What is the Sevices Bureau's Nursing School Aptitude Exam like?

manna, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2004

Sorry, I've never even heard of that exam! Is it like an entrance exam of some sort? Maybe try to talk to someone at your school that's already taken it? (or maybe someone here will chime in later on!)

Good luck! :)

yeepers · Jan 1, 2005

I had to take the same test as part of my admissions process. It was not difficult. The questions on the sample they gave you are very similar to the ones you'll get on the test. The only thing is you'll get a bajillion questions and only a short period of time in which to answer them. Basically, how many can you get done in the period of time allotted. There were verbal, math, and spatial relationship type questions. Then there was a second part involving reading comprehension. If I remember correctly there were 3 short essays we had to read and then answer questions.

I can tell you that no one "finished" the test i.e. answered every questions in each part.

All I really remember was that it really was a race against the clock. I did not do any review outside of glancing at the sample sheet they gave me.

Best of luck to you!

Oh...hey..I just noticed that you're in Durham. Are you applying to Watts? Have you gotten any info on their new program offered in conjunction with Mount Olive College? I'm curious how that's working out. I got in for Jan so I snuck in before they changed the entrance requirements.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2005

I've never heard of it either, but good luck!! :)

bobswife · Feb 2, 2005

Sorry this is coming in so late... I've been swamped by Chem and Biology at Durham Tech. Yes, I'm hoping/trying/wishing to get into Watts, too!

So, you think that if I've got a BFA in education and have a 4.00 gpa at Durham Tech that I can chill out a little on the studying and stressing for the test at Watts? You're reply made my day! Phew!!!

I got a "study guide" at the library and it is ridiculously difficult... it has been a nightmare. So glad to hear the test is not. I'm sure I'll do better because of a lower stress level alone. Thanks!

As for the program... it seems okay, just adds an extra semester onto the beginning. You end up taking a bunch of "mini-sessions" over one semester through Mt. Olive ( at Durham Reg.). Unfortunately, classes don't transfer from other degrees... You have to take 18hrs no matter what. Luckily, you can pretty much take your pick if you've already taken the assigned courses, unluckily the pickings are very slim... "Serial Killers" from the Criminal Justice section, perhaps? Yikes!!! Of course, there are some useful, interesting ones, too.

Other than that, the program is the same as far as I know. Just so glad to have options.

Hope you are enjoying the program! Let me know how it is!

thanks again!

candi361 · Feb 9, 2005

So, you think that if I've got a BFA in education and have a 4.00 gpa at Durham Tech that I can chill out a little on the studying and stressing for the test at Watts? You're reply made my day! Phew!!!
I got a "study guide" at the library and it is ridiculously difficult... it has been a nightmare. So glad to hear the test is not. I'm sure I'll do better because of a lower stress level alone. Thanks!
As for the program... it seems okay, just adds an extra semester onto the beginning. You end up taking a bunch of "mini-sessions" over one semester through Mt. Olive ( at Durham Reg.). Unfortunately, classes don't transfer from other degrees... You have to take 18hrs no matter what. Luckily, you can pretty much take your pick if you've already taken the assigned courses, unluckily the pickings are very slim... "Serial Killers" from the Criminal Justice section, perhaps? Yikes!!! Of course, there are some useful, interesting ones, too.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I just starting the application process for Watts -- I'll be moving to the Raleigh/Durham area in July -- and started sweating bullets over the test after reading through the study guide that was recommended. A nightmare is right!

Question about doing the pre-reqs at Mt. Olive...I saw their 5 week online courses, which will cover most of the 18 hour requirement, but I'll still need Anatomy/Phys and Math...where do they teach those classes, do you happen to know? And are the Mt. Olive fees for the semester separate from Watts? Their tuition/fees page referred to the traditional full-time students and I know that the Watts nursing students are considered non-traditional. Any info you have would be great.

Well, I hope to get in for Spring '06 so perhaps I will see you there. Good luck with your classes!

bobswife · Feb 9, 2005

I just took the entrance exam and have nooooo idea how I did... worst case senerio is that I'll take it again in April. My fingers are crossed.

I went to the Watts open house, so I have a little info, but I'm also still a little confused. Apparently there is still some level of uncertainty because of the brand-new shift from diploma to AD program. At the open house they clearly stated that there are NO pre-rec's now. I am still leary of this, because I can't figure out when we'll get the classes within the program, but they were very clear in saying it. If you find out otherwise, let me know, please.

Mt. Olive's tutition is around $5,000, if I remember correctly. It isn't included in any of the tutition reimbersement programs, but financial aid is available (Sallie Mae, Pell Grant, etc.).

Hope this helps!

candi361 · Feb 10, 2005

I just took the entrance exam and have nooooo idea how I did... worst case senerio is that I'll take it again in April. My fingers are crossed.
I went to the Watts open house, so I have a little info, but I'm also still a little confused. Apparently there is still some level of uncertainty because of the brand-new shift from diploma to AD program. At the open house they clearly stated that there are NO pre-rec's now. I am still leary of this, because I can't figure out when we'll get the classes within the program, but they were very clear in saying it. If you find out otherwise, let me know, please.
Mt. Olive's tutition is around $5,000, if I remember correctly. It isn't included in any of the tutition reimbersement programs, but financial aid is available (Sallie Mae, Pell Grant, etc.).
Hope this helps!

Yikes, another $5K?! Ok, well, that's the impression I kind of got from MOC's website but I was hoping to be mistaken. :)

Thanks for the info about the pre-reqs. I received a package of materials from the college about a month ago and while they didn't point out any specific requirements to get accepted to the program (other than passing the entrance exam and criminal check as well as submitting transcripts and references), it was stated that College Math and English, Anatomy/Physiology I and II, and Developmental Psych had to be completed prior to starting the nursing courses. I think I may be missing one other one required class, don't have the package in front of me right now.

Additionally, Mount Olive requires 1 History class and 1 Religion class to grant the degree, which also must be taken before starting the core nursing curriculum at Watts. All of this has to be completed within the first year of being conditionally accepted into the program (I guess completing these classes is the condition). Is this the same info you got at the Open House?

By the way, did they have any science questions on the test or did it stick to the language, math and reading comprehension? I'm still a little leery because of that whole study guide trauma.

Hope the exam went well for you. Wishing you the best during the rest of your admission process!