NET (Nursing Entrance Test) FAQ
Beginning in January 2010, the standardized nurse entrance test will be changing from the NET to HESI Admission Assessment (A2). The HESI A2 evaluates basic academic skills found to be important to students’ success in the nursing program. Skill areas covered on the assessment are math, reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. In addition, learning style and personality profile modules will be included.
To prepare for the HESI A2, students may consider purchasing the study guide published by Mosby/Elsevier titled the HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review, second edition (ISBN: 978-1-4160-5635-5). The study guide will be available for purchase in the near future at the JCC Book Store. Copies will be available for reference in the library and in the nursing lab soon.
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- What is the NET?
- Why do I have to take the NET?
- Does the NET measure anything besides math and reading?
- What are the scores that I must achieve on the NET?
- When should I take the NET?
- How many times can I take the NET to achieve these minimum scores?
- What happens if I take the NET and do not meet the minimum scores?
- How can I prepare to take the NET?
- How much does the NET cost?
- Where do I register and how do I take the NET?
- Can I take the NET at another school and transfer the scores to JCC?
What is the NET?
The NET (Nursing Entrance Test) is an assessment that measures science reading ability and basic math skills. The NET is not an assessment of nursing knowledge. The NET will give you diagnostic information on the basic academic skills needed to succeed in the nursing program.
Why do I have to take the NET?
The NET has been given to thousands of nursing students around the country as well as to students at JCC. The data shows that students who score in the lower ranges on math and reading comprehension on this assessment tend to have difficulty in nursing programs and on nursing boards. Conversely, students who have high scores on the NET tend to do well in nursing programs and on nursing boards.
Does the NET measure anything besides math and reading?
The NET also measures test-taking abilities, writing skills, science knowledge, stress sources, and learning styles. While students find this information useful it is not used by JCC for admission purposes.
What are the scores that I must achieve on the NET?
Minimum scores of 58 on the Science Reading Comprehension and 65 on the Composite Percentage are required for admission to the ADN, LPN to ADN and BSN programs. The Composite Percentage is an average of the math and reading scores.
PN applicants must take the NET, however, minimum scores are not required for admission.
When should I take the NET?
Students should plan to take the NET after completing any developmental courses in reading, writing and/or math, and after Math 120 is completed. Take it early enough in your sequence of pre-requisites to allow time to improve your skills and retake the NET, if necessary. The nursing advisor can assist you in planning the right time to take the NET.
You DO NOT need to complete the NET before submitting an application. The NET has to be completed by August 1st for Fall admission and December 1st for Winter. Maintain a copy of your NET scores for your records.
How many times can I take the NET to achieve the minimum scores?
You may take the assessment a maximum of 3 (three) times.
What happens if I take the NET and do not meet the minimum scores?
If you do not achieve the minimum scores the first time, you need to work on improvement of your skills before attempting to take the NET again. Students who attribute a poor performance on the assessment to a “bad day” and who rush to take it again without preparation typically have the same result again. It takes practice and work to improve scores.
How can I prepare to take the NET?
Do one or more of the following:
- Utilize the preparation book “The Study Guide for the NET,” available in the JCC Bookstore.
- Go to the Center for Student Success (CSS), Room 123 in Walker Hall. The CSS can help in a variety of ways, including using software called PLATO.
- Use these websites on your own to work on reading comprehension:
- www.testpreview.com (Select Nursing Test Practice, select NET, scroll down to Reading Practice Questions)
- www.nytimes.com/learning/students/quiz/index.html or http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/exercises/main/reading/html
- www.sciam.com
- Use an internet search engine for math practice. Some possible sites to practice:
- Math skills needed include using whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, number system conversions and basic algebra. Calculators are not allowed. Scrap paper is provided to work out the problems.
How much does the NET cost?
The cost of the NET is $40.00 each time the assessment is taken.
Where do I register and how do I take the NET?
You must register through ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute formally Educational Resources, Inc.) to take the NET. Contact ATI through their web site at eriworld.com/NET
ATI has very specific registration policies. You cannot register to take the NET other than on their web site. Be prepared to pay for the NET by credit card before you conclude your registration. If you have a problem with their web site, call 1-800-292-2273.
DO NOT Contact JCC To Register For The NET.
Open Dates To Take The NET Are As Follows:
| Fall Semester 2009 | Winter Semester 2010 |
|---|---|
| February 20, 2009 | September 18, 2009 |
| March 20, 2009 | October 2, 2009 |
| April 17, 2009 | October 16, 2009 |
| May 15, 2009 | October 30, 2009 Canceled |
| June 12, 2009 | November 13, 2009 |
| July 10, 2009 | December 4, 2009 |
| August 7, 2009 |
All NETs are given on Fridays, located in Justin Whiting Room 112, and
start at 9:00 a.m.
-unless otherwise noted.
Seat space is limited. You must attend on the date you are registered for.
Late arrivals will not be allowed to sit. The door will close and the
assessment will begin promptly
at 9:00 a.m.
Can I take the NET at another school and transfer the scores to JCC?
Unless you are a transfer student, JCC students MUST take the NET at JCC. If you have scores with another school, within the last (5) five years, you must contact ATI directly and have your scores sent to the Nursing Department. ATI charges $40.00 for this service. Their number is 1-800-292-2273.
We will not accept NET scores from other schools, or from students themselves.
