Hardware Requirements
Information Technology Hardware and Software Minimum Requirements:
All students must have a device capable of meeting the educational requirements of their college. Northwestern Health Sciences University is a “BYOD” and does not issue students devices therefore, please keep in mind the following when selecting a device.
The College of Chiropractic requires a Laptop and Tablet, or a Tablet Computer. The tablet computers must be smaller than 14” and have a removable or foldable keyboard so it can be held in one hand. Examples include: iPad, MicroSoft Surface, Lenovo’s Miix, Yoga or X1, and Dell Inspirion, latitude or 2-in-1 series.
The College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the College of Health and Wellness require a Laptop or Tablet Computer.
Tablets or Tablet Computers are beneficial for the following reasons:
- You will be downloading pdf notes and interacting with them – annotating images, jotting down questions, etc.
- Especially for image-intense classes (Gross Anatomy, Spine & Pelvis and the entire Radiology curriculum), a tablet will allow you to see much better detail than paper notes can display.
- Electronic versions of certain textbooks are available, which lighten your backpack and are easy to use – highlight text, search, bookmark, etc.
- Video capability of tablets will be beneficial to critique yourself while learning manipulation.
- There are numerous free or low-cost apps that help you learn and study, such as flash cards, 3-D anatomy modules, quiz programs, pathology files.
- Your device may be used with Audience Response Systems, e.g. Kahoot, for formative assessments.
*Note: Testing software, ExamSoft, does not support tablet devices other than the Microsoft Surface Pro and iPad.
| Minimum Requirement | Recommended | |
| Hardware | PC 2.0 GHz Intel or comparable AMD processor 4GB RAM 156 GB or larger Hard drive with 30GB of free storage space Webcam capable to record assignments as needed |
PC Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. Select the newest generation available. 256 GB RAM or larger SSD with 30GB of free storage space Graphics upgrade Headset |
| Mac Intel processor 4GB RAM 30GB of free storage space |
Mac 256 GB or larger SSD 30GB of free storage space Graphics upgrade Webcam and Headset |
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| iPad iPad 5+, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2+, iPad Pro 30GB of free storage space |
iPad iPad 5+, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2+, iPad Pro 30GB of free storage space |
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| Operating System | PC 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows 10 |
PC 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows 10 |
| Mac OS X 10.13 (High Sierra), OS X 10.14 (Mojave), or macOS Catalina (10.15 |
Mac OS X 10.13 (High Sierra), OS X 10.14 (Mojave), or macOS Catalina (10.15 |
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| iPad iOS 11, iOS 12, and iPadOS 13 |
iPad iOS 11, iOS 12, and iPadOS 13 |
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| Software & Apps | NWHSU provides Office 365 ProPlus. Includes Office 2016 desktop versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote, Publisher, (PC only) and Access (PC only). Cell phone is also required for Multi-factor authentication.
Adobe – Students can get free access |
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| Internet & Security | PC & Mac Security software Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox |
PC & Mac Security software Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox |
| Warranty | None | 3 years parts and labor with on-site or in-store support |
*Note: Testing software, ExamSoft, does not support tablet devices other than Surface
Financial Aid
To find out if you are eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of your tablet computer, contact the Financial Aid Office. If you are eligible, you will submit a student loan budget adjustment request, along with your tablet receipt, to have your student loan amount increased to cover the cost of the device.
Select student discounts available:
Lenovo student discounts
Dell student offer
Mac or iPad with Apple education pricing
Microsoft education pricing