A.A.S. Nursing Program Admission Assessment - A2

The A2 is a computerized nursing entrance exam required for admission to the Northeast State Associate of Applied Science Nursing Degree programs (Traditional and LPN to RN options).

The results will be used to determine readiness for and success in the programs. Students must have a Northeast State Application for Admission on file before taking the A2.  All Nursing majors should attend the Nursing Department's information session to get more details about the application requirements and the program in general.

LPN to RN Concentration TCAT Articulation Agreement

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Effective for AAS in Nursing, LPN to RN Concentration, Summer 2023 Start – Class of May 2024: A Systemwide Articulation Agreement between the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and TBR A.A.S. in Nursing, LPN to RN programs has been created and approved by TBR. The College System of Tennessee nursing program directors worked to establish common admission requirements to reduce confusion and to streamline the pathway to becoming an RN after completing the LPN program at a TCAT.

TCAT Graduates Admissions Assessment Exam

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TCAT graduates will not be required to take the community college AAS RN Admission Assessment Exam (A2) IF the applicant has graduated within the past 3 years and has successfully passed the TCAT specific exit exam (successful completion of the TCAT specific exit exam is required for a student to graduate from the LPN program). If it has been greater than three years or the student is not a TCAT graduate current policy for Admissions Assessment will apply. (See Required Submission of Admission Assessment (A2) Scores below) If an LPN to RN applicant can provide proof they took their LPN Exit Exam, ATI Comprehensive Predictor (TCAT-Elizabethton) with an 90% or better within the last 3 years, they can submit these scores with their LPN to RN application as their Entrance Exam required for the LPN to RN Program. The applicant’s LPN Exit Exam, ATI Comprehensive Predictor scores must be included in the nursing application packet.

Study and Review Materials

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All Northeast State libraries carry the HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review for checkout, ISBN-13 9780443114090. The book may also be purchased at local retailers or online. Check with a Northeast State librarian for more information. Additional information can be obtained at Evolve®, the Elsevier Education site for healthcare educators and students.

A2 Test Dates

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A2 testing for the fall 2025 cycle is now open. A2 Testing will end one week before the application deadline.  Test dates are typically added 30 days in advance. Dates are also added periodically, so keep checking back. A2 testing will be offered at the Blountville campus.

Applicants are responsible for completing testing by the deadline for their respective programs.

A2 Registration and Fees

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Please read the following information carefully before paying the $10 fee online on the payment website.  Click on “Payment for Testing Services” then “Payment for A2 Nursing”.  If you are testing for the first time in a cycle, choose "A2 Nursing First Time" to add to the cart. (If you tested before in a different cycle, this would be your first time in a new cycle.)  If this is a retest in the same cycle, choose "A2 Nursing Retest" and add it to the cart.  After you pay the fee, you will receive an email from notraining@NortheastState.edu  confirming the fee paid. Ignore the dates on this payment website. 

You will receive another email within three business days from Testing@NortheastState.edu.  The email will contain a link that will direct you to log in or create your HESI account, schedule a test date, and pay the HESI testing fee.  There are two separate fees - $10 fee and the HESI fee.

NOTE: Please use an email address other than Gmail if possible.  If not, then check your junk or spam folders for the email from Northeast State.

Students are allowed one retest per cycle. Students who want to retest to raise their scores must wait one week before testing. Two complete Score Reports can be submitted with the nursing application, but there will be no mix-and-match between the 2 reports. Only 1 report will be used for ranking purposes. Retesting will not be allowed for students who take the A2 for the first time during the last week of testing.

Test Dates

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A2 HESI testing is closed until the fall cycle 2025, which will open in mid-September.

A2 Test Information

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Contact Us

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If you need information or have questions about the A2 registration process, a test date, or payment process, please email testing@NortheastState.edu or call 423-354-5358.