test is offered approximately 8 times per month.
Where can I obtain the study guide?
The study guide, HESI Admission Assessment Study Guide is available in the GRCC Bookstore or online. Cost (subject to change) is approximately $45.
Whom should I contact if I have questions?
Health Admissions can assist with questions regarding the admission requirements, (616) 234-4348.
Assessment Center can answer questions regarding test schedules and registration for the test, (616) 234-3450.
Counseling and Career Center can answer questions about preparation for the exam and suggested coursework to prepare for retest, (616) 234-3900.