Nursing Admissions · HESI A2
HESI A2 Preparation.
Comprehensive HESI A2 preparation with personalized one-on-one instruction by Vinai Sharma.
The HESI Admission Assessment (A2), published by Elsevier, is a modular nursing-program entrance exam. Programs choose which subtests to require. Vinai Sharma covers every academic subtest, with a specialty in Mathematics and the science subtests.
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The HESI A2 at a glance.
The format, subtests, and scoring every HESI A2 candidate should know before beginning preparation.
- Format
- Computer-based via Elsevier Evolve · at school, remote (ProctorU), or Prometric testing center
- Structure
- Modular — programs select which subtests to require
- Academic Subtests
- Mathematics · Reading Comp · Vocabulary · Grammar · A&P · Biology · Chemistry · Physics
- Non-Academic
- Learning Style · Personality Profile (when required)
- Typical Subtest Length
- 50–55 items, 50–60 minutes
- Calculator
- On-screen four-function calculator provided
- Scoring
- Percentage per subtest
- Common Cut Score
- ≥75% ADN · ≥80% typical BSN · ≥85% competitive/selective BSN
- Retake Policy
- Set by each program (typically 60–90 day wait)
Section 01
HESI A2 Overview
The HESI A2 is delivered as a battery of subtests; your target program decides which ones you take. Mathematics, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Physiology are required almost everywhere. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are required by some programs.
Mathematics
- Items
- 50
- Time
- 50 min
- Calc
- On-screen
Reading Comprehension
- Items
- 50
- Time
- 60 min
- Passages
- Mixed
Vocabulary & General Knowledge
- Items
- 50
- Time
- 50 min
- Focus
- Medical context
Grammar
- Items
- 50
- Time
- 50 min
- Focus
- Conventions
Physiology
- Items
- 30
- Time
- 25 min
- Focus
- All major systems
Biology
- Items
- 30
- Time
- 25 min
- Focus
- Cell & molecular
Chemistry
- Items
- 30
- Time
- 25 min
- Focus
- General chemistry
Physics
- Items
- 25
- Time
- 25 min
- Focus
- Algebra-based
Section 02 · Mathematics · Our Specialty
Mathematics
Strong nursing-focused arithmetic: basic operations, fractions/decimals/percents, ratios and proportions, measurements, conversions, and dosage-style word problems.
Duration
50 minutes
Items
50
Calculator
On-screen four-function
Numbers & Operations
Operations
- Integers
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percent
Number Theory
- Order of operations
- Factors & multiples
Ratios & Proportions
- Ratios
- Proportions
- Rates
Measurement & Algebra
Measurement
- Metric ↔ U.S. Customary
- Time, mass, volume, length
Algebra
- Linear equations
- Inequalities
- Word problems
Nursing Applications
- Dosage calculations
- IV drip rates
- Body-weight dosing
Section 03 · Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
50 questions in 60 minutes drawing on short healthcare-themed and general-interest passages.
Duration
60 minutes
Items
50
Passages
Healthcare & general
Main Idea & Details
Identifying central claims and the supporting details that justify them across short, dense passages.
Inference & Logical Conclusions
What the passage permits the reader to conclude, distinguished from what it explicitly states.
Author's Purpose & Tone
Recognizing why the passage was written and the attitude conveyed — informational, persuasive, instructive.
Section 04 · Vocabulary & General Knowledge
Vocabulary & General Knowledge
50 questions emphasizing medical and healthcare vocabulary alongside general English.
Medical-Context Vocabulary
Common terms encountered in nursing coursework and clinical practice — many drawn from Latin and Greek roots.
General English Vocabulary
Roots, prefixes, suffixes, and context-clue strategies for unfamiliar words.
Section 05 · Grammar
Grammar
50 questions covering the conventions of standard written English with a focus on healthcare communication.
Sentence Structure
Run-ons, fragments, parallel structure, and modifier placement.
Usage & Mechanics
Subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb tense, capitalization, and punctuation.
Section 06 · Physiology · Our Specialty
Physiology
30 questions covering all major body systems and the principles of organization, anatomical terminology, and homeostasis.
Duration
25 minutes
Items
30
Scope
All major systems
Body Systems
Cardiovascular & Respiratory
- Heart structure
- Circulation
- Lungs
- Gas exchange
Nervous & Endocrine
- CNS / PNS
- Reflex arcs
- Major glands & hormones
Musculoskeletal & Integumentary
- Bones
- Joints
- Muscle types
- Skin layers
Digestive, Urinary & Reproductive
- GI tract
- Nephron
- Male & female reproductive
Foundations
Organization
- Cells
- Tissues
- Organs
- Systems
Terminology
- Directional terms
- Body planes & cavities
Homeostasis
- Negative & positive feedback
- Fluid & electrolyte balance
Section 07 · Biology
Biology
30 questions on the foundations of life science most directly relevant to nursing practice.
Duration
25 minutes
Items
30
Focus
Cell & molecular
Cell & Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
- Cell structure
- Membrane transport
- Cell cycle
- Mitosis & meiosis
Molecular Genetics
- DNA structure
- Replication
- Transcription
- Translation
Inheritance
- Mendelian genetics
- Pedigrees
- Punnett squares
Metabolism & Microbiology
Metabolism
- Enzymes
- Cellular respiration overview
- Photosynthesis overview
Microbiology Basics
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Innate vs. adaptive immunity (intro)
Macromolecules
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
Section 08 · Chemistry · Our Specialty
Chemistry
30 questions covering general chemistry foundations: matter and atomic structure, bonding, reactions, and acid-base chemistry.
Duration
25 minutes
Items
30
Focus
General chemistry
Matter & Atomic Structure
Matter
- States of matter
- Phase changes
- Density
Atomic Structure
- Subatomic particles
- Isotopes
- Electron configuration
Periodic Table
- Trends
- Groups & periods
Bonding & Reactions
Chemical Bonding
- Ionic
- Covalent
- Polar vs. nonpolar
Stoichiometry
- Mole concept
- Balancing equations
- Limiting reagent
Acids & Bases
- pH scale
- Strong vs. weak
- Neutralization
Solutions
- Concentration
- Molarity
- Dilution (C₁V₁ = C₂V₂)
Section 09 · Physics · Our Specialty
Physics
25 algebra-based questions covering the mechanics and energy concepts most relevant to clinical reasoning.
Duration
25 minutes
Items
25
Math Level
Algebra-based
Mechanics
Kinematics
- Distance, velocity, acceleration
- Free fall
Forces
- Newton's laws
- Friction
- Normal force
Rotation & Equilibrium
- Torque (intro)
- Static equilibrium
Energy, Waves & Electricity
Energy
- Work
- KE & PE
- Conservation of energy
- Power
Waves & Sound
- Wave properties
- Frequency
- Speed of sound
Electricity (basics)
- Charge
- Current
- Voltage
- Ohm's law
Optics (intro)
- Reflection
- Refraction
Section 10 · Learning Style & Personality
Learning Style & Personality Assessments
When required, these non-academic subtests are unscored in the academic sense — they help your program understand how you learn and work best. There are no wrong answers.
Learning Style
Identifies preferred learning modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.) so programs can support strong study strategies.
Personality Profile
Identifies temperament patterns relevant to clinical environments. Programs use this to advise — not to gatekeep.
Section 11 · Skills Tested
Underlying Skills
What the HESI A2 actually measures across its academic subtests.
- Quantitative reasoning with conversions
- Physiology fluency
- Cell & molecular biology
- General chemistry foundations
- Algebra-based physics reasoning
- Close reading & inference
- Medical & general vocabulary
- Grammar mastery
- Multi-section endurance
Section 12
Skills Tested
The HESI A2 measures the science, math, language, and reasoning foundations of successful nursing students.
Physiology Fluency
Confident, organized recall of every major body system.
Quantitative Reasoning
Fractions, decimals, percents, and proportions applied to dosage-style problems.
Chemistry Foundations
Atomic structure, bonding, reactions, acids/bases, and solution concentration.
Physics Reasoning
Algebra-based mechanics, energy, waves, and basic electricity.
Biology Foundations
Cell biology, molecular genetics, metabolism, and microbiology basics.
Close Reading
Extracting main idea, evidence, and inference from healthcare-themed passages.
Grammar Mastery
Sentence structure, usage, and mechanics — taught rule-by-rule.
Vocabulary Depth
Medical and general English vocabulary with roots-and-affixes work.
Endurance
Sustained focus across multiple subtests in a single sitting.
Section 13
Common Student Challenges
The patterns Vinai Sharma sees most often on the HESI A2 — and how each one is addressed during tutoring.
Section 14
Vinai Sharma's Teaching Process
A six-step path from diagnostic to test day, used with every HESI A2 student.
- Step 01
Initial Diagnostic Assessment
A full-length diagnostic establishes the student's true starting point across every tested area.
- Step 02
Identify Strengths & Weaknesses
Results are mapped to specific subtopics — not just section scores — so the plan targets the right work.
- Step 03
Build Conceptual Foundations
Underlying content is rebuilt where needed so test strategies have something solid to stand on.
- Step 04
Practice Official-Style Questions
Curated, exam-aligned problems are worked through together on the digital whiteboard.
- Step 05
Learn Time-Saving Strategies
Pacing, elimination, and figure-reading techniques tuned to this exam's format.
- Step 06
Build Confidence Through Full-Length Practice Tests
Regular timed practice tests turn preparation into performance — and reveal exactly what to refine next.
Section 15
Why Students Choose Vinai Sharma
What candidates consistently point to when describing HESI A2 preparation with Vinai Sharma.
30+ Years Teaching Experience
Decades of one-on-one and classroom instruction across every level of science and mathematics.
Individualized Instruction
Every session is built around the student in front of the camera — never a group class.
Concept-Based Learning
Students learn why the material works, not just which button to press.
Digital Whiteboard Lessons
Live, written, step-by-step instruction that mirrors a real classroom whiteboard.
Customized Homework
Assignments written for the student's plan — never generic worksheets.
Progress Tracking
Clear, ongoing measurement so families see exactly where their student stands.
Flexible Online Scheduling
Sessions fit around school, sports, and family life — anywhere in the country.
Patient Teaching Style
Questions are welcomed, not rushed. Students learn to think out loud.
Exam-Oriented Preparation
Every lesson connects back to how the concept actually appears on the exam.
Section 16
Related Subjects & Exams
The Pre-Med Sciences library and core STEM libraries give you the conceptual depth that turns 75% into 90%.
Pre-Med Sciences
Advanced life sciences for health-profession students.
Explore Science & Math LibraryBiology
Cells, genetics, evolution, and the systems of life.
Explore Science & Math LibraryChemistry
Matter, reactions, and quantitative reasoning.
Explore Science & Math LibraryPhysics
Mechanics, energy, waves, and the language of nature.
Explore Science & Math LibraryAlgebra 1
Linear equations, inequalities, functions, and systems.
Explore Test PrepTEAS
Test of Essential Academic Skills for nursing.
Explore Test PrepMCAT
Medical College Admission Test preparation.
ExploreSection 17
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions parents and students ask most often about this exam and how Vinai Sharma prepares his students.
Science & Math Library
Comprehensive Formula Sheet & Free Resources
Downloadable formula sheets, study guides, and reference materials for HESI A2 Nursing Admission Tutoring — curated by Vinai Sharma and continuously expanded as part of the Science & Math Library.
Comprehensive Formula Sheet
Every formula, identity, and relationship a student needs for HESI A2 Nursing Admission Tutoring — organized by topic and printable in one page.
Publishing shortlyConcept Study Guide
A structured written companion covering the core content areas tested on HESI A2 Nursing Admission Tutoring, section by section.
Publishing shortlyTopic Review Notes
Concise topic-by-topic reviews with worked examples — designed to be re-read the week before test day.
Publishing shortlyPractice Plan Templates
Four-, eight-, twelve-, and sixteen-week study calendars aligned to a student's timeline and current level.
Publishing shortlyCommon Mistakes Reference
The specific errors that quietly cost points on this exam — with the fix Vinai Sharma teaches for each.
Publishing shortlyScore-Building Question Set
A curated set of exam-aligned practice questions targeting the highest-yield subtopics.
Publishing shortlyThe Science & Math Library
One growing library of formula sheets, study guides, and topic reviews.
Every resource on this page will live in the Science & Math Library — a single, expanding home for the formula sheets, study guides, topic reviews, encyclopedia entries, practice plans, and reference materials Vinai Sharma uses with his own students.
Open the Science & Math LibraryStudy Resources
Everything you need to prepare for the HESI A2
Curated official materials, top preparation books, formula sheets, videos, and practice — every link points to trusted educational sources.
Official Exam Site
Recommended Books
Admission Assessment Exam Review, 6th Ed. (Elsevier)
Official HESI review, March 2024. ISBN 978-0-443-11409-0. Written by the HESI testing team.
McGraw Hill 3 HESI A2 Practice Tests
McGraw Hill — full-length practice.
Kaplan Nursing (HESI-adjacent Prep)
Kaplan's nursing-school prep hub. Note: Kaplan does not currently publish a HESI-A2-specific book; use their nursing content or the official Elsevier guide.
Formula Sheets
Video Resources
Online Study Resources
External links open in a new tab and point to official exam boards, established publishers, universities, and widely respected learning platforms. No advertisements or affiliate links. Science Math Tutoring Master Sheets are exclusive study materials written by Vinai Sharma and released here first.
Ready When You Are
Ready to Hit Your HESI A2 Targets?
Whether you are taking a four-subtest battery or the full academic eight, Vinai Sharma provides personalized HESI A2 instruction tailored to your required subtests and your target program's published minimums.
Book a Free ConsultationTutoring Plan · Rates · AvailabilityBegin
Start with a focused strategy conversation.
The strategy session is the first step of working together — a focused academic planning and diagnostic conversation used to understand the student before any ongoing academic support begins.
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