Nursing School Device Requirements Checklist
A printable checklist for nursing students and parents before buying a laptop, iPad, tablet, or Chromebook. Use it to ask the school the right questions before money leaves your account.
Source data: our 25-program nursing laptop requirements survey.
Free: The Nursing School Tech Setup Checklist (PDF)
The print-ready checklist with scannable QR codes — everything to set up before day one so tech never costs you a grade. Enter your email and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Ask the school, not the internet.
The safest nursing-school device is the one your program will support when an exam is due. Use this checklist before buying a budget laptop, iPad, or Chromebook.
Confirm the required computer
Ask whether a laptop is mandatory, which operating systems are approved, and whether Mac is acceptable.
Test secure software early
Ask about ATI, HESI, Kaplan, Respondus, Proctorio, LockDown Browser, webcam, microphone, and browser-extension rules.
Do not assume Chromebook or iPad-only
A device can work for notes and still fail the exam workflow. Confirm before buying.
Device questions to answer before purchase.
Use your browser’s print or save-as-PDF option if you want a copy. Bring the questions to orientation, your advisor, or the program technology office.
Is a laptop required?
Write down whether the program requires a laptop, recommends one, or allows school lab computers only for some tasks.
Which operating systems are approved?
Confirm Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iPadOS, and version requirements in writing if possible.
Are Chromebooks allowed for every exam?
Do not stop at “works for classwork.” Ask about secure exams and proctored testing.
Can an iPad replace the laptop?
Ask whether iPad-only is approved for every required platform, not just notes and ebooks.
Which exam tools are used?
List ATI, HESI, Kaplan, Respondus, Proctorio, LockDown Browser, webcam checks, and any school-specific secure browser.
What are the minimum specs?
Record RAM, storage, webcam, microphone, browser, battery, and update requirements.
When is the first system check?
Run setup before the first high-stakes exam, not the night before.
Who helps if the device fails?
Write down whether school IT supports your device type.
Rule of thumb: buy the exam-safe laptop first. Add an iPad or tablet for notes after the required computer is covered.
Best laptops for nursing students
Use this after you know the school requirements.
Budget laptops for nursing students
If money is tight, stay Windows-first and avoid the Chromebook trap.
iPad vs laptop for nursing school
Understand why iPads are excellent supplements but risky replacements.
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