A Look Inside Nursing School Entrance Exams

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get into nursing school? A key step for many aspiring nurses is passing an entrance exam. This article offers a clear overview of the common subjects and key terminology found on these tests, giving you a better understanding of the foundational knowledge required for a career in healthcare.

The Core Subjects of Nursing Entrance Exams

Most nursing school entrance exams are designed to assess a candidate’s readiness for the rigorous academic demands of a nursing program. While specific tests like the HESI A2, the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), or the Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test have unique formats, they generally cover a similar set of core academic subjects. The goal is to ensure applicants have a solid foundation in science, math, and language.

English Language and Reading Comprehension

Clear communication is one of the most critical skills for a nurse. You must be able to understand doctor’s orders, accurately document patient information, and effectively communicate with patients and their families. This is why nursing entrance exams place a strong emphasis on English language proficiency.

This section typically tests three main areas:

Reading Comprehension: You will be given passages of text, often related to health or science, and then asked questions about them. These questions measure your ability to identify the main idea, understand the author’s purpose, make a logical inference, and determine the meaning of words based on context clues.
Vocabulary and General Knowledge: This part assesses the breadth of your vocabulary. You might be asked to identify synonyms, antonyms, or the definition of a specific word. The vocabulary is generally at a college level and can include terms used in academic and scientific contexts.
Grammar: A firm grasp of grammar is essential for professional writing. This section tests your knowledge of fundamental rules, including subject-verb agreement, correct pronoun usage, punctuation, and sentence structure. You might need to identify errors in a sentence or choose the most grammatically correct version of a phrase.

Mathematics for Healthcare

Math skills are non-negotiable in nursing, where they are used daily for patient safety. Calculating correct medication dosages, converting measurements, and interpreting patient data all require mathematical precision. An error in calculation can have serious consequences.

The math section on these exams focuses on the practical application of foundational math skills. It generally does not involve advanced calculus or trigonometry. Key topics include:

Basic Arithmetic: Operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions are fundamental.
Ratios, Proportions, and Percentages: These are crucial for many healthcare calculations. For example, a nurse might need to solve a proportion to determine the correct amount of a drug to administer based on a patient’s weight.
Algebraic Concepts: Basic algebra is often tested, usually involving solving for an unknown variable (like ‘x’) in an equation. This skill is directly applicable to dosage calculation formulas.
Measurement and Conversions: Nurses constantly work with different systems of measurement. This section tests your ability to convert between units in the metric system (milligrams, grams, milliliters, liters) and the standard U.S. system (pounds, ounces, inches). You may also see questions involving time conversions, such as calculating durations in minutes and hours.

For example, a common task is converting a patient’s weight from pounds to kilograms to calculate a medication dose prescribed in mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram of body weight).

The Crucial Science Sections

The science portion of a nursing entrance exam is often the most challenging. It evaluates your understanding of the biological and chemical principles that form the basis of human health and medicine. A strong performance here shows that you are prepared for college-level science courses like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)

This is the cornerstone of nursing science. Anatomy is the study of the body’s structures, while physiology is the study of how those structures function. The A&P section tests your knowledge of the major organ systems. You should be familiar with the basic functions and key components of systems such as:

Cardiovascular System: Involves the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Key terms include aorta, ventricle, atrium, and capillary.
Respiratory System: Focuses on the lungs and airways. You should understand the function of the alveoli, bronchi, and diaphragm.
Nervous System: Covers the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Important concepts include the neuron, synapse, and the difference between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Skeletal System: Relates to bones and joints. Terminology might include names of major bones like the femur or humerus and concepts like ossification.
Endocrine System: Deals with hormones and glands. Key terms are pituitary gland, thyroid, insulin, and the concept of homeostasis, which is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Foundational Biology

The biology section looks at life on a smaller scale, focusing on the building blocks of living organisms. It ensures you have a basic understanding of cellular and molecular biology. Topics often include:

Cell Structure and Function: You should know the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and be able to identify major organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes.
Genetics: Basic concepts of heredity are tested, including the roles of DNA and RNA, and the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
Basic Microbiology: This may include an introduction to different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Basic Chemistry

Chemistry explains the interactions between substances that drive all biological processes. The chemistry section on a nursing exam covers fundamental principles, not advanced organic chemistry. You should be familiar with:

Atomic Structure: The basic components of an atom (protons, neutrons, and electrons).
The Periodic Table: Understanding its organization and basic properties of elements.
Chemical Bonds: The difference between ionic and covalent bonds.
The pH Scale: Knowing the difference between an acid and a base is critical for understanding bodily functions like blood pH balance.
Basic Chemical Reactions: Concepts like catalysts and the basic structure of a chemical equation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all nursing entrance exams the same? No, they are not. Different nursing programs use different exams. The most common ones are the HESI Admission Assessment (A2), the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and the Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test. While the core subjects are similar, the number of questions, time limits, and specific focus areas can vary.

Is this article a study guide for these exams? This article is intended as a general overview of the topics you can expect to see on a nursing entrance exam. It is designed for informational purposes to help you understand the scope of the tests, not as a comprehensive study guide or preparation tool.

Why is chemistry important for nursing? Chemistry is fundamental to understanding how medications work in the body (pharmacology), how nutrition impacts health, and how the body maintains its delicate chemical balance. For example, understanding acids and bases is essential for caring for patients with conditions like metabolic acidosis.