Worried about the TEAS

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a parent of an accelerated high school senior, she should be a junior, but took several college classes over the Summer to advance herself to her senior year. She is looking into direct BSN programs. She has applied to several private colleges and has been awarded some great merit scholarships, however we have asked her to apply to some of our state schools. She is worried about the TEAS requirements some of the state schools are asking for. Why would some state/private schools ask for a TEAS to get in and some aren't? What is the benefit to go to a school to start that is requiring this? 

Dear Daughter is Worried,

The Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardised admissions test used by many nursing schools as an indicator of a student's success in nursing school. A high TEAS score is an advantage to getting accepted, and it is well worth it to prepare and obtain a high score. There are practice tests available online.

Not every school requires applicants to take the TEAS. It's entirely up to the discretion of the school and aids them in the screening process.

State schools can be a great option, and affordable. According to the Journal on Nursing Regulation 2019, as a group, for-profit schools have lower NCLEX pass rates and higher tuition. Not to paint them all with the same brush, but it would be incorrect to assume that state schools are inferior. I'm a proud graduate of a community college nursing program, and then went on to earn my graduate degree in a state university.

At the very least, she needs to research. and compare schools in your state for NCLEX pass rates.

In addition, she should:

  • apply to several schools
  • complete volunteer hours or work as a CNA
  • take care that her applications are complete and meet deadlines

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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