ADN program requires laptop purchase?

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Hello!

I have registered at Indian River State College with the hopes of being accepted into their ADN program, and then their BSN program. While reading the total cost breakdown of the ADN program it lists a laptop as part of the fees. So my stepdad already bought me a Dell Inspiron 17R 7110. Two things I am wondering:

The laptop fee is 600 dollars. It does not state whether this is just their estimated cost to you, or whether you are required to purchase it from THEM or not. Of course since I immediately jumped the gun and got the best, biggest laptop I could find for the best price (550), I am very afraid that they may require me to use one sold to me BY THEM. Any input on this would be very valuable.

Also, my main curiosity is - why? I do love technology, but sometimes I just want to open up a three ring binder, take out a nice pen, and write like hell. I'm not aware of the technology programs and such introduced to you in an RN program, so I'm wondering if this is the reason? Any insight?

Thanks!

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I have never heard of a school mandating you buy a specific computer, but who knows? Maybe they want you to have a specific computer with a certain amount of data or ram?? (I'm not a computer person, I'm sure there are better words for this).In my program you "need" a computer. If you don't have one that is up to par, you would probably have to come to campus outside of just going to class. A lot of the textbooks have disks. Some of the disks have reviews and questions we have to do for credit. We have HESI review online. There's a lot of stuff we "need" a computer for, but we don't so much need it for taking notes. There are also case studies online we have to look at. Basically, my guess is- you won't be using it to take notes. Your program may just deliver a lot of instruction online.

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I searched for some answers to my question prior to posting and there was a thread on here from 08 where one student had to pay 1k to her school for a laptop - it HAD to be the one THEY gave her and if she did not complete the program the laptop was repossessed and the money was forfeit. Madness, IMO.

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My school requires a laptop for two reasons (we can purchase any laptop we choose). First and foremost, the Allied Health building is far away from the main campus - so there isn't ready access to the computer lab and more importantly the testing center. We have to take our exams on our own laptops - they are also used in some Labs.

The second reason is, that most of the professors in my Nursing School will use SmartBoards (ILO white boards or chalkboards), and there is a program that we have access to that as long as we are in class, what the teacher writes on the board will be shown on our laptops for later use. Not sure how this will exactly work out in class, but I am excited to see it in action.

I bought a laptop for another reason as well, last semester I decided I wanted to STOP printing out my powerpoint lectures. In one semester I saved $50 in paper and $250 in ink! I am now practically paperless and I love it.

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Well if it's in your syllabus that you need a computer you can claim it on your taxes showing Proof with the paper of where it says it and you will get 100% of your money back.

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* on your next income tax return

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Well if it's in your syllabus that you need a computer you can claim it on your taxes showing Proof with the paper of where it says it and you will get 100% of your money back.

That's good to know! And ebailey, I never thought about being paperless... the combo of powerpoint lectures and using Microsoft OneNote to take notes has the potential to render the traditional pen and paper completely obsolete... will be interesting... and the use of SmartBoards sounds really cool and I hope IRSC uses that - of course, I have to try hard for a 4.0 GPA in pre-reqs and a perfect NLN PAX score before I think too much about the core program since admissions is very competitive!!!!

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My school requires an iPad. We are required to buy it ourselves but you must have one.

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My school requires an ipod touch and a 200 app. Eeek!

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

I wouldn't mind the ipad requirement because then I could justify buying one. Having fun isn't reason enough for me LOL

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