Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Vanderbilt University | Vanderbilt University Medical Center  
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Godchaux Hall 226
461 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
Office: 615.322.3800
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Distributed Course Delivery
and Flexible Formats

For students who do not want to relocate or give up their present employment, Vanderbilt offers many MSN programs of study using distributed course delivery methods, flexible formats and distance learning.

Many of the programs at the School of Nursing do not require all course content to be delivered in a face-to-face traditional daily/weekly classroom environment. Instead, the content is delivered in a modified learning (block) format via the following: (1) courses offered in concentrated blocks of time on campus (approximately 5 days with most programs scheduling courses around a weekend on average of four times per semester), (2) online conferencing, and (3) digital video and distributed course delivery methods that allow for continued faculty contact between sessions. In addition, clinical placement can be arranged in the student's home area provided a suitable agency and preceptor are available.

Presently, the following programs are offered in the modified learning (block) format. Note some programs may require students without a specified number of years of nursing experience or a nursing background to retain a full-time residency status.

Online Programs:

Following is information regarding delivery of course content, computer hardware and software requirements.

Distributed Learning Content Delivery

For those courses that use the digital video/distributed course delivery methods, students access the same type of student accounts as traditional students. The primary difference is that instead of attending a class session in a traditional classroom environment, these students view the class presentation via video delivered by a computer. This viewing can take place as the session is being taught (called synchronous delivery) or via video files that are captured for later viewing (called asynchronous delivery).

Synchronous video is delivered by VUSN using software called RealVideo. These files are typically large and require faster connections for smooth delivery. Television cable modem (such as Comcast@Home) and DSL (digital subscriber line services such as Bell South Fast Access Internet Service) provide access speeds that are much faster than a regular modem. These speeds are therefore recommended for those students who want to view synchronous class materials.

For those who prefer to view the content at a later time via asynchronous delivery, video is pressed to a compact disc (CD). This type of delivery also requires the RealPlayer viewer software to be installed on the viewing computer.

Distance access students may receive CD copies of videotaped presentations via CD if:

  • The class or lecture has been professionally videotaped by VUSN
  • Students are enrolled in the course at the time of the request
  • Students request that a CD be made for them
  • Students provide a valid mailing address or arrange to pick up the CD
  • Students pay the difference in mailing costs if they prefer express mail.

The faculty course coordinators set the policy for CD distribution in their assigned courses. As such, they will communicate the specifics to all enrolled students.

Expectations for Home Computer Systems

  • A multimedia-capable computer with a 2 GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 processor or better, with
    - 512 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive, CD, CD-RW or DVD drive
    - full duplex sound card and speakers
    - 65,000-color video display card set to display at 1024x768 or higher
    - an Ethernet card (built-in wireless capability also recommended that is Cisco compliant)*
    - Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later or Macintosh OS X or better**
    - Microsoft Office 2003 (Windows), 2007 (Windows), 2004 (Mac), or 2008 (Mac)
  • Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later or Macintosh OS X or better*
  • A reliable Internet provider with Web browsing and email services (AOL is not recommended because of frequent disconnects)
  • Cable or DSL Internet service (or if others are not available, Satellite Internet service)
  • Shareware/free software:
    - Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x or better, or Netscape 7.x or better, or Firefox 2.0 or better
    - RealPlayer Basic Player - http://www.real.com/
    - Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 or better - http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Other resources:

  • PDAs: ACNP, ANP, Clinical Management, FNP, NMW, NNP, PMHNP, PNP and WHNP specialty-level students will be required to have a PDA. Please see our New Student Tech Tools Web page for general PDA recommendations. Some specialty directors will send their students a letter later in the summer with PDA hardware and software requirements. (NOTE: This information does not apply to pre-specialty students.)
  • Personal USB drive for moving files from computer to computer (see Tech Tools)
  • A printer

* A fast Internet connection through a cable or telephone company (Broadband) is recommended, especially for distance students. The Informatics specialty requires Broadband.

** Older Macintosh computers are not recommended. If you have one, it should have at least OS X, 512 MB RAM, 256 MB virtual memory, G4 processor, fast Internet connection, Web Browser: Firefox 2.x+ or IE 5+. Macintosh exception: users with newer Intel-based Macintosh computers OS X 4+ could also acquire and install Parallels and Windows XP for equivalent access to all resources. Remember to install and run separate virus protection and Windows updates on a frequent schedule just as if you owned a non-Apple PC.

Expectations for Student Computer Abilities
and Skills

  • Familiarity with common computer terminology (files, Web browsers, RAM, ROM, etc.)
  • Ability to input data via a keyboard and mouse
  • Ability to open/close programs, save, print, copy, cut and paste files, make attachments to files
  • Ability to install programs and manage files
  • Ability to access the Internet via modem, send and receive email, download, install, and handle files and graphics from the Internet.

For more details, please visit the "Tech Tools" Web page at www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/nursing/tools/techtools.html.