Associate in Science

Associate in Science in Nursing Degree Program 

 

Choose Degree Program for More Information and How to Apply:

Associate in Science in Nursing—Generic Option 
Associate in Science in Nursing—Transition Option

  1. The Assessment Technologies Institute Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) and Admission Requirements

    The  Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) is an admission requirement for the Polk State Associate in Science (AS) in Nursing Program (i.e., both the Generic and Transition options). This is true even if the student already has a prior degree. The following provides information about the ATI TEAS:

      • The ATI TEAS is a computerized exam assessing a student’s ability and knowledge in reading, English conventions and language, mathematics, and science.
      • The ATI TEAS must be taken in a proctored environment at an educational institution that offers the test. No online proctored test is accepted. ​At Polk State College, the exam is offered at the Winter Haven and Lakeland Campus testing centers (TLCC) at various times during each term.
      • A student may take the exam up to three times a year, with the initial attempt serving as the start of the year. There must be at least 30 days between any two attempts. 
        • Note: The attempt restrictions apply even if the test is taken at a location other than Polk State College.
    • The test can take up to 4.5 hours to complete.
    • At Polk State College, the current cost per in-person exam attempt is $90. Testing fees are non-refundable. Other institutions may charge different testing fees. It is important to check the policies at any institution prior to testing. If a student tests at a different institution, he or she must request that the ATI send the score to Polk State College.
      • Financial aid does not cover the cost of the ATI TEAS.
      • To be considered for entrance to the AS in Nursing Program, the minimum overall composite score needed is 70; however, a score of 70 may not be competitive for admission, as many applicants score higher. Most accepted students have a score in the high 70s or above.
      • Some testing centers give the ATI TEAS in parts; however, there is no way for the ATI to compute a composite score unless all parts of the test are taken at the same time. For this reason, a student must take all parts at the same time for the test score to be acceptable to Polk State. This rule applies to initial testing, as well as any repeat attempts.

      TEST PREPARATION FOR THE ATI TEAS

      The ATI TEAS Manual and online practice resources are available for purchase from the Assessment Technologies Institute (www.atitesting.com). Self-paced, interactive, online tutorial assistance is also available for purchase (www.mometrix.com), and Polk State students are able to get a 50 percent discount by using the code: POLK-50-OFF.

      The study manual can also be purchased at a Polk State College bookstore. A prospective program student is encouraged to prepare for the test using the aforementioned resources, rather than just attempting to take the test blindly without preparation (thus potentially requiring more attempts and an elongated pathway to program application). During preparation, it is important to ensure that the materials used are for the current version of the test, which may be designated as the ATI TEAS or TEAS-6.

      REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR THE ATI TEAS

      To test at Polk State College, the student must register through the College’s Continuing Education webpage (registration page). This involves the following steps:

      • Select “Testing” from the left-hand menu on the Polk State College Continuing Education webpage, then select “Testing” again from the drop-down menu that appears.
      • Choose the TEAS from the testing options listed.
      • Choose the date and time preferred and then click “Add to Cart.”
      • Note: All available dates and times appear on one or more pages in this area.
      • The webpage prompts the creation of a login. At this point, the student must follow the webpage instructions to create an account and pay for the test.

      To register, the student must first visit the ATI website and follow these steps to create an account (www.atitesting.com):

      • Select the option to “Create an Account” (top right link on the ATI website).

      Note: The student cannot select “Register for TEAS” or he or she is then instructed to choose a test site elsewhere.

      • Complete all items in blue, including the Polk State College Student ID number. It is essential to include this information to enable the College to post the score to the academic record.
      • Uncheck the “Non-degree” box and enter the expected graduation date calculated based on program acceptance for the expected semester of application.
      • Make note of the user name and password created. These items are needed on the testing day.

      Note: Questions related to ATI TEAS testing and scheduling can be addressed through the Winter Haven Campus TLCC (863.292.3674 or WHTLCCtesting@391774.com).

      If a student registers for the test but decides not to take it when scheduled, he or she MUST email the TLCC Testing Manager, Debi Immel (dimmel@391774.com), before the time of the scheduled test to avoid financial liability.

      If a student is hoping to pursue an AS in Nursing degree at Polk State College, he or she must follow specific directions to create a Polk State account to gain admission to the College (http://yi83.391774.com/admission-aid/admissionsteps/). Creating a Polk State student account enables the College to post ATI TEAS scores to the Polk State academic record. This saves the student an extra fee that would otherwise be incurred by needing to have TEAS records sent to Polk State College.

      It is important to be aware that if the student tests at a location other than Polk State College, the testing results are sent to that facility. The student cannot print the results to turn in to Polk State College. Additionally, the College cannot accept results posted to a transcript from another institution. In such a case, the student must contact the ATI and request that an official transcript of the scores to be sent to Polk State College. The ATI charges a fee for this service, after which, it sends the scores electronically (most commonly on the same day of the request). The ATI also sends the student an email of the results; Polk State requests that the student save this email as a record until the scores are posted to the Polk State academic record.

      If the student is requesting that scores to be sent to Polk State College, he or she must have previously applied to the College in order to create a Polk State College academic record and Student ID number for the results to be posted. If a student requests scores and does not see them posted to the Polk State academic record, he or she must contact the Nursing Program Director. It is possible that the score report has been received, but not enough identifying information exists to place the results into the correct student record.

      Effective August 31, 2016, Polk State College uses the ATI TEAS for application and entrance to the program. Any student who applies for admission on or after the May 2017 application period is required to present satisfactory scores from this version of the test.

      In the event of a technical problem during testing, the student has the option of waiting to see if the technical issue can be resolved in a reasonable time period or if the test must be discontinued (i.e., as determined by the test administrator). If a student continues with testing after resolution of a technical issue, the testing attempt counts and the score earned is posted to the academic record. If the technical issue cannot be resolved and it is necessary to discontinue testing, the test attempt does not count and rescheduling is arranged for the student.