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School of Nursing
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    Discover exceptional nursing education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Our School of Nursing offers accredited programs, including BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificates in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner specialties. Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and CCNE accredited, we prepare future leaders in healthcare.

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    Explore comprehensive nursing programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). With online, campus, and hybrid options, these accredited programs provide the knowledge and skills to excel in patient care, critical thinking, and advanced nursing practice.

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    Student Success Network

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    Access essential nursing resources for UTRGV students and faculty, including study materials, clinical guidelines, certification requirements, academic support, and faculty tools. Stay updated with the latest nursing program information, exam prep resources, and career development support to enhance nursing education and teaching at UTRGV.

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HESI Requirements and Information

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BSN Program Overview Menu

  • When and How to Apply
  • HESI Requirements and Information
  • How Generic and 2nd Degree BSN Applicants are Ranked
  • NursingCAS
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  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Applying FAQs
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  • Requirements for Conditionally Admitted Generic and 2nd degree BSN Students before Admission
  • Student Policies
  • Program Coordinators

Contact Us

Brownsville Office:
Life and Health Science Bldg (BLHSB) 2.720
956-882-5070
Fax: 956-882-6827

Edinburg Office:
Health Affairs Building East (EHABE) 2.201
956-665-3491
Fax: 956-665-5253

Education Verification Forms: Elizabeth Salinas
Program Coordinator-Student Services
Graduate or DNP Program requests.
elizabeth.r.salinas@utrgv.edu
956-665-8906

Lourdes Sanchez, BAAS-IS
Program Coordinator-Student Services
Undergraduate Program requests.
lourdes.sanchez@utrgv.edu
956-882-5070

(Graduates must complete their section of the form before submitting. Provide your UTRGV Student ID# in your email.)

General Information and Program Inquiries: Maria Pilar Pedraza, BS
Administrative Assistant
maria.pedraza@utrgv.edu
956-665-2194

Karina Gutierrez
Program Specialist-Student Services
karina.gutierrez@utrgv.edu
956-882-5072

Carmen Vela, BS
Program Specialist-Student Services
carmen.vela@utrgv.edu
956-665-2204

Graduate Programs: Elizabeth Salinas
Program Coordinator-Student Services
MSN-FNP, Post Master's PMHNP and FNP Certificates, MSN-Education, MSN-Administration and DNP
elizabeth.r.salinas@utrgv.edu
956-665-8906

Undergraduate Programs: Lourdes Sanchez, BAAS-IS
Program Coordinator-Student Services
BSN Generic, 2nd Degree and RN to BSN
lourdes.sanchez@utrgv.edu
956-882-5070


Generic and 2nd BSN HESI A2 Requirements and Information

HESI Requirements:  

The HESI Admission Assessment (A2) is a computerized test. The HESI A2 must be taken prior to submitting your application. The HESI A2 Examination is required for all ABSN and Generic BSN applicants. 

Applicants must achieve a score of 75% or higher on the required components of the HESI A2 Exam (Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Math, Anatomy and Physiology, and Critical Thinking.). 

  • There are two HESI score sheets that must be uploaded to the application portal (Critical Thinking is on a separate score sheet). 
  • There is not a minimum Cumulative score requirement, but it counts 20% towards your total ranking. To improve a Cumulative score, the applicant must take all components, except Critical Thinking, in one sitting. 

Scheduling your HESI Exam: 

HESI exams must be taken on-site at UTRGV, another college or university, or Prometric in person or at home via distance testing using UTRGV’s Department ID: *203623* (follow HESI Distance Testing instructions on UTRGV Testing Center’s website). Remember to  

  • Test early to enable you to retake the exam should you not meet the minimum score or wish to take the exam or any component over again before the cycle closes.  
  • Take into consideration that there is a three-week waiting period before you can retest, and late scores are not accepted. 

See UTRGV Testing Center Information for HESI Cost and Scheduling 

 

Missing or Invalid HESI Scores: 

Applications will be marked incomplete and will not be ranked or considered if the required and valid HESI scores for each component are not uploaded to the application system before the cycle closing date (upload early to allow for any technical difficulties).   

 

Invalid HESI scores include the following: 

  • Late HESI exam scores taken and submitted after the cycle closing date (late scores are not accepted).   
  • Missing HESI scores (ensure that you upload the second score sheet with your Critical Thinking score). 
  • Expired HESI scores (over one year from the application submission). 
  • HESI exam(s) that are taken more than twice in an academic year. 
  • HESI exam retests taken before the three-week waiting period. 
  • Submitting two of the same versions of the HESI exam; a second exam must be marked with Version 2 (V2). 
  • Utilizing another college’s Department ID number and not utilizing the Distance Education Department ID: *203623* code provided by UTRGV Testing Center for Prometric. 

 

HESI Guidelines: 

The following guidelines must be followed when applying to the BSN and 2nd Degree BSN programs.   

  • HESI exam scores are valid one year from the date you take the exam until the date you “submit” your completed application. 
  • Applicants choosing to retest must retest on Version 2 of the HESI Admission Assessment Exam for any components where the minimum score was not achieved. 
  • While there is no minimum requirement for the Cumulative score, it counts 20% of your rank points. 
  • Applicants retesting must retest on Version 2 of the HESI Admission Assessment Exam for any components where the minimum score was not achieved. 
  • The UTRGV School of Nursing requires a 3-week waiting period before you can retest for HESI (applicants must adhere to this requirement if testing at another institution and plan accordingly in case they need to retest while the application cycle is still open). 
  • HESI scores, including the Critical Thinking score sheet must be submitted via the application portal before the cycle closes as late HESI scores are not valid or accepted (the Critical Thinking score sheet is separate from other scores) 
  • The HESI exam may not be taken more than twice in an academic year (September 1 through August 31).
  • Your highest valid HESI score submitted is considered (submit all your valid score sheets if you would like us to consider your highest score from each exam). 
  • Adhere to all UTRGV Testing Center or other college or university testing instructions and requirements for scheduling and test-taking, whether taking the exam in person or via proctor at home via Prometric. 

 

Applicants must read the HESI FAQS for additional important information, including HESI preparation recommendations. 

 

The above information is subject to change and any updates will be published on this webpage. 

School of Nursing


Brownsville

BLHSB 2.720
Phone: 956-882-5072
Fax: 956-882-6827

Edinburg

EHABE 2.201
Phone: 956-665-3491
Fax: 956-665-5253 

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Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST

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