Nay's Note by Naomi James, MSN RN CPAN CNEcl
June 2021
So Let's start at the very very beginning...what is the TEAS exam? The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is an official requirement for admission into the Nursing program. The exam is meant to assess the current level of knowledge that a potential Nursing candidate has in the core curriculum components of MATH, SCIENCE, & ELA (English/Reading & Language Arts). And honestly any nursing student needs to take this test VERY VERY seriously. Let's face it-if you are struggling in the core knowledge criteria of these three subjects your going to have a very hard time performing in Nursing school and could potentially set yourself up for failure. Therefore, it is imperative that you study strategically for this exam and do your best....And doing your best means achieving a passing score!!!
Currently, the National passing average for the TEAS exam is somewhere in-between 65% to 75%. HOWEVER, each nursing program is responsible (and has the freedom) to determine the passing score for entry into their Nursing program. There are LPN programs that may have a passing score requirement of 58.4% and there are RN programs that may have a passing score requirement of 66.1% to be considered for entry into the Nursing program.
*** Remember that is your responsibility to seek information from the school that you are applying to and inquire about their application requirements (including TEAS testing date cut-offs and passing scores for entry). ***
Now that we've discussed the general information on the TEAS...let's get into the Nitty Gritty....How are you going to prepare to pass this exam? For starters, you need to have some form of test preparation material(s). This could include purchasing a TEAS exam prep book or buying a prep course on-line, or both. One of the most notable study resources comes directly from the source-the creator of the exam-ATI.
ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) created the TEAS exam especially for pre-licensure nursing school candidates. When you think of it, there is a entrance exam for almost every type of adult education curriculum. The SAT and the GRE are some notable examples. However, nursing schools wanted an entrance exam that is specifically geared towards assessing the projected success level of a nursing student. To be successful in any medical field-specifically nursing- you need to KNOW these core concepts. We can start a little challenge session now:
Can you write a 5-paragraph essay that is grammatically correct and uses correct vocabulary, sentence structure, and punctuation?
Do you remember the differences between velocity, density, chemical compounds, or the components of the periodic table?
Can you distinguish the differences between microorganisms, such as a virus or bacteria?
Do you still remember how to add fractions, change percent values into decimals, and apply the rounding rules for the tenths and hundredths places?
Challenge session complete......so.....where do you think you stand with readiness? The truth is that as basic as these concepts are many students forget how to use this knowledge and can perform poorly on the TEAS without proper preparation. Look at it this way...the TEAS exam is going to challenge you and ensure that you can demonstrate knowledge of the very basic fundamental things that you’ve learned ever since the beginning of grade school. For you to embark on this new territory of adult education and learning that you’re going to face in nursing school, this test needs to be mastered.
....now back to the ATI study tools....I highly HIGHLY recommend that you look to their study materials for test success. You can purchase the TEAS exam prep book directly from the ATI website or from Amazon for about $25. This book will break down the exam structure, the number of items, the percentage of each subject, and most importantly give you TONS of practice questions.
You can also go to their website and purchase the complete test prep package. Their packages include full digital access to the practice site where you can review content that is similar to the exam and have access to hundreds of practice questions. The website is designed to get you absolutely ready for this exam and guide you to review exactly what you need to review to be successful.
I know what your thinking....what if you don't want to go the ATI route? Then don't! You can choose from hundreds-literally hundreds- of other websites, study books, and free resources to help you prepare for the test......BUT if you want my advice....and as your future mentor I hope that you do....I would stick to the source! They created the exam, they created the content, they want you to be successful with their product..PERIOD. Their ATI teas study package will set up a profile designed with your learning needs, your study commitment, your learning progress, and challenge you in your weak areas. Plus, it will really help you establish a foundation with ATI products-which will be good for you if the Nursing program that you apply to uses ATI.
Now, I almost forgot one key important thing. The PRE-TEST!!! That's right...I said it....Pre-Test. Listen to me, this is vitally important for your study success. Regardless of what study tool you choose to invest in, you must ensure that it comes with some form of a Pre-Test. Pre-testing is a key component for any student to assess their strengths and weakness for any formal exam-and the TEAS is no different. If you are using ATI's pre-test, it will breakdown your test performance and create a customized study plan for you to improve your passing success on the real test. However, there are many other study resources that come with a pre-test or "practice test." The difference is that other study resources may not customize your study plan. Which ultimately means that you will have to create a study plan covering the concepts that you are struggling in and allocate time to review and practice those areas.
Piece of....PIZZA, right? Look, Don't stress....YOU GOT THIS!!! As I always tell my mentees...."You're more ready than you think."
Test Readiness is an essential skill for a successful experience in Nursing school...and I want to help you learn the importance of examination preparedness on your Nursing journey. If you want personal, customized mentoring and guidance to enhance your test readiness skills-then BOOK your FREE Mentoring consultation with ME today!
My services provide the tools and resources that you need to help you excel in your professional nursing career. Whether your a nursing student, a new graduate nurse, or a seasoned professional- I can be a viable asset in helping you achieve all of your professional dreams.
Click the link to see all of the services that I provide! CLICK HERE!!!!
HAPPY SOARing!!!
Naomi James, RN MSN CPAN CNEcl
Nurse Educator/Mentor
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