All medical students must possess a mobile device (laptop or tablet). The College of Medicine does not recommend specific devices; instead, we encourage you to choose an internet-ready mobile device that suits your needs. For some activities or exams, an Ethernet connection is required. New models do not have a built-in Ethernet port, so an adapter for an Ethernet connection is required.
Examples of how these devices will be utilized include, but are not limited to: retrieving and viewing lecture notes or presentation slides; digital note-taking; viewing videos; taking Examinations (some will require a wired network connection); completing e-learning modules; and other fundamental computing tasks (word processing, PDF reader), and Internet-based activities (research, email, web conferencing, Canvas).
Examinations:
While it is likely you already own a mobile phone, and it will prove useful during your time at UNMC, a mobile/cellular telephone is not an acceptable device for exams because of the stringent requirements for participating in computer-based examinations.
Phase One
ExamSoft is the software used for Phase 1 exams. Meeting the requirements listed below ensures that your device is compatible with examination software.
ExamSoft system requirements: https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements/
Phase Two
The NBME shelf exams taken during Phase 2 clerkships are online exams. They will require you to download a lockdown browser application (provided by the examination software) just before the exam. You must verify your device before the exam and the coordinators will provide you with information during your clerkship. Tablet devices are not currently permitted for use during these exams, as an Ethernet connection is required.
Approved by the OME: May 25, 2023
Reviewed and approved by the OME: June 13, 2024
Revised and approved by the OME: April 11, 2025