TEAS Score Requirements for Minnesota Nursing Schools (2026)

Minnesota nursing programs vary widely by school type. Minneapolis College requires a minimum TEAS of 70%. Bethel University requires a Proficient-level score plus a 3.3 GPA. Minnesota State Mankato uses TEAS as 25% of a ranked admissions formula with no published minimum. The University of Minnesota does not require the TEAS — it uses holistic review. However, multiple MN community colleges have switched from the TEAS to the HSRT (Health Sciences Reasoning Test), including Anoka-Ramsey (min 74), Century College, M State, Northwest Technical College, Central Lakes College, RCTC, and South Central College. Always confirm which exam your specific program requires before registering.

The HSRT (Health Sciences Reasoning Test) is a critical thinking exam developed by Insight Assessment. Unlike the TEAS, it does not test science or math content — it tests logical reasoning, analysis, inference, and evaluation. In Minnesota, the following nursing programs require the HSRT: Anoka-Ramsey Community College (minimum score 74), Century College, M State (60–73% depending on program), Northwest Technical College (70 minimum), Central Lakes College (65–70%), Rochester Community & Technical College, and South Central College. These programs previously used the TEAS as part of the MANE consortium but have independently adopted the HSRT after the consortium dissolved. StudyBuddy is the only dedicated HSRT prep platform available.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College uses a holistic admissions model for its nursing program. Quantitative factors (including the HSRT score) account for 55% of the admissions score. Experiential factors — healthcare work experience, volunteer hours, and certifications — account for 31%. An essay or personal statement accounts for the remaining 14%. The HSRT minimum at Anoka-Ramsey is 74, but the competitive average among admitted students is significantly higher. Applications are reviewed each semester, and the program fills quickly — typically within days of the application window opening.

For the TEAS, Minnesota nursing students typically study 6–8 weeks with focused daily preparation. For the HSRT, the timeline is similar but the study approach is fundamentally different — the HSRT tests reasoning skills, not memorized content. HSRT prep requires practicing argument analysis, logical inference, and data interpretation rather than reviewing biology or chemistry. StudyBuddy offers structured HSRT prep including 38 chapters of reasoning skill content and 463 practice questions mapped to the six HSRT domains.

For the TEAS: ATI allows three attempts per 12-month period with a 30-day waiting period. At Minnesota State Mankato, only the first attempt per semester counts — your highest valid score across semesters is used. For the HSRT: Insight Assessment allows retesting, but individual program policies vary. Anoka-Ramsey typically allows one retake per application cycle. Check your specific program's retake policy before registering, as some MN programs have stricter rules than ATI's default policy.

Top nursing programs in Minnesota include the University of Minnesota School of Nursing (BSN, Twin Cities and Rochester), St. Catherine University (BSN, direct-admit pathway), Bethel University, and Anoka-Ramsey Community College — the second-largest nursing program in the state with a 90%+ NCLEX pass rate and among the lowest tuition. For HSRT-required programs, Century College, M State, and Northwest Technical College are strong options. Minnesota State Mankato offers a competitive BSN with multiple intake points per year.

No. The University of Minnesota BSN program uses holistic review — prerequisite GPA, supplemental essays, and experiences. There is no TEAS requirement. Freshman admission is direct-entry on the Twin Cities campus, and transfer admission (about 30 seats per year) is on the Rochester campus. Both are highly competitive.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College — the second-largest nursing program in Minnesota — uses the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) with a minimum score of 74, not the TEAS. Several other Minnesota State system schools also accept the HSRT. Check each program's requirements carefully.

Most MN rad tech programs — including Century College, M State, and Lake Superior College — use GPA-based point systems rather than strict TEAS minimums. Mayo Clinic's radiography program in Rochester requires prerequisite coursework through affiliated schools and does not use the TEAS. Aim for 72%+ to be competitive at most community college programs.