2022 scientific evidence for the HESI® Admission Assessment (A2) for nursing and healthcare education programs

In this white paper, education and research experts Tracy Riley and Christine Gouveia provide an overview of the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) and examine recent research related to its use in nursing and healthcare programs.  

Implications for these programs and suggestions for future research are discussed, and the review demonstrates the value of the A2 as a measure related to academic success indicators for students. 

White paper highlights 

• This paper reviews recent scientific evidence for the A2 and its correlation to academic success indicators in NHE programs. Higher A2 exam scores are shown to be linked to student success, program completion rates, and professional licensure or certification exam success. 

• Important limitations exist. Further research is needed to explore correlations between the A2, course grades, and E2 performance scores. Previous studies focused primarily on BSN and ADN programs with homogenous samples of white females, limiting generalizability. Replication of studies in diverse PN and healthcare education programs with students from various backgrounds is recommended. 

• To address the growing need for healthcare workers, programs can utilize the A2 as an effective resource for admitting qualified students. The A2 can help in selecting candidates who are likely to succeed in rigorous NHE programs, pass licensure exams, and enter the workforce. Implementing the A2 can lead to positive program outcomes, including increased student retention, higher licensure pass rates, and a greater number of healthcare graduates.