Maryland nursing program that doesn't require TEAS

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 23, 2015

I think that a better question would be why she isn't passing them. It would be good in the long run to find the answer to that question to help her with more important tests down the road that she will have to take no matter what.

richardgecko · Jul 23, 2015

Don't think I want a nurse taking care of me that doesn't have a grasp on basic math, reading comprehension, and science...

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2015

Hello all,
Just trying to inquire about a nursing program that doesn't require the TEAS for my sister. She has taken the exam 3 times and keeps getting the same score, not a passing score. She is starting to feel very discouraged. I told her to look into schools that don't require it, as I don't want her to give up on nursing. Anyone know schools in Maryland? An associate program is fine. Thanks.

You (and your sister) are missing the big picture, the REASON for this exam: without the required abilities that are tested by the TEAS (a test geared to high school graduates only) she will not be successful in any nursing program. To put it bluntly, they are denying her entry because she would fail out of the program. And there are plenty of students who do well on that exam to fill the enrollment seats available.

She will be writing MANY papers in college, requiring English skills to be appropriate for the college level, and she will be taking MANY math exams (including dosage calculations) that would require her to be proficient at the college level.

Although you say "an Associates program is fine".....she isn't a viable candidate for such a program. If she isn't passing these exams....she isn't ready.

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2015

The TEAS is very basic knowledge. She would not last in an ADN program without a firm grasp on this information. And honestly, she probably wouldn't last in many other fields as well. Time for a refocus.

Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2015

I know it's already been said, but I think your sister needs to possibly reconsider nursing. I realize the TEAS is not easy for some students but it really is quite basic. For example, math has always been a very weak subject for me but I scored a 90 on the first try. The type of math used for the TEAS is very relevant to what will be required of her as a nurse. I know it sounds harsh, but nursing just isn't for everyone.

Qteapi · Jul 24, 2015

What part of the state does she live in? Knowing that info what help in finding schools that don't require TEAS?

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 24, 2015

What part of the state does she live in? Knowing that info what help in finding schools that don't require TEAS?

I don't know of any program regionally or nationally accredited, fly by night or not that doesn't require some type entrance exam.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2015

I don't know of any program regionally or nationally accredited, fly
by night or not that doesn't require some type entrance exam.

Exactly. Should a school not use TEAS, they'd likely use HESI. I don't know much about these tests other than they are designed to assess basic minimum abilities/knowledge. The score indicates to the school a candidate's likelihood for succeeding in the nursing program.

FutureNurseKali · Aug 3, 2015

I would advise your sister to try to study for the subjects she's the weakest in. Just because she hasn't passed the TEAS test yet does not mean she isn't fit to be a nurse. The exam is given to determine your readiness for a nursing program, but all in all its still a standardized test. And in my opinion standardized test can't really determine your readiness to be nurse, since no nursing material is being covered. I once had a professor that told us about her experience in law school. She stated that one of her classmates was an excellent student in class with a 4.0 GPA, had law down to a science but could not pass the BAR exam. Alot of these test are meant to be obstacles, and some nurses from years ago weren't Even required to take TEAS test, but that doesn't make them any less competent to practice. Take a moment, put some things into perspective... Study if need be and when your time comes you will get in. It won't be easy, but the process will all be worth it in the end. In all actuality, there are nursing students that pass the entrance exams and still struggle in nursing school,the profession itself is hard. But if u want it, you will work hard enough to get it... Don't give up

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2015

I would advise your sister to try to study for the subjects she's the weakest in. Just because she hasn't passed the TEAS test yet does not mean she isn't fit to be a nurse. The exam is given to determine your readiness for a nursing program, but all in all its still a standardized test. And in my opinion standardized test can't really determine your readiness to be nurse, since no nursing material is being covered. I once had a professor that told us about her experience in law school. She stated that one of her classmates was an excellent student in class with a 4.0 GPA, had law down to a science but could not pass the BAR exam. Alot of these test are meant to be obstacles, and some nurses from years ago weren't Even required to take TEAS test, but that doesn't make them any less competent to practice. Take a moment, put some things into perspective... Study if need be and when your time comes you will get in. It won't be easy, but the process will all be worth it in the end. In all actuality, there are nursing students that pass the entrance exams and still struggle in nursing school,the profession itself is hard. But if u want it, you will work hard enough to get it... Don't give up

The problem with your analogy about the law student who had a 4.0 GPA but was unable to pass the bar is that in that story, it was a VERY successful law STUDENT in question. She had what it took to get a 4.0 in her academic studies.

In THIS situation, the applicant has proven herself unsuccessful at the minimum requirement for even BECOMING a nursing student. The TEAS does not test one's aptitude for nursing, this is true. But it DOES test one's aptitude for being a successful college student, regardless of program.

If the applicant cannot demonstrate some very basic math and English skills (the TEAS is high-school proficiency level only) then it is recognized that this applicant is not ready to do well in college coursework (again, regardless of program of study).

The 4.0 law student who (supposedly) graduated from a quality college of law should be well-prepared to pass the Bar: if she/he cannot, then there is a block in place that that particular student would need to address.

Inability to PASS the basic math and English competency to even get INTO a college program (let alone do well in it....PASS it) indicates that no, this would not be someone who would do well as a nurse. Why? Because someone who is unable to demonstrate a proficiency in even high school English and math would not make it THROUGH a nursing program and thereby be eligible to take the licensing exam (NCLEX) at the end.

Someone could have all the compassion in the world, care for people unlike anyone else, and have a burning desire to be a nurse, but without the ACADEMIC chops to succeed.....one simply will not achieve that goal. For THOSE people, for whom "nursing is a passion", perhaps it's not unreasonable to direct them to become a Home Care aide, patient care tech in a hospital, or CNA. Just how it is.

FutureNurseKali · Aug 3, 2015

@RNsRWe the point of the post was not to suggest that academics do not matter when it comes to nursing or any other profession. The point was that with anything worthwhile comes obstacles, and one must work thru those obstacles to get to the ultimate goal. While she may have struggled with the teas test, it does not mean that she cannot adequately prepare and try again. I've read many stories in this nursing forum about people who do not succeed when they initially try, but they prepare and try again and again until they reach the goal. We don't personally know her or her situation or circumstances so we can't hastily judge. What is more becoming is to encourage someone...not bash them!!