The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) will be required to apply to the Nursing Program beginning with the Spring 2009 class

 

What is the TEAS?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®) assesses the academic preparedness of entry-level nursing students in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.

When taking the TEAS®, students will demonstrate reading skills in paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences and conclusions. The math section will measure their knowledge of whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions and decimals, algebraic application, percentages, ratio and proportion, and data interpretation. Science covers scientific reasoning, life science, chemical science, physical science, human body science, and general science. And in the English section, students will tackle punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling.

The Nursing Program has piloted the TEAS as a predictor of success in the nursing program for the last four semesters. Students having lower scores on Reading, English, and Science were less likely to be successful in the program than students having higher scores. The math score was not as significant as a predictor of success. The cutoff scores for admission are based on the results of the trending of student success and will be revised periodically based on any changes in student outcomes. Students who are not able to achieve the cutoff scores can receive advising on course work that will assist in improving their reading, English, science, and math abilities as needed.

The TEAS consists of multiple-choice questions in four content areas: Math, Reading, Science, and English. All subtests contain multiple-choice items with one correct answer. The applicant is directed to answer each item as accurately as possible within the allotted time. The reporting system for the TEAS includes a composite score for each of the four general areas.

 Math subtest covers whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions and decimals, algebraic equations, percentages, and ratio/proportion.

Reading covers paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences/conclusions.

 English subtest measures knowledge of punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling.

Science covers science reasoning, science knowledge, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, basic physical principles, and general science.

 

How long is the test?

The exam is multiple-choice and consists of the following sections:

While the total testing time is 3 hours and 29 minutes, please allow a few additional minutes for online check-in.

 

 

What study materials are available for the test?

For study materials, you may buy a TEAS test-prep book at the Montgomery College bookstore, or by going to the test publisher’s web site, http://www.atitesting.com/.

Note- There is a fee associated with the on line practice test and for obtaining study guide materials from ATI .

 

 

How Montgomery College’s Nursing Program uses the TEAS for admission

The nursing program requires the following minimum scores, based on your National Percentile Rank,  to apply for admission:

 

"So...how do I read my TEAS scores?"  We hear that a lot. Look at this TEAS Interpretation SAMPLE. Compare it to YOUR printout. Note the National Percentile Rank column. Did YOUR Percentile Rank, in the National column, meet our minimums above?

 

If you do not score the minimum scores listed, based on your National Percentile Rank, you will not be considered for admission to the program.  You are allowed to take the TEAS test twice a year. If you do not meet the minimum required scores, please contact an advisor for assistance in identifying a program plan to assist you in improving your scores.

 

If you do meet the minimum scores, attach a copy of your results to your application packet. After consideration of the number of core courses that you have completed (EN 102, BI  204, BI 205, and the math foundation), the cumulative TEAS score will be used to rank students for admission.

 

The Testing Process

  1. To register for the test, contact the Testing Center at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus in person or register by calling 240-567-1555.  You may also take the TEAS test at any testing center that offers the test. 
  2. The cost of the test is $20 (non-refundable) and will need to be paid at the campus Cashier on the second floor of the Charlene R. Nunley Student Services Center.  You must show your receipt and photo ID prior to taking the test.
  3. Students may only take the test twice during a twelve month period.
  4. The results of the test will be available at the conclusion of the exam.
  5. In order to be eligible for admission, you must have a minimum score of 50% on the Reading, Science, and English sections and score a minimum of 30% on the Mathematics section.
  6. Attach a copy of your TEAS results showing the minimum required levels or higher to your Health Sciences application to the nursing program.