Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT)

Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT)

Applicants seeking admission to any Central Lakes College nursing program must take the HSRT-AD exam in person at Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus.  This includes applicants to the Practical Nursing, Traditional RN and Advanced Standing (LPN to RN) programs.

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

Scoring Requirements
Students must receive the following HSRT-AD overall score:

Practical Nursing (LPN) – 65% or higher

Associate Degree Nursing (Traditional RN) – 70% or higher

LPN to RN Bridge (Advanced Standing) – Students are NOT required to take the exam, however will be required to provide proof of current MN Practical Nursing licensure.

Additional Details:

• HSRT-AD scores expires two years 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 Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus. Scores submitted from other testing locations can not be used for admission purposes.
• We do not offer a remote option for test taking.
• 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 $49.00, which is the responsibility of the student. All HSRT-AD registrations are final, with no refunds or reschedules.
• If you require accommodations, you must sign up for services at least 7 days prior to the day of testing. To make arrangements, contact the CLC Accessibility Services Office at accessibilityservices@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8056.

How do I Register to Take the Test

Click on this link below to register for the test at:

Health Science Reasoning Test – Minnesota State Colleges and Universities