Account suspended by ATI, unable to take the TEAS

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

If you're unable to take the TEAS test due to  ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) suspending your account, there are definitely alternative paths to pursue healthcare careers or educational programs that do not require the TEAS or ATI testing.

Alternative Tests to the TEAS

Some nursing schools or healthcare programs may accept alternative tests to the TEAS or do not require ATI at all. These alternatives can be a good option for you. Here are some common alternatives:

HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment)

• Overview. The HESI A2 is another standardized test widely used for admission to nursing school. Like the TEAS, it assesses areas such as math, reading comprehension, science, and English.
• Eligibility. Many nursing programs accept the HESI A2 in place of the TEAS. If your ATI account is suspended, some schools might be willing to let you take the HESI A2 instead.
• You can take the HESI A2 at various testing centers, and it is accepted by many nursing schools across the U.S. as an alternative to the TEAS.

ACT (American College Testing)

•  Some nursing schools may accept ACT scores as part of the admissions process, though this is more common for undergraduate programs. The ACT includes math, science, reading, and English sections, which overlap with the subjects tested in the TEAS.
• Eligibility. This may depend on the specific school's requirements, but it is worth inquiring about as an alternative option.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

• Like the ACT, some nursing programs may accept the SAT as an alternative to the TEAS. The SAT assesses skills in math, reading, and writing.
• Eligibility. Schools may be more likely to accept the SAT for general admission, but it could also serve as a substitute for the TEAS in some cases.

Other State-Specific or School-Specific Tests

Some schools have their own admission assessments or state-specific tests that evaluate basic skills in subjects like math, science, and reading comprehension. These can be an alternative to standardized tests like the TEAS and may have more flexible policies.

Example: Some nursing programs in California or Florida might use the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) exams or other entry-level tests as prerequisites.

Healthcare Careers That Do Not Require ATI or TEAS

Here are some alternative career paths that don't require standardized tests like the TEAS or ATI:

Medical Assistant (MA)

• Medical Assistants help with patient care in clinical settings by taking medical histories, assisting with exams, and performing basic administrative tasks.
• Requirements. While certification (such as CMA) is recommended, many programs do not require standardized testing, like the TEAS or ATI.

Phlebotomist

• A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional trained to draw blood for diagnostic tests, blood donations, or medical research.
• Requirements. Training programs are typically shorter and do not require entrance exams, such as the TEAS or ATI.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

•  CNAs work directly with patients to assist with their basic care needs in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health environments.
• Requirements. Certification does not require standardized tests like TEAS or ATI, although each state has its own CNA certification exam.

Dental Assistant

• Dental assistants help dentists with procedures, take X-rays, and provide patient care.
• Requirements. Training programs for dental assistants typically do not require TEAS or ATI and may have minimal entrance requirements.

Respiratory Therapist

• Respiratory therapists work with patients who have trouble breathing due to conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Requirements: Programs for respiratory therapy do not always require the TEAS or ATI, although certain schools may have their own entrance tests or prerequisites.

Pharmacy Technician

• Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications.
• Requirements. Certification for pharmacy technicians is not typically contingent on standardized tests like TEAS or ATI.

Radiologic Technologist (X-ray Technician)

• Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
• Requirements. Like other healthcare professions, radiologic technology programs typically don't require the TEAS or ATI for admission.

Medical Billing and Coding

• This is an administrative role in the healthcare industry where you would be responsible for coding medical procedures and billing for insurance claims.
• Requirements. Most programs do not require standardized testing for admission, although some may require specific background knowledge or coursework in healthcare.

What to Do Next

• Contact schools directly. If you're still interested in nursing or any healthcare program that typically uses the TEAS, it's a good idea to contact schools directly. Explain your situation and ask if they would be willing to accept alternative tests (e.g., HESI, SAT, ACT) or if they have other options available for applicants who cannot take the TEAS.
• Explore community colleges. Many community colleges offer nursing programs and may have more flexible admission requirements or alternative testing options. Check with your local schools or those nearby to see what options are available.
• Consider online programs. Some online healthcare programs, particularly for medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and billing and coding, might have more flexible admission processes.

In Summary

Alternative tests to the TEAS include the HESI A2, ACT, SAT, or state-specific tests that some nursing schools may accept.

Several healthcare careers such as Medical Assistant, CNA, Phlebotomist, Dental Assistant, and Radiologic Technologist do not require the TEAS or ATI and offer viable pathways into healthcare.

Contact schools directly to explain your situation and ask about test alternatives or specific admissions criteria.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth