A TEAS score of 72 is generally considered a solid and competitive score. It indicates good overall comprehension of the tested material in reading, mathematics, science, and English language usage. However, whether it is “good enough” depends almost entirely on the specific nursing or allied health program you are applying to.

Above the National Average: A score of 72 typically falls above the national average, which often hovers in the mid-60s to low 70s percentile range. This puts you ahead of many test-takers.
Program Requirements Vary: Some programs have a minimum admission score as low as 65, while highly competitive programs may require a score in the 80s or 90s. Many programs use the TEAS as a key filtering tool for their applicant pool.
Composite vs. Subject Scores: It’s crucial to check if your program looks at the composite score (the overall 72) or has minimum subtest scores. Even with a 72 composite, a program might require a minimum of 70 in the Science section, for example.

Recommendation: A 72 is a strong foundation. Your next step should be to:

Check Specific Program Requirements: Contact your target schools directly or check their admissions website for their stated TEAS score expectations.
Consider Retaking: If you are applying to competitive programs, retaking the TEAS to aim for a higher score (often 78-90+) can significantly strengthen your application, especially if your GPA or other factors are not exceptional.

For perspective on the nursing career path this exam supports, you can read about the difference in rank and scope between an RN and an LPN.

For an external resource that provides detailed breakdowns of TEAS scoring and program competitiveness, you can explore guides from TestPrep-Online.