The A2 is a computerized nursing entrance exam required for admission to the Northeast State Associate of Applied Science Nursing Degree programs (Traditional and LPN to RN options). The results will be used to determine readiness for and success in the programs. Students must have a Northeast State Application for Admission on file before taking the A2.  All Nursing majors should attend the Nursing Department's information session to get more details about the application requirements and the program in general.

Effective for AAS in Nursing, LPN to RN Concentration, Summer 2023 Start – Class of May 2024: A Systemwide Articulation Agreement between the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and TBR A.A.S. in Nursing, LPN to RN programs has been created and approved by TBR. The College System of Tennessee nursing program directors worked to establish common admission requirements to reduce confusion and to streamline the pathway to becoming an RN after completing the LPN program at a TCAT.

TCAT graduates will not be required to take the community college AAS RN Admission Assessment Exam (A2) IF the applicant has graduated within the past 3 years and has successfully passed the TCAT specific exit exam (successful completion of the TCAT specific exit exam is required for a student to graduate from the LPN program). If it has been greater than three years or the student is not a TCAT graduate current policy for Admissions Assessment will apply. (See Required Submission of Admission Assessment (A2) Scores below) If an LPN to RN applicant can provide proof they took their LPN Exit Exam, ATI Comprehensive Predictor (TCAT-Elizabethton) with an 90% or better within the last 3 years, they can submit these scores with their LPN to RN application as their Entrance Exam required for the LPN to RN Program. The applicant’s LPN Exit Exam, ATI Comprehensive Predictor scores must be included in the nursing application packet.

Study and Review Materials

All Northeast State libraries carry the HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review for check out, ISBN-13 9780323582261 . The book may also be purchased at local retailers or online. Check with a Northeast State librarian for more information. Additional information can be obtained at Evolve®, the Elsevier Education site for healthcare educators and students.

Test Dates

A2 Test Information

If you need information or have questions about the A2 registration process, a test date, or payment process, please email testing@NortheastState.edu or call 423.354.5358.

Department of Testing Services

Campus:  Blountville
Office:  Testing Services
Room:  C2301, General Studies Building
Office Hours:  8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Address:  2425 Highway 75, P.O. Box 246, Blountville, TN 37617
Phone:  423.354.5358
Email:   testing@NortheastState.edu

Blountville Testing Center   
Room:  C2303, General Studies Building, Northeast State at Blountville    
Address:  2425 Highway 75, P.O. Box 246, Blountville, TN 37617

Kingsport Testing Center
Room:  BWH134, Blazier-Wilson Hall
Address:  222 W. Main Street, Kingsport, TN 37660