What is the difference in these test. I have looked at two nursing schools and both want different things. One gives the PAX RN which gave me a copy of my scores and the other school requires the hesi a2, however I am not sure how they differ from each other. Don’t they ultimately say the same thing?
-Kristle
This question was asked in the nursing forum section.
S.L. Page says
May 4, 2014 at 12:44 pmHey Kristle! Welcome to the site! This is a great question. When I was a pre-nursing student I was so confused about the difference of these exams and why some nursing schools would require one exam and the other require another….so confusing to say the least. So I definitely see why you have questions about it.
They are both nursing entrance exams that help nursing schools gauge how success you will be in nursing school. Different nursing schools use different software programs (I think it is the nursing school’s preference). They essentially test you on the same thing but PAX RN and HESI A2 do have some differences. For example, the PAX RN only focuses on three testing categories such as Math, Verbal Skills and Science. While on the other hand HESI A2 tests you on Math, Reading, Grammar, general knowledge, vocabulary, anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry. Plus it has a personality section that analyzes your personality.
Here are some great articles about each exam that may help you out and guide you on how to study:
HESI A2 (covers all of the HESI exams): https://www.registerednursern.com/hesi-exam-hesi-evolve-reach-test-information-review-tips/
NLN PAX: https://www.registerednursern.com/nln-pax-rn-exam-study-guide-for-nursing-students-entrance-exams-for-nursing-school-and-how-to-study/
Good luck on them and I hope you stay in touch 🙂
Sarah
Emily says
May 4, 2014 at 1:00 pmI took the HESI A2 so I can speak from that experience. I used the HESI A2 study guide that the company makes which was very helpful. The exam contains mainly what you would expect to find on a SAT or ACT exam. It is generally stuff you learn in high school.
However, I didn’t have A&P, biology, or the personality section on my exam because my nursing program decided not to test us on that. I was the most nervous about the math section because I am bad at math but it wasn’t that bad. The math is just basic conversions such as grams to milligrams and liter to milliliters (so brush up on that). I am not very familiar with the PAX exam but would guess it is the same thing.
I wish you the best Kristle!
Chuck says
May 15, 2014 at 11:52 amThey are essentially the same but if you have to take the PAX-RN use the PAX study guide or if you have to take the HESI A2 use the hesi study guide. It is just two nursing school entrances exams that test on the same stuff but made by two different companies.