The Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) is a 50-minute, 35-question, multiple-choice online exam designed to measure critical thinking skills that requires you to read information and respond to questions based on the reading. All information needed to answer the questions is in the reading, so there is no need for healthcare background information.
About HSRT Testing at Anoka-Ramsey
The HSRT can only be taken at Anoka-Ramsey once per application cycle and test scores are valid for two years. Students are responsible for any additional charges. Students applying to the Nursing and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) programs at Anoka-Ramsey must test through the college. The highest score on the HSRT is used for admission into the program within two years of the nursing application deadline for which student is applying.
Applicants will list the date the HSRT was taken at the college and the score on the nursing application; nursing applicants with scores below 74 are not eligible to apply. PTA applicants do not have a minimum score requirement.
Students applying to programs at another institution should check with their institution for program requirements. Scores for HSRT tests taken at other colleges or institutions will not transfer to Anoka-Ramsey
Program Guidelines and Testing Availability
For more details on HSRT testing guidelines, refer to program application information at the links below:
Nursing admission details
PTA admission details
HSRT Testing is open two months prior to the start of the respective nursing application cycles and through the month-long application period: Nursing, November 1 - February 1 for fall application and April 1 - July 1 for spring application. PTA, application cycle February 1st - February 28.
Testing Dates by Major:
Nursing, Spring Application Cycle
April 1st - April 24th
May 14th - July 1st
Appointments for the PTA program will be available in November 2026.
Schedule HSRT Appointment
HSRT Testing must be scheduled 72 hours in advance.
There is a $32 application fee payable when scheduling in RegisterBlast. Testing Accommodations must be approved by the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) prior to scheduling the exam.
Schedule Appointment, Cambridge
Schedule Appointment, Coon Rapids
Day of Test Checklist
- Confirm your testing location, Cambridge or Coon Rapids campus
- A current and valid photo ID is required
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment
- You are allowed to have a simple calculator and one piece of scratch paper for the test (no scientific, phone, or watch calculators allowed)
HSRT Prep Resources
YouTube Tutorial Videos
How to Pass Critical Thinking Assessment Test - Questions and Answers with Solutions
How to Pass Critical Thinking Assessment Test - Questions and Answers with Solutions
How to Pass Critical Thinking Assessment Exam - Questions and Answers with Solutions
Critical Thinking Test - Answers to Sample Questions
Critical Thinking Test - Types of Question
Critical Thinking Test - Tips
Free Online Critical Thinking Resources
Critical Thinking Test
Critical Thinking Tests - Aptitude Test
Critical Thinking Test Practice
Critical Thinking Practice Test - iPrep
Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test
Critical Thinking Test - Test Partnership
