HSRT Minnesota Nursing Schools

Confirmed Minnesota nursing and allied health programs — more than in any other state — require the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) as part of their admissions process. Minnesota programs use the HSRT primarily for nursing admissions, a shift driven by the dissolution of the MANE consortium and a broader move toward holistic admissions that emphasizes critical thinking over content knowledge. Published minimums range from 60 to 74; competitive applicants typically score higher.

Last verified: March 2026

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Coon Rapids & Cambridge, MN

74
min. score

Programs: Associate Degree Nursing (RN)

Admissions: Holistic: 55% quantitative (GPA + HSRT), 31% experiential, 14% essay

Highest published minimum in MN. Competitive, admitted students typically score well above the minimum.

Program website ↗

M State (Minnesota State Community and Technical College)

Multiple campuses (Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Wadena)

60–73
min. score

Programs: Nursing RN/PN, Medical Lab Technician, Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Echocardiography

Admissions: Minimum varies by program; 60 for some programs, 73 for others. Check your specific program.

Largest HSRT-requiring institution in MN by number of programs.

Program website ↗

Northwest Technical College

Bemidji, MN

70
min. score

Programs: Practical Nursing (PN) and Registered Nursing (RN)

Admissions: HSRT score is part of a competitive points-based ranking system.

Program website ↗

Central Lakes College

Brainerd & Staples, MN

65–70
min. score

Programs: Practical Nursing (PN) and Registered Nursing (RN)

Admissions: Both GPA and HSRT score factor into selection.

Program website ↗

Century College

White Bear Lake, MN

Not published
min. score

Programs: Multiple health programs

Admissions: HSRT is one component of holistic admissions review.

Contact admissions for current minimum and weight.

Program website ↗

South Central College

Faribault & North Mankato, MN

Not published
min. score

Programs: Nursing

Admissions: Contact program directly for current HSRT requirement.

Program website ↗

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC)

Rochester, MN

Not published
min. score

Programs: Nursing

Admissions: Contact program directly.

Rochester is the home of Mayo Clinic, nursing admissions are competitive.

Program website ↗

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

Cloquet, MN (Duluth area)

No published minimum
min. score

Programs: Associate Degree Nursing (RN)

Admissions: HSRT required; highest valid score within two years used in admission consideration.

Tribal community college. HSRT (35 questions, 50 minutes, $45) must be taken at FDLTCC; outside scores not accepted.

Program website ↗

Riverland Community College

Austin & Albert Lea, MN

RN 75 / LPN 70
min. score

Programs: Nursing RN (ADN), LPN, and Radiography

Admissions: Points-based: HSRT score divided by 10 added to prerequisite GPA (min 2.75) to rank applicants.

Publishes hard cut scores. HSRT (35 questions, 50 minutes, $45) taken in person; online version and outside scores not accepted.

Program website ↗

Minnesota HSRT questions

Why do Minnesota nursing schools use the HSRT instead of the TEAS?
Minnesota nursing programs that were part of the MANE (Minnesota Association of Nursing Education) consortium used a coordinated admissions system. When MANE dissolved, these programs independently adopted the HSRT as part of a shift toward holistic admissions, emphasizing critical thinking ability over content knowledge at admission, in alignment with research on nursing program success.
How do I know if my Minnesota nursing program requires the HSRT?
Check the program's admissions page and look for "HSRT," "Health Sciences Reasoning Test," or "Insight Assessment." You can also call the admissions office directly and ask: "Does your nursing program require a standardized entrance exam, and if so, which one?"
What is the highest HSRT score requirement at a Minnesota school?
Anoka-Ramsey Community College has the highest published minimum at 74. However, published minimums are floors, competitive applicants typically score significantly higher. Aiming for 78+ is advisable at programs with published minimums in the 70–74 range.
Can I apply to multiple Minnesota HSRT schools with one HSRT score?
Yes. Your HSRT score report from Insight Assessment can be sent to multiple institutions. Most programs accept scores from within the past 1–2 years, but verify the recency requirement with each program.

Applying to a Minnesota nursing program?

StudyBuddy is the only dedicated HSRT prep platform. 1,000+ questions built specifically for the reasoning test your program requires.

Start HSRT prep, $29/month →
See the prep course

See exactly what Minnesota HSRT applicants get

Click through the HSRT interactive reader and AI reasoning tutor.

studybuddy.live · interactive demoLive preview
StudyBuddy AI
StudyBuddy AI
Your exam coach
Get unstuck in seconds
HSRT
You
StudyBuddy AI
Great question. Two variables can move together without one causing the other — a hidden confounding factor often explains both. Classic example: ice cream sales and drowning both rise in summer, but ice cream doesn't cause drowning. On the HSRT, always ask: is there a lurking variable?
✓Introduction
✓The Analysis Method
Breaking Down Scenarios
Evidence Types
Correlation vs Causation
Breaking Down Scenarios
Every HSRT scenario requires identifying the core question before evaluating evidence. Decompose first, then decide.
Key concept
Identify: What is claimed? What evidence supports it? What assumptions are hidden?
Exam tip
The HSRT tests reasoning, not memorized facts. A student who knows no anatomy can outscore one who does.
1/2
Open full-screen demo →

Get 5 free HSRT practice questions — the only ones available anywhere

One question per skill area (Analysis, Inference, Evaluation, Induction, Deduction) with full explanations. Faculty-developed.

Start preparing for the HSRT

Dedicated HSRT lessons, 1,000+ practice questions, and 10 full-length timed mock exams. $29/month or $59/quarter. Cancel anytime.

Start HSRT prep →

Everything else on the HSRT

Understand the exam

Prepare

6 reasoning skill areas

Schools that require it

Scoring & admissions

State-specific guides

Compare & free resources

Ready to start HSRT prep? The only dedicated platform — 1,000+ questions, 10 timed mock exams.

Start HSRT prep — $29/month →