Computer Requirements
All students admitted to our bachelor's degree programs (on campus and online degree completion programs) must meet these requirements for computer hardware and software.
Microsoft laptop is required.
Students in KU's health information management degree program are required to have a Microsoft Windows-based (PC) laptop running Windows 10 or later. There are no exceptions made to this requirement. A one-time financial aid adjustment is available to help with the purchase of a new Windows laptop; please see below.
Why not Macs?
Mac/Apple laptops or other devices are not compatible with most health information management or health care industry software. As a result, Mac/Apple devices do not meet the requirement for students in this academic program. Once our students enter the workforce, they are expected to be highly proficient with the Microsoft Windows environment.
Common devices to avoid.
The following do not meet the requirements our program and may not be used to complete coursework and training:
- Macintosh or Apple laptop or desktop computer.
- Windows 7 laptop or desktop.
- iPad or Android-based tablet devices (any model).
- iPhone (any model).
- Android smartphone (any model).
- Google Chromebook (any model).
- Microsoft Surface (any model).
- Linux-based computers.
Questions? Please contact the program at 913-588-2423 (711 TTY) or him@kumc.edu.
Financial Assistance
The Office of Student Financial Aid at KU Medical Center is available to assist students and help find resources to obtain the equipment necessary for the health information management program.
Please contact a financial aid representative at 913-588-5170 (711 TTY) or at financialaid@kumc.edu and tell them you would like to obtain a loan to purchase a computer (or other academically related technology).
Hardware Specifications
|
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 | 16 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 below.
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 Reader | Free; Adobe Acrobat Reader | |
| Media Players | General/audio | Free; Windows Media Player |
| Flash | Free; Adobe Flash Player | |
| Video | Free; VLC, videolan.org |
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.
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 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 above).
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 Technology 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.