Texas A&M Health College of Nursing

Device Requirements by Program

All traditional and second-degree BSN students are required to have a laptop for academic and testing purposes. Online students (RN to BSN, certificate and graduate) may use a desktop computer or a laptop since they will complete course work at a distant location.

Compatibility and Support

We do not currently support mobile devices such as iPads, cell phones, etc. for exams. We do not support any computer systems other than Windows or Mac (no Chromebooks, Linux devices, etc.). For questions regarding laptop hardware or software, email nursingacademictech@tamu.edu.

Student Responsibility

At all times, the computer should be capable of running the software below or contain the necessary hardware listed. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer has the required software.

Mac Laptop/Desktop Requirements

  • Operating SystemVentura or newer
  • Hard Drive250 GB hard drive or solid state drive
  • RAM16GB
  • Battery LifeMinimum of 6 hours required. (8 hours recommended)
  • High Speed Internet ConnectionMinimum connection speed of 20 Mbps
  • Ethernet Port(USB, USB-C adapter for ethernet is sufficient)
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Safari Browser(free)
  • Mozilla Firefox Browser(free)
  • Chrome Browser(free)
  • HonorLock Chrome extension(free)
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser(free; will be provided)
  • Microsoft Office 365Once you are registered for classes, you will have free access to Office 365 through the web and the ability to install apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) on up to 5 devices.
  • Zoom(licensed access will be provided)
  • Texas A&M Duo AuthenticationYou will be required to verify your identity using dual authentication on a mobile device.
  • Texas A&M GmailYou will be required to read your Texas A&M Gmail. It is recommended you do this daily and connect to a mobile device so you never miss any critical announcements.
  • Adobe Reader(free)
  • Scanning capabilitiesYou may use a mobile app (such as Microsoft Lens) or visit a store which provides scanning services (such as Fed Ex Office).
  • Webcam
  • Computer microphone
  • Computer headset and/or ear buds

Windows Laptop/Desktop Requirements

  • Operating SystemWindows 11
  • ProcessorIntel Core 2 Duo, i5 or i7 processor
  • Hard Drive250 GB hard drive or solid state drive
  • RAM16GB
  • Battery LifeMinimum of 6 hours required. (8 hours recommended)
  • High Speed Internet ConnectionMinimum connection speed of 20 Mbps
  • Ethernet Port(USB, USB-C adapter for ethernet is sufficient)
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Safari Browser(free)
  • Mozilla Firefox Browser(free)
  • Chrome Browser(free)
  • HonorLock Chrome extension(free)
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser(free; will be provided)
  • Microsoft Office 365Once you are registered for classes, you will have free access to Office 365 through the web and the ability to install apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) on up to 5 devices.
  • Zoom(licensed access will be provided)
  • Texas A&M Duo AuthenticationYou will be required to verify your identity using dual authentication on a mobile device.
  • Texas A&M GmailYou will be required to read your Texas A&M Gmail. It is recommended you do this daily and connect to a mobile device so you never miss any critical announcements.
  • Adobe Reader(free)
  • Scanning capabilitiesYou may use a mobile app (such as Microsoft Lens) or visit a store which provides scanning services (such as Fed Ex Office).
  • Webcam
  • Computer microphone
  • Computer headset and/or ear buds