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 read all minimum requirements below when selecting a device.

Updated: July 2025

Recommended Hardware Specifications for Student Devices (BYOD)

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. It’s a policy or practice that allows (or requires) students to bring and use their personal laptops, tablets, or smartphones for school purposes.
In a school or campus setting, BYOD means students are expected to bring their own device for:

• Attending class
• Completing assignments
• Accessing course materials
• Participating in virtual learning or communication platforms

Key Benefits of BYOD:

• Flexibility: Students can use a device they are already comfortable with.
• Cost Savings for Schools: Reduces the need for institution-supplied hardware.
• Personalization: Students can customize their devices to support their learning style.

Required Hardware Specifications of each Academic Program:

• The College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and College of Health and Wellness requires a laptop or tablet computer and must meet the minimum hardware requirements.
• The College of Chiropractic requires students to have both a laptop and a tablet. However, only one of the two devices must meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Important Details of Tablets of Tablet Computers for the Chiropractic Program:

• If you choose a tablet that does not meet the minimum hardware requirements, please be aware that certain applications may not function properly. In those cases, you will need to use a laptop that does meet the requirements to complete course objectives.
• A Microsoft Surface Pro or Microsoft Surface Go qualifies as a tablet computer only if it meets the requirements and can serve both functions of a laptop and tablet. The tablet device must be smaller than 14 inches and have a removable or foldable keyboard, allowing it to be held in one hand.
• 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, and pathology files.
• Your device may be used with Audience Response Systems, e.g. Kahoot, for formative assessments.

Important for all students:

For a successful BYOD program, it’s critical that personal devices meet minimum hardware and software standards, are secure, and can connect reliably to school systems (like Wi-Fi, learning platforms, and productivity tools).

• All NWHSU Students must have a mobile device that is accessible and can install the Microsoft Authenticator App.
• Testing software such as ExamSoft and Safe Exam Browser will not run on Chromebooks, Android, or Linux operating systems.
• Testing software, such as ExamSoft and Safe Exam Browser does not support tablet devices other than the Microsoft Surface Pro or newer and iPad versions listed below.

Device Must-Haves

• Device must be supported by the manufacturer and able to receive security updates
• Device should support modern browsers (Edge, Google, Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
• Device should be able to install the required software, including:
  • Device minimum specifications (listed below)
  • Microsoft Office/Teams
  • Testing Software
  • Antivirus or endpoint protection
  • Any required software in the course syllabus

Devices That May NOT Be Supported

We DO NOT recommend the following for academic work:

• Devices older than 5 years
• Devices that no longer receive security updates
• Netbooks or low-cost Chromebooks with limited memory or storage
• Android-only or Kindle Fire tablets

Students are responsible for maintaining their own devices, including updates, security, and data backups, as the IT Help Desk provides limited support and is not liable for damage or data loss on non-university-owned equipment.

To ensure a smooth academic experience, your device should meet or exceed the following minimum specifications. These specs will allow you to access core tools like learning management systems (LMS), web-based assignments, and video conferencing.

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 receipt, to have your student loan amount increased to cover the cost of the device.

NWHSU IT Help Desk Support

While we do not provide hardware repair, our Help Desk can offer guidance and assist with:

• Network connectivity
• Software installation
• Application Access
• General IT questions
• Troubleshooting issues

When you have specific device issues, it is highly recommended to bring your device to the Tech Center in Room 25 (below the cafeteria) or to share specific information about the issue. (such as error messages, screenshots, or date/time/device/account/browser information).

If there are any other questions, action, or requests needed from the IT Department:

• Call us  952-214-0840
• Email us it@nwhealth.edu (to create a ticket)
• Click below to access the IT department website:
  • Information Technology | Northwestern Health Sciences University