What the Course Entails and Exam Details

While the HESI A2 A&P is an exam and not a specific course, it covers material that aligns with standard collegiate Anatomy & Physiology I and II syllabi. Preparation for this exam entails a deep dive into multiple body systems, ranging from the cellular level to complex organ integration. The core topics and skills covered include:

• Levels of Organization: Introduction to life, basic chemistry for anatomy, cellular structure and function (including mitosis and meiosis), and histology (tissues).

• Support and Movement: The integumentary system (skin), the skeletal system and articulations (major bones and joints), and the muscular system (major muscles and mechanisms of contraction).

• Integration and Coordination: The nervous system (central, peripheral, autonomic) and the endocrine system.

• Transport and Defense: The cardiovascular system (heart, blood vessels, blood composition) and the lymphatic and immune systems.

• Maintenance: The respiratory system, the digestive system, and the urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte balance).

• Reproduction: The male and female reproductive systems.

Students are expected to recall anatomical structures and explain physiological processes for these systems.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The A&P portion of the HESI A2 typically consists of approximately 25 to 30 multiple-choice questions, which may include a few unscored "pilot" items used for future test development. The total HESI A2 exam often administers multiple subject modules (e.g., Math, Reading, Grammar), and students are generally allotted around four hours total for the entire assessment, meaning they must manage their time effectively within the A&P sub-test. While specific passing scores are determined by individual nursing and allied health programs, a score of 75% or 80% or higher is commonly set as the competitive benchmark for this specific science section. The exam is computer-based, timed, and requires a high degree of content recall, with no practical components.

How to Study and Exam Centers

A strategic approach is required to master the volume of material on this exam. Effective study strategies include:

• Use the Official Guide: Prioritize study with the Admission Assessment Exam Review published by Elsevier, which outlines the exact content scope.

• Practice with Purpose: Utilize comprehensive HESI A2 A&P practice tests. This helps not only with content review but also with adapting to the specific framing of questions.

• Active Recall and Visuals: Use flashcards for terminology and detailed diagrams to study system physiology and location.

• Identify Weaknesses: Focus study time on system-level physiological processes that are more complex than simple recall.

HESI A2 exams are administered in several ways, and testing locations are typically determined by the school to which you are applying. You may take the exam:

• On-Campus Testing Centers: Many applying schools administer the exam directly in their own proctored computer labs.

• Prometric Testing Centers: Elsevier partners with Prometric for secure, professional, off-campus testing locations.

• Remote Proctoring: Increasingly, schools are allowing students to take the exam remotely via a secure, live-proctored online service. You will register and pay for the exam through your applying school's portal or via an Elsevier Evolve account.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Achieving a strong, competitive score on the HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology section is the essential key that unlocks admission into high-demand nursing and allied health programs. Successful entry into these programs directly leads to diverse and rewarding career paths, including job titles such as:

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

• Dental Hygienist

• Radiologic Technologist

• Surgical Technologist

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

• Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

• Respiratory Therapist