The Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston requires all students to have a personal laptop computer. This is necessary for taking exams, accessing educational and reference materials, and communicating via email with faculty, staff, and fellow students. Students are responsible for maintaining their own computers, including ensuring they have the recommended software and hardware components.
Windows and Mac laptops are fully supported.
Tablets, Chromebooks, and virtual machines are NOT supported.
Student computers should be no older than 2 years at the time of orientation.
Prohibited Technologies
All student laptops must comply with the State of Texas Prohibited Technology policy. Devices may not contain any software, equipment, or components from vendors listed under the state’s prohibited technology ban. Review the list of prohibited technologies.
Minimum Computer Hardware Specifications
All laptops
|
Requirement |
Specification |
|
Screen Size & Resolution |
13” or larger, 1024 × 768 or higher |
|
Storage |
At least 256GB SSD |
|
Wireless Connectivity |
At least 802.11ac or better |
|
Audio/Video |
Integrated webcam and microphone required |
|
Internet (Home) |
Download: 20+ Mbps / Upload: 3–5+ Mbps |
|
Accessories |
3M privacy screen is required for all onsite exams |
Specific Operating System and Hardware Requirements
|
Specification |
Windows PC |
Mac |
|
Operating System |
Windows 11 (Education or Pro) |
macOS Tahoe (26.4.1) |
|
RAM |
At least 16GB |
At least 16GB |
|
Processor |
Intel or AMD 64-bit processor |
Apple Silicon (M-series) |
|
Active Encryption |
BitLocker |
FileVault |
|
Antivirus |
Windows Defender (included with Windows 11) |
Not required |
Software
-
- Full disk encryption (BitLocker or FileVault) is required
- Microsoft Office (office.com)
- Fully updated copy of Adobe Reader
- Google Chrome and/or Mozilla Firefox
- Discounted software available at https://uthealth.onthehub.com/
Students are responsible for ensuring their devices remain functional and compliant for all academic activities, including exams.
Internet Access at Cizik School of Nursing
On campus, wireless Internet access is provided in common areas and in all classrooms. Desktop computers are available for use in the Student Computer Labs located on the third floor.
Ongoing Requirements
Technology standards evolve over time. These requirements may be updated as needed to ensure compatibility with academic and security needs. We make every effort to minimize the impact of changes in this requirement on our students.
