HSRT Exam

Health Sciences Reasoning Test-Associate Degree (HSRT-AD) Entrance Exam 

Applicants for admission to M State's nursing programs and Sonography-Echocardiography Technology program 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

• HSRT-AD scores expire one year after the test date. HSRT-AD scores must be valid at the time of the application deadline.
• You may take the HSRT-AD up to two times per application cycle. If testing for a second time, you must wait two weeks (14 calendar days) between attempts.
• The HSRT-AD exam must be taken at an M State campus. 
• 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. All HSRT-AD registrations are final, with no refunds or reschedules.
• The exam must be taken through M State. We do not offer a remote option. 
• If you require accommodations for testing, you must sign up seven business days before the testing date. To schedule accommodations, visit Accessibility Resources or email arteam@minnesota.edu.

Registration

Registration and payment required 48 hours in advance. Test cost is $50 at the time of registration.

We strongly suggest completing pre-payment in E-services:

1. Log in to your SpartanNet account
2. Select the E-Services button and sign in
3. Click on Bills and Payment
4. Select "Make a pre-payment"
5. Select “Pre-payment HSRT – Testing”
6. Enter "$50" and pay by credit card or e-check

Register for the HSRT exam

On Test Day

• Bring a photo ID – verification will be required before testing
• Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for check-in
• Provide proof of payment for the exam at check-in
• The following items are prohibited during the test:
  • Food and drink
  • Textbooks or reference books
  • Sunglasses, hats and hoods
  • Electronic devices, including calculators
  • Personal items

Deadline

You MUST take the test by the application deadline. Please see program admissions requirements for current deadlines:

Nursing programs admission requirements

Sonography-Echocardiography-Technology program admission requirements

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.
• Consult the book Think Critically by Facione and Gittens, available in the M State library

Sample Quiz

A free sample practice quiz is available to M State students to prepare for the HSRT.

You must be an M State student to request the sample quiz. 

• To request the sample quiz, please complete the HSRT Sample Quiz Request Form. You must be an admitted M State student to request the quiz.
• Your request will be filled within 1-2 business days.
• Look for an email from HSRT@minnesota.edu with your username and password.
• If you have not received a practice test code after two business days, please email HSRT@minnesota.edu.
• You are limited to one free practice quiz.