Health Sciences Reasoning Test-Associate Degree (HSRT-AD) Entrance Exam
Applicants for admission to Northwest Technical College’s nursing programs must take the HSRT-AD exam.
The HSRT-AD measures critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills necessary to meet study requirements and achieve success in a health science degree program.
The HSRT-AD assesses the following reasoning skills:
- HSRT – OVERALL- Sustained use of critical thinking to form reasoned judgements
- Analysis – Accurate identification of the problem and decision- critical elements
- Inference – Drawing warranted and logical conclusions from reasons and evidence
- Evaluation – Assessing credibility of claims and the strengths of arguments
- Induction – Reasoned judgement in ambiguous, risky, and uncertain contexts
- Deduction – Reasoned judgement in precisely defined, logically rigorous contexts
- Numeracy – Sustained use of critical thinking skills in quantitative contexts
Important details
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Practical Nursing & Traditional RN 70 or higher (Effective for fall 2026 admission)
- HSRT-AD is not required for LPN Step-In Applicants
- NTC HSRT Exams scores are valid for 2 years. HSRT-AD scores must be valid at the time of the application deadline.
- The HSRT-AD exam can only be taken 2 times total in an application cycle.
- You may retake the HSRT-AD exam. If testing for an additional time, you must wait two weeks (14 calendar days) between attempts.
- The HSRT-AD exam must be taken at Northwest Technical College. We do not offer a remote option.
- You will have 50 minutes to answer 35 scenario-based questions. Tests are scored on a 100-point corresponding qualitative rating (superior, strong, moderate, weak, not manifested).
- Calculators are prohibited.
- The exam cost is $50, which is the responsibility of the student.
- NTC is committed to making all educational programs, course materials, services, and activities sponsored by the College accessible to individuals with disabilities. Requests for disability accommodations should be directed to: accessibility@bemidjistate.edu
Registration
Registration required 72 hours in advance. Test cost is $50 and is paid at time of test.
HSRT Registration Coming Soon!
No-Show Policy
Applicants are permitted a maximum of two testing attempts per application cycle. A $5.00 fee will be added for any missed testing appointment without prior cancellation 72 hours in advance. If an applicant fails to appear for a second scheduled testing appointment, they will be prohibited from scheduling another test for 30 days.
On Test Day
- Bring a photo ID – verification will be required before testing
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for check-in
- Bring payment on the day of testing. Only cash or credit/debit cards are accepted; checks will not be accepted.
- The following items are prohibited during the test:
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- Food and drink
- Textbooks or reference books
- Sunglasses, hats and hoods
- Electronic devices, including calculators
- Personal items
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Study Resources
- Read “HSRT-AD: Your Score Report as a First Step to Improved Critical Thinking”
- Read “How to Prepare for Insight Assessment Thinking Tests”
- Try free sample test questions at Insight Assessment. Choose CONTINUE AS A GUEST and you will see two samples. Choose the first one, labeled “Demo Reasoning Skills Questions – Navigation Aid”
- Study the essay “Critical Thinking: What it Is and Why It Counts” by Peter A. Facione, Ph.D.
YouTube Tutorial Videos
- How to Pass Critical Thinking Assessment Test – Questions and Answers with Solutions
- How to Pass Critical Thinking Assessment Test – Questions and Answers with Solutions
- How to Pass Critical Thinking Assessment Exam – Questions and Answers with Solutions
- Critical Thinking Test – Answers to Sample Questions
- Critical Thinking Test – Types of Question
- Critical Thinking Test – Tips