System Requirements:
These specifications are updated annually and published on the VUSM website. For questions, please contact The Office of Education Design and Informatics.
Hardware:
| Minimum |
Recommended |
| Intel i5 2.4 GHz processor (Windows); M1 (Macs) |
Intel i7 2.0 GHz processor, (Windows); M2 or higher (Macs) |
| 8 GB of memory |
16 GB of memory |
| 256 GB SSD Hard Drive |
512 GB SSD Hard Drive or larger |
| 13 inches with min. 1400 x 900 screen resolution |
13 inches or larger with 1920x1080 screen resolution or better |
| 802.11n Wi-Fi |
802.11n/ac Wi-Fi |
| 512 MB Video Card memory or integrated Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics |
1.5GB Video Card memory (Windows) M1 (Macs) |
| Integrated or external webcam |
|
| Working speakers and microphone |
|
| Not recommended: ASUS Laptops with touchpad/touchscreen |
|
Operating Systems:
Windows 11
macOS 14, 15, 26
Not supported: Linux, ChromeOS, virtual machines
As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) will begin issuing a VUMC-managed laptop to each Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) student in the MD program or Masters of Genetic Counseling only. These laptops will allow you to access the VUMC network and VUMC-managed applications, including the electronic health record, eStar, without using your personal devices. Non-MD Students can click here: Non-MD Laptop Requirements
Managed devices are one part of VUMC’s response to ongoing cybersecurity threats to healthcare organizations across the US and the region. VUMC’s Enterprise Technical Support vendor, NTT, will provide first line technical support for technical issues with laptops. The Education Design and Informatics (EDI) team will continue to provide support for all VUSM-specific issues, including NBME exams, end of block exams, and VSTAR-related issues.
(see also: VUMC Laptop Distribution FAQ & Pause Windows updates before the NBME Exam )
All questions can be directed to edi.support@vanderbilt.edu.
You must use your VUMC laptop for:
- Working in VUMC space or accessing VUMC apps
- When taking a quiz, essay, exam, etc., you have a choice of using your VUMC-issued laptop OR your personal laptop
- You can use a personal laptop for other class activities as well
- See also, apps highly recommended by current MD students (maintained by the VUSM Student Technology Committee)
If you have any issues or questions, please contact EDI Support.