Certificate Program Course Delivery

Courses are taught entirely online. Technology requirements (see details below) must be met to ensure that each student has equal access and receives materials in the same way. Students will asynchronously connect and interact with the course instructor and other students online. In asynchronous online instruction, students have the flexibility to access the course within a period of time set by the instructor. The instructor will post PowerPoint presentations and may post links to videos and interactive activities. Each course is six weeks in duration and consists of six weekly lectures, weekly discussion board and weekly assignments/quizzes. Asynchronously instruction will involve student postings, participation in threaded discussions, and writing assignments. A monitored discussion board will be used by the instructor to assess the student’s activity and quality of postings. Students will be responsible for allocating adequate time in their schedule to access the course materials, study the material and complete the assignments. Each course will require the student to allocate 4 to 5 hours per week for study and assignments.

Technical Requirements

Appropriate hardware and software are key elements of the learning environment at Salus University. Students will use a computer to download course materials, to complete assignments, exams, and work on other tasks. With this in mind, they will also be expected to have access to and use the hardware and software described below.

Please note that due to the rapid rate of change in information technology, we anticipate that hardware and software competencies will be updated on a regular basis.

Students will access their certificate program courses on the Salus University Blackboard site. This is a password protected site administered by Salus University. Students also will be expected to access their Salus University email accounts.

Hardware Requirements for a PC:
Students are required to have use of a computer system with the following specifications and components:

  • Windows 7 or higher
  • Core i7 processor or faster
  • Minimum 8GB RAM (16 GB Preferred)
  • Minimum 500GB Solid State Drive
  • Integrated webcam and microphone

Hardware Requirements for a MAC:

  • Mac OS 10.11 or higher
  • Intel Core i5 or higher / Equivalent
  • Minimum 8GB RAM (16 GB Preferred)
  • Minimum 500GB Solid State Drive
  • Integrated Webcam and Microphone
  • Must have a 5Ghz capable wireless adapter (Dual Band Preferred)

Recommended Warranty Purchase:

  • Windows 3 years parts and labor extended warranty
  • AppleCare 3 years parts and labor

Software/Applications
Students are required to have use of the following operating systems and applications:

  • Productivity Software
    • Microsoft Office 365 (Provided at no charge by Salus University) recommended
    • Instructions will be provided
  • One of the following Internet browsers:
    • Google Chrome 57 or later
    • Mozilla Firefox 52 or later

Anti-virus Software:

  • Symantec Anti-virus software (Provided at no charge by Salus University)
  • Instructions will be provided
  • Adobe® Reader
  • Adobe Flash plug-in
  • Adobe Shockwave Plugin
  • Windows Media Player & Plugin Version
  • Wireless Connection

Accessibility for Operating Systems
Both Microsoft and Apple provide additional accessibility guides, tutorials, and tips for use on your computer. Visit the Microsoft or Apple website for information beyond the documents provided here.

Access, Excel, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, PowerPoint, Visio and Visual Studio are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the United States and/or other countries.

Email Account

Students will receive communication through a personal Salus University email address. Once a student’s account is established, all communication for this program will be sent to the student’s Salus University email address, instead of their personal email address.

Avoiding Inactivity Timeout

When an ISP’s internal browser is not in use, the ISP will consider the user inactive and will disconnect the user after a period of time. To remain active and avoid being disconnected, return to the main page of the ISP (every half hour or so) and click on a link or check email. This will reset the ISP’s “inactivity time” and allow for students to continue working on the online course.

Satellite & Cellular internet connections

If this is the only connection to which you have access, please note that you may experience sporadic issues while working in your online courses. If you report these problems to the Salus University Help Desk we will attempt to address them with your satellite or cellular connection provider.

Wireless Routers/Connections:

While working in your online courses via a wireless router or wireless connection you may experience problems such as various error messages. If you contact the Salus University Help Desk please be aware that part of the troubleshooting process may be to have you bypass your wireless router or connection. If bypassing the wireless router resolves the problems you are experiencing you will either need to continue to bypass the router or contact the router's manufacturer's support to further diagnose the source of this problem.