Rutgers School of Nursing – Blackwood Campus 2+2 Program
Before you register
All Blackwood applicants that have been notified about HESI A2 Eligibility must review and acknowledge the terms and condition prior to registering for the Exam.
HESI Admission Assessment
(HESI A2) Exam
Background
The Rutgers School of Nursing – Blackwood Campus 2+2 Program requires the HESI Admission Assessment (HESI A2) as part of the admission review process for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing program. To be considered for admission, applicants must take and pass the HESI A2 Exam.
Why is this required?
Data indicates that students who perform well on the HESI A2 are likelier to succeed in a rigorous baccalaureate nursing program. The HESI A2 also provides valuable information to identify areas where additional remediation may be needed to promote student success.
What is the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 Entrance Exam is a computer-based test designed to evaluate prospective students’ academic and personal readiness for higher education. It is particularly suited for those pursuing careers in health science, such as nursing. The exam consists of seven sections, each focusing on specific academic subject areas. Individual component scores and a composite score will be provided.
How do I register for the exam?
Refer to the Distance Testing “How To Guide” provided by Elsevier for detailed instructions on registration and test preparation for the HESI A2 Exam.
When you register, please ensure you use the Rutgers Department ID: 206870.
Applicants eligible for the HESI A2 Exam may opt to sit for the exam in the following modalities at their own discretion:
- Administered in person at an approved Prometric testing center location
- Administered via Prometric remote proctor
- You may also refer to this Prometric User Guide for assistance.
Please refer to the Rutgers University BSN Distance Testing document for additional instructions
What is the cost?
The exam cost varies depending on whether you take it at an in-person testing site or via remote proctoring, where available. Applicants are responsible for deciding how to take the exam and covering the associated fees. To identify a testing center or choose the remote option, visit the Prometric website for the HESI A2. For questions regarding costs, consult representatives from the testing organization directly.
Please note: Rutgers School of Nursing cannot subsidize the cost of the HESI A2 exam for applicants
What subjects are tested?
The subjects tested include the following:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Grammar
- Basic Math
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
How much time is allotted for each section?
Sections are not individually timed. You will have four (4) hours to take the entire test.
What is the required benchmark for acceptance to the Blackwood Nursing Program?
The minimum score decided by the faculty was guided by research and data. As a result, it has been determined that applicants to the Blackwood 2+2 nursing program must achieve a mean score of 79.5% or higher on the combined score of all seven (7) required individual components of the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam.
What can I do to prepare for the A2?
We recommend that you prepare in advance for a competitive HESI A2 score. Admitted students reported preparing through a variety of methods, and have recommended the following resources:
- An official study publication entitled “HESI Admissions Assessment Exam Review, 4th Ed.” is available for purchase through the publisher Elsevier, at any Barnes & Noble Bookstore, or Amazon.com.
- Additional information on the HESI A2 can be found on the Elsevier website at https://evolve.elsevier.com.
- Elsevier: Evolve also provides test remediation after a first attempt for future test attempts.
- The Pocket Prep application.
- Free resources:
What if I do not pass the HESI Exam the first time? How many times can I take the HESI A2?
Students will be allowed to take the HESI A2 twice during an academic year. Scores are valid for one year. The highest average score will be used to evaluate admission.
How soon can I retest if I just want to improve my score?
You may retake the HESI Version 2 Exam approximately 2 to 3 weeks after your original test date. You will retest with a different version (Version 2) of the exam— no student will have the same exam items twice. Use your time between attempts to complete meaningful remediation by targeting your knowledge gaps.
Please note: The last available HESI A2 testing date to be considered for admission to the 2+2 program for Summer 2025 is March 15, 2025. Students who sit for their first attempt after March 1, 2025, will not be eligible to sit for a second attempt at the HESI A2 exam.
How long will we have to wait for results?
Exam results should appear within your Evolve account within 48 hours after you have completed your test.
I completed the HESI A2 exam, and received my official score report. What are my next steps?
Students who complete the HESI A2 exam, and entered in the Rutgers School of Nursing Department ID (206870) at the time of examination will automatically have their record uploaded into their applications for review upon receipt of their score.
Please note: Any student who sits for the HESI A2 exam, but does not utilize the code provided Rutgers School of Nursing to link their exam to their application, will be required to submit a copy of their official score report via email to sonblackwoodadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu for processing.
Failure to provide official scores by March 21, 2025, if you do not utilize the HESI A2 exam code provided by Rutgers School of Nursing, will result in your application being marked as denied admission.
I passed the HESI A2 Exam. Am I now accepted into the 2+2 BS in Nursing Program?
NO! Please note: Applicants are not guaranteed admission to the School of Nursing 2+2 program, even with a passing HESI A2 score. All candidates must undergo a full committee review before all final decisions are released after submission of test scores to Rutgers University.
Additional tips:
- Get plenty of rest the night before you test
- Use strategies to reduce exam anxiety
- Be confident in yourself and your abilities
Reminder: All students must review and acknowledge the terms and condition before registering for the HESI A2 Exam. Registration instructions can be found again below
GOOD LUCK!