Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT-AD)

The Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT-AD) is required for competitive admission into select health programs at Northwest Technical College. The exam measures critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills essential for success in health science programs.

Quick Facts

  • Required for: Traditional RN | Practical Nursing | Cardiac Sonography
  • Minimum score: 70 or higher
  • Cost: $50
  • Location: In person at Northwest Technical College
  • Attempts allowed: 2 per application cycle

Testing Availability

  • Fall 2026 Practical Nursing — Open
  • Fall 2026 Cardiac Sonography — Open
  • Fall 2026 Traditional RN — Closed
  • Fall 2027 Traditional RN testing opens May 18, 2026

Schedule your HSRT Exam

Accessibility Statement

Northwest Technical College is committed to making educational programs and services accessible. To request disability accommodations for testing, please visits our Accessibility Services Page

HSRT Entrance Exam Information

The Health Sciences Reasoning Test – Associate Degree (HSRT-AD) measures the critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills necessary for success in rigorous health science programs.

The HSRT assesses:

  • Overall Reasoning – Sustained critical thinking to form reasoned judgments
  • Analysis – Identifying key problems and decision elements
  • Inference – Drawing logical conclusions from evidence
  • Evaluation – Assessing credibility and strength of arguments
  • Induction – Reasoning in uncertain or ambiguous situations
  • Deduction – Applying logic in clearly defined contexts
  • Numeracy – Using reasoning in quantitative situations

The HSRT evaluates reasoning ability — not memorization of content.

The HSRT is required for applicants to:

  • Traditional RN
  • Practical Nursing
  • Cardiac Sonography

Minimum required overall score:

  • 70 or higher

The HSRT is not required for LPN Step-In applicants.

Traditional RN & Practical Nursing: Scores must be earned during the active application cycle in which you are applying.

Cardiac Sonography: Scores are good for 2 years.

  • The HSRT must be taken in person at Northwest Technical College
  • Remote testing is not available
  • You may test a maximum of 2 times per application cycle
  • A 14-day waiting period is required between attempts
  • Calculators are not permitted

Exam format:

  • 50 minutes
  • 35 scenario-based questions
  • Scored on a 100-point scale
  • Qualitative ratings: Superior, Strong, Moderate, Weak, Not Manifested

Cost:

  • $50, paid on the day of testing
  • Cash or credit/debit accepted (no checks)

Arrival:

  • Bring a valid photo ID
  • Arrive 15–30 minutes early
  • Late arrivals will not be permitted to test

Prohibited items:

  • Food or drink
  • Textbooks or reference materials
  • Sunglasses, hats, hoods & jackets/ coats
  • Electronic devices (phones, smart watches, calculators, etc.)
  • Personal items

Registration closes 48 hours before each test session.

To cancel your exam, email:
proctor@ntcmn.edu at least 48 hours before your scheduled test date.

Late cancellation or no-show:

  • $10 fee added to your next exam
  • First occurrence: $60 exam
  • Second occurrence: $70 exam
  • Third occurrence: $80 exam

After a second late cancellation or no-show:

  • A 30-day testing hold will be applied
  • You may not schedule or test during this period
  • Any exam scheduled during the hold will be automatically cancelled