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Computer Requirements

All students admitted to our programs must meet these requirements for computer hardware and software.

Acceptable Devices

The following devices are acceptable for completing coursework in this program.

YES NO
Windows 10 laptop or desktop computer.
Some Microsoft Surface devices are acceptable if they meet the hardware/software requirements indicated on this page.
Windows 7 laptop or desktop.
Macintosh or Apple laptop or desktop computer. iPad or Android-based tablet devices (any model).
iPhone (any model).
Android smartphone (any model).
Google Chromebook (any model).
Linux-based computers.

Software Specifications

Type Product Availability
Office Microsoft Office 365 Free to enrolled students; KU Medical Center provides the licenses to Microsoft Office 365 allowing students to activate the Office Suite on up to five computers. To install the Office Suite on a personally owned computer, visit office365.kumc.edu and log in with a KU Medical Center username and password. Download the installation files by clicking the Install Office apps button in the upper right corner of the screen. Once installed, follow the prompt to activate the software using a KU Medical Center username and password to authenticate.
Security Antivirus Any paid reputable antivirus application (e.g. Norton, McAfee, etc..); Free options include the antivirus program installed with Windows 10 or download and install Avast for Windows.
Firewall Free, Windows built-in firewall (check to ensure the firewall is enabled)
Antispyware MalwareBytes (free version scans on-demand, paid version catches live)
Browsers Various Free; Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge
PDF PDF Reader Free; Adobe Acrobat Reader
Media Players General/audio Free; Windows Media Player
Flash Free; Adobe Flash Player
Video Free; VLC, videolan.org

Windows-based (PC) System Hardware

Hardware Component Minimum Recommended
Processor Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen R5 Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen R7
Style Laptop Laptop
Protective Case N/A Device compatible case or backpack
RAM 8 GB 16 GB
Hard Disk 256 GB or higher 512 GB or higher
Display 1920 x 1080 (HD) 1920 x 1080 (HD)
Networking Wireless 802.11 b/g/n Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac; Wired ethernet port
Warranty 1-year warranty 2-4 year warranty
Operating System Windows 10 Home Edition Windows 10 Home Edition
Data Backup OneDrive (Microsoft Cloud Storage) * OneDrive (Microsoft Cloud Storage) *
Remote Video Class/ Work Microphone and camera (standard on most laptops) Wireless Bluetooth microphone and camera headset

* Included in Office 365, see software section.

Apple/Mac Hardware

Hardware Component Minimum Recommended
Processor Intel Core i5 Intel Core i7
Style Laptop Laptop
Laptop Protective Case Carrying case or backpack Carrying case or backpack
RAM 8 GB 16 GB
Hard Disk 256 GB or higher 512 GB or higher
Display Non-Retina / Retina Non-Retina / Retina
Networking Wireless 802.11 b/g/n Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac and Wired ethernet port adapter
Warranty 1-year warranty 2-4 year warranty
Operating System Mac OS 10 (OSX 10.13 or higher) Mac OS 10 (OSX 10.15 or higher)

Technology Funding

Students may explore possible options for financial support in purchasing a computer for learning by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Technology-rich Curriculum

Academic programs in the KU School of Health Professions utilize a technology-rich curriculum. The following recommendations are made with student success in mind. Please contact the department with questions about a specific device meeting the program's requirements.

All students are responsible for having a working device that meets the minimum requirements listed below. Please use this guide to help in making decisions regarding the purchase of a computer and software for study. High-speed broadband internet service is recommended.

Program curriculum incorporates the following tasks:

  • Accessing and downloading course files (e.g., documents, presentations, videos, etc.).
  • Uploading assignment files (e.g., documents, presentations, videos, etc.).
  • Taking quizzes and exams.
  • Posting to discussion boards.
  • Accessing resources through different browsers.
  • Taking notes/annotating resources.
  • Presenting student-created files/media through a data projector. Lecture halls and classrooms on campus are equipped with Windows computers for use by presenters.
  • Use of a functioning microphone and camera.
  • Course- or program-related meetings using applications requiring audio and video (e.g. BlackBoard Collaborate, Zoom, etc.).
  • Live Blackboard Collaborate sessions.
  • Use of online learning resources outside of KU Medical Center.
  • High-speed access to the internet.
  • Use of Microsoft Office 365 (see software section below).

Maintaining Back-ups

It is the student's responsibility to maintain a backup of all work. Use of an online backup service (e.g., OneDrive included with Office 365) or, at a minimum, utilizing an external hard drive, is strongly recommended.

Technology Support

Students can receive support for basic computing issues related to their academic work from Customer Support. Appointments are available in G110 Delp. The support desk may also be reached by phone at 913-945-9999 option 2, or at the Information Resources website (711 TTY).

Related Policies

The nature of health care training and education requires access to private and personal health and other personal protected information. Student personal computers and devices must comply with KU Medical Center's policy on confidentiality, privacy and security of data in addition to the policy on sensitive information.

KU School of Health Professions

Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training
University of Kansas Medical Center
Mail Stop 2002
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160
ptrsat@kumc.edu

913-588-6799