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Get accepted. Get prepared. Get to your first NCLEX.
TEAS, HESI, and the long climb into nursing school.
There is no universal HESI A2 passing score — each nursing program sets its own minimum. Most require 75–80% per section; competitive BSN programs often want 80%+ on science. Your program's cutoff is on its admissions page, and scoring above the minimum (85%+) strengthens a competitive application.
For the most accurate HESI A2 prep, use the official practice tests on Elsevier's Evolve platform — the only source calibrated to the real exam's scoring. Free resources reinforce concepts but aren't calibrated. After each test, focus on improving your lowest required-section scores, not your composite.
To get into most U.S. nursing programs you need five things: completed prerequisites (A&P, micro, chem, stats, English, psych), a 2.5–3.0+ GPA (3.5+ to compete), a passing ATI TEAS or HESI A2 score, a full documentation package, and a 9–12 month runway. Cutoffs vary by program — always verify.
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is a 2-year credential proving you can run high-quality CPR, use an AED, and relieve airway obstructions for adults, children, and infants. Most U.S. hospitals require AHA Healthcare Provider BLS specifically (not Red Cross), so confirm your employer's HR rules before you enroll.