Tests to enter nursing program?

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Sep 10, 2007

The good news is that you won't have to worry about NCLEX until after graduation. That's the licensing examination for nurses; you don't sit for that until you're done with school.

My school administered the NET (Nurse Entrance Test) after we were accepted but before we began classes. Some schools, however, use the results of this test to determine if one is accepted. You would want to contact your school to see if and how it's used. The test itself is a general knowledge exam given to students interested in nursing to measure their aptitude in math, science and reading. Your local book store will have study guides for this exam.

And I'm afraid I don't know what the NLN exam is. The NLN is the National League for Nursing and occupies itself by establishing guidelines for nurse education. A school that is accredited by the NLN has met the established academic criteria, so sitting for the licensing exam and obtaining employment in nursing won't be an issue for you. But I don't know about a separate examination administered by the NLN.

I hope this helps. Much good luck and success to you in your schooling and your career!

bekindtokittens · Sep 10, 2007

My school also administers the NET test to students who have been accepted into the nursing program, but it is not used to exclude students who fail the test. My school uses it to see where your strengths and weaknesses are.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2007

Some nursing school entrance exams include the NET, DET, HESI, TABE, NLN, and others. Typically, the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) is the easiest, and the HESI is usually reported as the most difficult of the entrance exams.