Technology Requirements

The following are the minimum technology requirements for Georgia Baptist College of Nursing students.

System Age

Three years old or newer

System Requirements

Windows

  • Windows 11 Version 21H2 or higher
  • Processor: Intel i5/i7 or higher / AMD Ryzen R5 or higher (compatible with latest 3 versions of Windows OS)
  • 8 GB (or more) RAM

Mac

  • MAC OS X 12 (Monterey) or higher
  • Processor: Intel Quad Core i5/i7 or Mac M processors
  • 8 GB (or more) RAM

Hard Drive

At least 256 GB of available space

Display

Screen resolution should be 1024 x 768 or higher

Browser

For the best user experience, the following browsers are preferred:

  • Mozilla Firefox, latest version (Windows and Mac)
  • Google Chrome, latest version (Windows and Mac)
  • Safari, latest version (Mac)

Internet Access

A wired and/or wireless network card is required. The minimum high-speed cable connection is 3 Mbps (i.e., high-speed DSL, cable modem), but a 5 Mbps connection is recommended for quicker load times.

Other

The following software and plug-ins are needed:

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader, latest version — required to view documents in your browser
  • Java, latest version — required for several features in Canvas

Program-specific Requirements

Traditional Prelicensure BSN

Students in the traditional prelicensure BSN track are required to have a laptop (PC or Mac) that meets minimum specifications to support learning and evaluation during the program. Students use their laptops for activities that include online testing in the classroom (testing software), virtual simulations (vSim), using an academic electronic health record (documentation software), and working with other software and technology products. Tablets are not supported by the ExamSoft testing package (and other select products) being used by the College of Nursing.

Second Degree Accelerated BSN

Distance learning and hybrid courses are delivered through Zoom and Canvas. High-speed internet access is required for all distance learning students. Some courses will require that students have access to headphones, speakers, microphones, and/or webcams for use in web conferencing programs, such as Zoom. Students in this program are required to have a laptop (PC or Mac) that meets minimum specifications to support learning and evaluation during the program. Students use their laptops for activities that include online testing in the classroom (testing software), virtual simulations (vSim), using an academic electronic health record (documentation software), and working with other software and technology products. Tablets are not supported by the ExamSoft testing package (and other select products) being used by the College of Nursing.

RN to BSN and Other Graduate Courses

Distance learning courses are delivered through Zoom and Canvas. High-speed internet access is required for all distance learning students. Some courses will require that students have access to headphones, speakers, microphones, and/or webcams for use in web conferencing programs, such as Zoom.

Visit the Mercer University Information Technology website for recommended computer and network resources for distance learning.