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About the Entrance Exam

About the Entrance Exam

Some applicants to the Denver College of Nursing, in addition to the admission requirements outlined in the College Catalog, must meet the following admission entrance test requirements for their program of choice. Test dates are set up after students are screened through the admissions process and have met with an admissions advisor.

ADN and BSN Completion Option

EVOLVE REACH Admissions Assessment Examination

Applicants that have already graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college do not have to take the HESI A2 entrance exam.

Successful completion of the EVOLVE REACH Admissions Assessment Examination with the minimum scores indicated below are required for acceptance into either of the Associate Degree in Nursing programs and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Completion Option. The test categories are Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary.

Applicants must obtain a minimum of 75% on the English Composite Subscale (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar) and on the Math Subscale; and take the exam components utilized in the advising program.

EVOLVE REACH (HESI A2) is a four-part, computer based, multiple choice test covering math, reading, English, and vocabulary. Each section is timed in accordance with recommendations from the test developers. No calculators are allowed, as one is built in the test. Scores are available immediately upon completion of the examination. No counseling or tutoring is available from DCN regarding interpretation of scores, however, prospective students receive a print out showing where there may be weaknesses and study guides are available for any student needing to retest. Students have two opportunities to receive a score at or above the minimum required for admission. Exam content includes the following:

  • For Math, the test covers concepts required when calculating drug dosages and includes: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, and general math facts like Roman Numerals and Military Time.
  • For Reading, the test focuses on reading comprehension related to health care topics.
  • The Vocabulary and general knowledge test covers common words in nursing.
  • The Grammar portion of the exam tests the ability to identify correct English writing formats.

Applicants are encouraged to obtain and review the study guide, EVOLVE REACH Testing and Remediation Admission Assessment Exam Review, before taking the examination. 

Test Fee Information

A fee of $40.00 is required to pay for the EVOLVE REACH exam. Test dates are set up after students are screened through the admissions process and have met with an admissions advisor.

Exam Re-takes

Applicants who do not successfully complete the EVOLVE REACH entrance examination on the first attempt may elect to take a second version of the exam for an additional $40.00 test fee. The maximum number of times a student may take the EVOLVE REACH exam to be considered for entrance into the program is two.

Exam Prep

Applicants are encouraged to obtain and review the study guide, EVOLVE REACH Testing and Remediation Admission Assessment Exam Review, before taking the examination. The following link and phone number may be used to order the Admissions Assessment Exam Review to prepare for the exam:

http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com
(800-401-9962)

Applicants can also obtain practice with NURSEHUB.  A place to get accurate questions, detailed answers, and the knowledge of what to expect on the exam.  You can launch full timed and full-length tests that simulate the real testing experience, or study at your own pace.  The Link below will connect with NurseHUB! 

EMAIL: info@nursehub.com
https://nursehub.com/

Copies of the Exam Review are also available from DCN.

Time Commitment for the Exam

There is a four hour time limit for the test. This time limit begins when instructions are being read. The average time to complete the exam is 3 hours. Applicants must bring a photo ID and pen or pencil. No personal calculators are allowed, as one is built into the test for the test taker's use. Scratch paper will be provided. Scores are available immediately upon completion of the examination. No counseling or tutoring is available from DCN regarding interpretation of scores.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN

No entrance testing is required for this program.