Do Sonography and Nursing Programs Require Entrance Exams?

Yes, many sonography and nursing programs require an entrance exam. At Smith Chason College, the entrance exam you may need depends on the program you choose, the degree level you are pursuing, and the admissions requirements for that program.

If you are getting ready to apply to a sonography or nursing program, knowing what to expect can help you move forward with confidence. One of the most common questions prospective students have is whether an entrance exam will be part of the admissions process. Here, we break down how entrance exams apply to sonography and nursing applicants at Smith Chason College so you can understand your next steps and start preparing.

Why Do Sonography and Nursing Programs Require Entrance Exams?

Sonography and nursing programs require entrance exams because they prepare students for detailed, hands-on fields where academic readiness matters. As a student, you may study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, patient care, medical terminology, imaging concepts, clinical procedures, and professional communication.

Entrance exams help colleges evaluate whether applicants have the foundational academic skills needed to begin a program. While an entrance exam is only one part of the admissions process, it can help determine whether you are prepared for the reading, math, reasoning, and healthcare-focused coursework you may encounter.

For you, the exam can also provide valuable clarity. It gives you a better understanding of the academic skills you may be expected to bring into your program and helps you see what to focus on as you prepare for this next step.

Do Sonography Programs Require Entrance Exams?

Yes. At Smith Chason College, sonography applicants may be required to take an entrance exam as part of the admissions process.

The Wonderlic Entrance Exam evaluates foundational academic skills such as reading, vocabulary, English, basic math, problem solving, and reasoning. Knowing what the exam evaluates gives you a clearer starting point as you prepare.

The current school catalog lists a minimum Wonderlic entrance exam score of 25 for several associate-level and certificate-level programs, including the AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AAS in Cardiovascular Sonography, and other listed medical imaging programs.

Bachelor’s-level sonography applicants have a different testing requirement. The catalog lists the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test for Bachelor of Science applicants in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography, and Pediatric and Adult Echocardiography programs. The listed minimum scores are 325 verbal and 315 quantitative.

Wonderlic scores are valid for one year from the date of the test. Applicants who change from an associate-level program to a bachelor’s-level program must take the Bachelor of Science Wonderlic Basic Skills Test, even if they previously passed the entrance exam for an associate-level program.

Because requirements can vary by program, term, or applicant status, your admissions advisor is an important resource. They can confirm exactly which exam applies to the sonography program you are interested in and help you understand what comes next.

Do Nursing Programs Require Entrance Exams?

Yes. Nursing programs commonly include an entrance exam because students need a strong academic foundation before beginning nursing coursework and clinical preparation.

At Smith Chason College, applicants to the Associate Degree in Nursing program must achieve a minimum adjusted individual score of 65 on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills, also known as the TEAS.

The nursing admissions process includes more than the TEAS exam. ADN applicants must also meet program-specific requirements such as completing the application for admission, submitting proof of high school graduation or equivalent, completing a Letter of Intent, interviewing with the Nursing Program Director or designee, and meeting additional clinical readiness requirements listed by the College.

The catalog specifies that the Letter of Intent is a 500-word essay. ADN entrance requirements also include a cleared criminal background check and proof of current Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association for Health Care Providers.

That is why reviewing the full admissions process early can make such a difference. Passing the entrance exam is an important milestone, but being prepared for the other required admissions steps can help you keep moving forward with a clear plan.

What Is the Difference Between the Wonderlic and the TEAS?

The Wonderlic and the ATI TEAS are different entrance exams used for different programs at Smith Chason College. Many sonography and medical imaging applicants take a Wonderlic assessment, while Associate Degree in Nursing applicants take the ATI TEAS exam. Depending on the program level, sonography applicants may take the Wonderlic Entrance Exam or the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test.

The important difference for applicants is that each exam is connected to specific program requirements. That means the score you need and the preparation you complete should be based on the program and degree level you are pursuing.

This distinction matters when you begin preparing. If you are applying to a sonography program, do not assume you need the same exam as a nursing applicant. If you are applying to nursing, your testing requirements will be different from those of many sonography applicants. Knowing which exam applies to you lets you focus your time and preparation where it matters.

Entrance Exams by Program Type

In short, associate-level sonography and select medical imaging applicants take the Wonderlic Entrance Exam, bachelor’s-level sonography applicants take the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test, and Associate Degree in Nursing applicants take the ATI TEAS.

What Else Should Applicants Know?

Entrance exams are one part of the admissions process, not the entire process.

Most applicants should expect to provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent, submit identification, complete required admissions forms, and meet the College’s general entrance requirements. Depending on your program, additional steps may include interviews, documentation, background checks, health requirements, or clinical readiness items.

The College’s general admissions process also includes an appointment with an Admissions Representative for an interview and campus tour, as well as an Online Preparedness Questionnaire used to confirm that students meet the technology minimums for online coursework.

For nursing applicants, these additional requirements are especially important because clinical participation may require documentation such as health forms, immunization records, background checks, drug screenings, fingerprinting, Basic Life Support certification, and other items listed in the catalog.

For sonography applicants, requirements may vary by degree level and program type. Students applying to specialized programs may need to complete additional entrance requirements beyond the general admissions process.

The best approach is to start asking questions early. When you know what is required, you can build your timeline, gather your documents, prepare for your exam, and approach each step with greater confidence.

How Do You Find Out Which Entrance Exam You Need?

The easiest way to confirm your entrance exam is to speak with an admissions advisor. They can help you identify your program, review current admissions requirements, explain which exam applies to you, and guide you through your next steps.

This is also your opportunity to ask questions. Find out about the testing format, required score, retake policies, preparation resources, and any program-specific admissions requirements you need to complete.

Timing can matter, especially for Wonderlic applicants. Wonderlic scores are valid for one year, and applicants who do not pass their first attempt must follow the College’s current retake process, which includes required Entrance Prep before the second attempt and in-person testing for subsequent attempts after the first failed attempt.

Connecting with Admissions can be especially helpful if you are still exploring your options. If you are comparing sonography and nursing, for example, understanding the different entrance exam requirements can help you see what the admissions process looks like for each path.

Take the Next Step With Clarity

Choosing a healthcare program is an exciting decision, and understanding your entrance exam requirements can help you approach that decision prepared and ready for what comes next.

If you are interested in sonography, you may need to take a Wonderlic assessment depending on your program and degree level. If you are interested in the Associate Degree in Nursing program, you will need to meet the ATI TEAS requirement and complete the additional nursing admissions steps.

At Smith Chason College, you do not have to figure out the admissions process on your own. Our team is here to help you understand which exam applies to your program, what score may be required, what documents you need, and what steps come next.

Your healthcare education journey starts with knowing your path. Get the information you need, prepare with purpose, and take your next step with confidence.

FAQ: Sonography and Nursing Entrance Exams

Do all sonography programs require entrance exams?

Many sonography programs require an entrance exam. At Smith Chason College, sonography entrance exam requirements depend on the program and degree level.

What entrance exam do sonography applicants take at Smith Chason College?

Associate-level sonography applicants may take the Wonderlic entrance exam. Bachelor ’s-level sonography applicants may take the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test.

What entrance exam do nursing applicants take at Smith Chason College?

Associate Degree in Nursing applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 on the ATI TEAS.

Are Wonderlic and TEAS the same exam?

No. Wonderlic assessments and the ATI TEAS are different exams. At Smith Chason College, the exam you take depends on the program you are applying to.

Who can tell me which entrance exam I need?

Your admissions advisor can confirm the current entrance exam requirement for your program, campus, and start term.