Explore TEAS Testing Tips
Live From South College – Episode 31
Every nursing journey has a beginning — and for many students, that beginning starts with the TEAS exam.
In this episode of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham sits down with nursing leaders from two of South College’s most active campuses to demystify the TEAS, calm test-day anxiety, and remind potential future nurses that one exam does not define their potential. From Knoxville to Atlanta, the message is clear: preparation, support, and belief in yourself matter far more than perfection.
Understanding the TEAS: What It Is — and What It Isn’t
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is designed to assess a student’s readiness for the academic rigor of nursing school. According to Dr. Lisa Homa, Associate Dean of Nursing for South College Knoxville, the TEAS evaluates foundational skills that directly support success in nursing coursework such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical reasoning.
The exam consists of:
- 170 total questions
- Four content areas: Reading, Math, Science, and English Language Usage
- A 3.5-hour testing window, including a short break
Science carries the greatest weight, covering anatomy and physiology, life science, physical science, and scientific reasoning — all areas students will encounter early in their nursing education.
But one of the most important clarifications shared in the episode is this: the TEAS is not a pass/fail test. Each nursing program sets a benchmark score aligned with readiness expectations, not perfection.
Preparing Without Panic
Test anxiety is real — even for seasoned professionals.
Both Dr. Homa and Shelly Shempert, NP, Assistant Dean of Nursing for the Knoxville campus, emphasize that preparation should begin weeks, not days, before test day. Their advice mirrors what students will later hear about NCLEX preparation: consistency beats cramming.
Key preparation strategies include:
- Short, consistent study sessions over six weeks
- Strengthening weaker subject areas first
- Using free and paid practice tools available through ATI and other platforms
- Practicing test-taking strategies, not just content review
“Balance matters more than perfection,” Shempert explains. “And remember — you are not alone.”
South College offers tutoring, academic support, and structured guidance to help students prepare with confidence rather than fear.
Scores, Retakes, and What Happens Next
One of the most student-friendly aspects highlighted in the conversation is that South College covers the cost of the first TEAS attempt — a meaningful benefit for applicants navigating multiple expenses during the admissions process.
Students receive their scores immediately after completing the exam, along with a detailed performance report through ATI. From there:
- Students who meet the benchmark move forward in the admissions process
- Students who fall short are encouraged to regroup, review weak areas, and retest after a required two-week waiting period
“Needing another attempt does not mean you can’t be a nurse,” Dr. Homa stresses. “It means you’re still building your foundation.”
Does the TEAS Predict Nursing Success?
In short: no — not by itself.
While the TEAS measures academic readiness, nursing success is built on qualities the exam cannot quantify: resilience, compassion, critical thinking, and persistence. The leaders share real-world examples of students with average TEAS scores who went on to become exceptional nurses because they were coachable, committed, and willing to grow.
“The TEAS is a checkpoint,” Shempert explains. “Not a verdict.”
Test Day Logistics: What to Expect
Students should arrive prepared with:
- Government-issued photo ID
- ATI login credentials (set up in advance)
- A fully charged laptop and power cord
Cell phones, smartwatches and glasses, notes, and unauthorized materials are strictly prohibited. Proctors provide scratch paper and pencils, ensuring a secure and standardized testing environment.
From Entrance Exams to Lifelong Careers
As the episode unfolds, the conversation becomes deeply personal. Both Dr. Homa and Shempert reflect on their own entrance exams — taken long before online practice tools and digital testing — and the nerves, hope, and uncertainty that came with them.
Their reflections reinforce a central theme of the episode: showing up matters.
Sometimes success begins not with confidence, but with courage.
A Look South: Atlanta Nursing and the Power of Elevation
The episode continues with a visit to South College Atlanta, where Dr. Abi Eloy, Associate Dean of Nursing, and Dr. Roshni Alexander, Assistant Dean of Nursing, share how one of South College’s largest nursing campuses are supporting students at scale — without losing the human connection.
Atlanta nursing students frequently describe their experience with one word: elevate.
That elevation comes from:
- Expanded academic support teams
- Strong clinical partnerships across the Atlanta metro area
- A culture rooted in preparation, professionalism, and compassion
With approximately 150 nursing graduates each quarter, Atlanta plays a pivotal role in meeting regional healthcare workforce needs.
The Common Thread: Support, Not Perfection
Across campuses, programs, and leadership roles, one message remains consistent:
No one succeeds in nursing alone.
From TEAS preparation to NCLEX readiness and beyond, South College emphasizes community, mentorship, and growth — meeting students where they are and helping them move forward with purpose.
As Kathleen Stockham reminds listeners, “Believe in yourself. Never settle for anything less than your best.”