• News and Announcements
• Clinical Pearls
• About the Program
• Program Description
• Program Outcomes
• Didactic Curriculum
• Experiential Training
• Tuition and Fees
• Computer Requirements
• FAQs
• Admissions and Orientation
• Admissions Process
• Non-Degree Admissions
• New Student Orientation
• Registration
• Registration for New Students
• Registration Tools
• Tuition, Fees, and Refunds
• Books and Software
• Troubleshooting Problems
• eCollege Info and Login
• Student Resources
• Academic Calendar
• Schedule of Courses
• Course Descriptions
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Continuing Education Credit
• Accessing Library Materials
• Accessing E-Mail
• Tips For Success
• Experiential Training
• Planning for Rotations
• Rotation Requirements
• Registration for Rotations
• Students
• Preceptors
• Credit by Challenge Process
• Graduation
• Graduation Eligibility
• Contact Us

Computer Requirements

Although the eCollege system is designed to work on either PC or Mac computers, it works MUCH better on PC systems, and we now require that you work with a PC. Some eCollege functions will not operate on Mac computers.

The following web site will provide you with more detailed information on what is expected http://strata.ecollege.com (Click into the “Technical Info” tab at the top). You do not need the software listed for the Class Live or Exam Guard features at this time, although we are considering implementing these features. Note that eCollege no longer supports Windows 98 operating systems.

A demo course is available at cu.ecollege.com/cudemo/splash.real if you would like to get an idea of what an online course is like.

Other Software

Most audio is available in MP3 format which can be played with a variety of software including: Windows Media Player, Quicktime, iTunes, or Real Player. All of these are availabe free on the Internet. The free versions of these programs are sufficient for the NTPD audio files; you do not need to purchase a media player.

Microsoft Office software is required for your work in the NTPD program for all students and instructors. This includes Microsoft Word for word processing and PowerPoint for slide applications. Many of the courses use slide shows developed using PowerPoint. Having the full program on your computer makes it possible for you to modify slides to black and white for printing, to reformat the slides as note pages or handout formats, and to make other helpful modifications. You will also be required to prepare PowerPoint slides in at least one course. Microsoft Office software is available at discounted rates through the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus Bookstore as either the standard or professional version. Other software in the Office package is not required.

You will also need to download Adobe Acrobat to read and print some of the handouts and papers you will be receiving as "pdf files". You can find a free downloadable version at www.adobe.com; click on "Get Acrobat Reader."

Internet Access

The eCollege system works best with Internet Explorer. Some Internet service providers (ISPs) such as America Online use their own proprietary browser, which is not fully compatible with the eCollege system. You can use AOL, but you will find it easier to navigate through the eCollege courses with Internet Explorer¨ as your secondary browser. The eCollege/CU Online help desk can provide instructions about how to do this. Examples of ISPs that work especially well with the NTPD delivery software can be obtained through the eCollege/CU Online help desk.

High-speed access, such as cable or DSL, is not absolutely required, but is highly recommended. You will be downloading many large files from the Internet to your computer and listening to many audio lectures. With high speed access, download times are greatly shortened, audio lectures will flow much more smoothly, and participation in class chat rooms will be facilitated. If you do not have high-speed access available in your area, you will want to consider installing a second phone line for dedicated use with your computer. This will decrease the inconvenience for other members of your household when you are online.

Last updated: 8/27/08