HESI A2: Health Science Entrance Exam

Stack of books with stethoscope on top.

The Health Science Entrance Exam or HESI A2 assessment is a mandatory entrance requirement for the Registered Nursing (ADN), Vocational Nursing (VN), Radiography, and Surgical Technology programs at College of the Mainland. This exam evaluates your academic readiness and predicts your success in these rigorous health science programs.

Each program requires different sections of the HESI. You are responsible for knowing which sections you need before testing.

Program Required Sections Time Limit
ADN Critical Thinking: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Math, Vocabulary, Anatomy & Physiology, Critical Thinking, Learning Styles, and Personality Profile. 5.5 Hours
VN Nursing Critical Thinking: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Math, Vocabulary, Critical Thinking, Learning Styles, and Personality Profile. 5.5 Hours
Radiography & Surgical Technology Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Math, Vocabulary, and Anatomy & Physiology. 4.5 Hours

Fast Facts: What to Expect

  • Who: HESI A2 is available to students applying to COM programs and to students applying to programs at other institutions.
  • Testing Duration: The HESI A2 with Critical Thinking has a time limit of 5 ½ hours and consists of 8 sections.  The HESI A2 has a time limit of 4 ½ hours and consists of 5 sections.
  • Attempts: You are allowed two attempts per quarter (Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, Jul–Sep, Oct–Dec).
  1. Create an Evolve account.
  2. Schedule your on-campus testing appointment.
  • Visit the COM Nursing for further information about nursing program requirements and resources.
  • Visit the COM Radiologic Technology for further information about the radiography program requirements and resources.
  • Visit the COM Surgical Technology for further information about the surgical technology program requirements.
  • Provider: All HESI transcript requests must be handled through Evolve (Elsevier).
  • Process: Log in to your Evolve account and follow their "Request Transcript" instructions.
  • Timeline: Allow 7–10 business days for processing. We recommend doing this well before your program application deadline.

The Testing Center

Open Monday–Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Administration Building, Suite 215
1200 North Amburn Road
Texas City, Texas 77591

409-933-8676
Student outside carrying books and making a call on their cell phone.