Is HESI Req'd to graduate?

U.S.A. Arizona

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I have read a few threads / disccusions on AllNurses about the HESI being a

required exit exam, and if you do not pass it, you do not graduate; in

fact the number of people that do not pass are staggering.

In Arizona, for the Maricopa Community Colleges, is the HESI a required exit

exam, do you have to pass in order to graduate?

Thanks much, just another little thing that I hope I don't have to

worry about.

AZCodeBlue :bugeyes:

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I have read a few threads / disccusions on AllNurses about the HESI being a

required exit exam, and if you do not pass it, you do not graduate; in

fact the number of people that do not pass are staggering.

In Arizona, for the Maricopa Community Colleges, is the HESI a required exit

exam, do you have to pass in order to graduate?

Thanks much, just another little thing that I hope I don't have to

worry about.

AZCodeBlue :bugeyes:

Hi AZCodeBlue,

I am just graduating the Fast Track LPN program at Gateway. We had to take the PN HESI exit. It was worth 15 points of our grade and in order to move on to the RN program you have to score at least 800. I am not sure about the HESI in the RN program though. I think they take it but it is not part of their grade? Not sure. It is supposed to be an indicator as to how well you will do on the NCLEX.

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I am in the RN program at EMCC and we have to take the HESI every semester but we are not required to pass in order to graduate. It is worth 30 points which is about the equivalent of a test grade. We use is as a tool to see how prepared we are to take NCLEX. This is the last thing you want to stress about right now;)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Step-down and ICU.

At U of Phx LPN-BSN you can grad if you are within 9 credits of completing the degree but we still have to take the HESI and score 900 to be eligible to take the boards.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
At U of Phx LPN-BSN you can grad if you are within 9 credits of completing the degree but we still have to take the HESI and score 900 to be eligible to take the boards.

I'm not sure I understand your response.

How is it possible to graduate if you have not yet completed the credits required for your BSN degree?

If you are required to score 900 on HESI in order to be eligible for boards, that is a requirement set by your school. There is not a Board of Nursing in the country that requires a particular HESI score in order to sit for boards. So, I think you may mis-understand that HESI actually is a graduation requirement at your school.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Step-down and ICU.

If you are within the 9 credits which is the last 3 classes of the program you are welcomed to walk for graduation. It was clearly stated by the Nursing program administrator and the Academic advisor at my school. The HESI score is indeed the requirement for my school in order for them to send the packet to the state for us to receive our ATT so we can sit for the boards. This is not a community college but a Private University so our criteria may be diff than a CC criteria. ;)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Step-down and ICU.

One more thing...so in Nov I will grad with my BSN and in the spring I will take my RN boards. Obviously I can not work as an RN until I pass my boards but I may be able , although not in this economy but whatever, to work as a new grad contigent on passing my boards!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

OK. We were talking about 2 different things...walking at graduation ceremony versus actually meeting the requirements for graduation.

If your state allows graduate nurses to work in a professional capacity prior to taking and passing boards, I would strongly encourage you to do so. IMO it is the best possible preparation for NCLEX. I think it is a shame that so many states have done away with this privilege, and I believe it impacts on NCLEX pass rates.

Good luck to you!

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