Dreaming of a career in nursing or allied health? You're not alone! The healthcare field is booming, and many aspiring professionals are eager to join its ranks. But before you can dive into your chosen program, there's often a key hurdle to overcome: the Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS test. This standardized exam is designed to assess your readiness for the rigorous coursework and challenges that lie ahead in healthcare education.
The TEAS isn't just another exam; it's a critical gatekeeper. Your score plays a significant role in the admissions process for many nursing and allied health programs. A strong TEAS score can set you apart from other applicants, demonstrate your academic abilities, and ultimately pave the way for your acceptance into your dream program. Understanding the TEAS, what it covers, and how to prepare is essential for anyone serious about pursuing a career in healthcare.
What Do I Need to Know About the TEAS Test?
What subjects are covered on the TEAS test?
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) test assesses a student's preparedness for entry into health science fields. The subjects covered on the TEAS test are Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.
Each section of the TEAS test is designed to evaluate different skills crucial for success in nursing and allied health programs. The Reading section focuses on understanding passages, drawing inferences, and identifying the main idea. The Mathematics section covers arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation. The Science section encompasses anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning. Lastly, the English and Language Usage section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
Understanding the specific content within each of these subjects is key to effective preparation. Students should review the official TEAS study manual and practice tests to familiarize themselves with the question formats and content areas. Targeted study plans that address individual strengths and weaknesses are highly recommended for achieving a competitive score on the TEAS exam.
How is the TEAS test scored?
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam uses a scaled scoring system to provide a total score and individual section scores. These scores are not based on a simple percentage of correct answers. Instead, they are statistically adjusted to account for slight variations in difficulty between different versions of the test, ensuring a fair comparison of performance across test-takers.
The ATI TEAS exam provides an Adjusted Individual Total Score and four section scores: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. Each section contains scored and unscored (pretest) questions. The pretest questions are used to assess the statistical performance of the questions before they are used in a live test. Your section and composite scores are based only on the questions that count toward your score. The adjusted individual score considers the difficulty of the specific form of the test taken by an individual and provides results on a scale of 0-100. The national mean adjusted individual score is about 65%. Each nursing school sets their own minimum passing TEAS score which varies by program and institution. It is essential to check the requirements of the nursing programs you are interested in to determine their specific TEAS score expectations.What's a good TEAS test score to get into nursing school?
A "good" TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score for nursing school is generally considered to be 70% or higher. However, the specific score needed to gain admission varies significantly depending on the competitiveness of the nursing program to which you're applying. Highly selective programs may require scores in the 80s or even 90s, while others might accept scores in the mid-60s.
It's crucial to understand that nursing schools often use the TEAS score as just one factor in their admissions process. They also consider your GPA, prior healthcare experience (if any), essays, and interviews. A strong TEAS score can definitely strengthen your application, especially if other areas are slightly weaker. However, a lower TEAS score doesn't necessarily disqualify you, especially if you have a high GPA and compelling personal statement.
To determine what a realistic target TEAS score should be for *your* desired nursing programs, research the average or minimum TEAS scores of previously admitted students. Many schools publish this information on their websites or are willing to share it with prospective applicants. Contacting the admissions departments directly is always a good idea. Remember to prepare thoroughly for the TEAS exam using study guides and practice tests to maximize your chances of achieving a competitive score.
How often can I take the TEAS test?
The frequency with which you can take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam depends on the policies set by the specific nursing or allied health program to which you are applying. While ATI, the company that creates the TEAS, allows you to retake the test as many times as you wish, individual schools often impose restrictions on the number of attempts and the waiting period between each attempt.
Most institutions limit the number of times you can take the TEAS within a given timeframe, often within one year. The rationale behind this is to ensure candidates have sufficient time to address areas of weakness and improve their knowledge base before attempting the test again. Some programs might allow only two or three attempts per application cycle, while others might have a fixed waiting period, such as 30 days, between each attempt. It's crucial to research the specific requirements of each school you are applying to and understand their TEAS retake policies before scheduling your test. Failing to adhere to these policies could result in your TEAS scores being invalidated for that particular school's application process. Contacting the admissions department of each program directly is the most reliable way to confirm their individual TEAS retake rules and avoid any misunderstandings that could impact your application.How much does the TEAS test cost?
The cost of the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam typically ranges from $70 to $130. However, the exact fee can vary depending on the institution administering the test, such as a nursing school or testing center. It's always best to check directly with the specific location where you plan to take the TEAS to confirm their current fee.
The price fluctuations are often due to administrative fees charged by the individual schools or testing centers. Some institutions might bundle the TEAS exam fee with application fees, while others might offer reduced rates for their current students. Furthermore, if you need to retake the TEAS exam, you will usually have to pay the full testing fee again. Beyond the base exam fee, be aware of potential additional costs. These might include fees for study materials, practice tests, or late registration. Official TEAS practice materials are available through the ATI website (the creators of the TEAS exam) and are a valuable investment for preparation. Careful budgeting for all associated costs will ensure you are fully prepared to take the TEAS exam without any financial surprises.Where can I take the TEAS test?
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam can be taken at ATI Testing Official Testing Sites (often at colleges or testing centers), at some nursing schools, and through online proctoring via ATI. You can locate specific testing locations and dates on the ATI website when you register for the exam.
When registering for the TEAS exam through the ATI Testing website (atitesting.com), you will be prompted to select a testing location and date. Available options will depend on your location and the testing windows offered by ATI. Many colleges and universities, particularly those with nursing or allied health programs, serve as authorized testing centers. These institutions often administer the TEAS test on-site for their prospective students. Contacting the nursing programs you're applying to directly can also provide information on preferred or required testing locations. Taking the TEAS test remotely is another convenient option. ATI offers online proctoring, allowing you to take the exam from the comfort of your home. However, you will need to ensure that your computer meets the technical requirements, and you must adhere to strict proctoring guidelines to maintain the integrity of the exam. It is important to review these guidelines thoroughly before scheduling your online TEAS test.How long is the TEAS test?
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) test has a total time of 3 hours and 29 minutes to complete all sections. This includes allotted time for reading instructions and breaks.
While the total seat time is around 3.5 hours, the actual testing time varies based on the section. The TEAS exam is composed of four main sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. Each section has a specific time limit. For instance, the Reading section has a time limit of approximately 64 minutes. The Math section allows approximately 54 minutes. The Science section is the lengthiest, with approximately 63 minutes allotted. Finally, the English and Language Usage section has approximately 28 minutes. In addition to these, unscored pretest questions are included throughout the test to evaluate potential future questions.
It's important to factor in any administrative time required by the testing center before and after the exam itself. Arrive early to your testing location to allow for check-in procedures. Remember to also check with the specific testing center for any specific rules regarding breaks or personal items allowed during the exam, as these can vary. Efficient time management during each section is crucial for success on the TEAS exam.
So, there you have it! Hopefully, this has cleared up any confusion you might have had about the TEAS test. Thanks for taking the time to learn more, and we hope you'll come back and visit us again soon for more helpful information and tips! Good luck with your nursing journey!