7 Best Tablet for Nursing Students

7 Best Tablet for Nursing Students Of 2024 (Buying Guide)

Tablet computers have replaced the clipboard and reams of paper for nurses. It is also an invaluable tool for nursing students.

The best tablet for nursing students will let you watch online videos for class and allow you to type up term papers with equal ease. The ideal tablet will work with peripherals and hardware you already have, whether that’s Apple, Samsung or something else.

It is a matter of personal preference whether the device allows you to use it to watch entertainment at the end of the day or is optimized for video chats with friends. However, you should prioritize the must-haves over the nice-to-haves.

The next question is: which one should I get?

We’re going to present a number of contenders for the title of best tablet for nursing students. We’ll explain the point in favor of each tablet and why you should consider it if you’re searching for the best tablet for nursing school.

Can You Do Online Classes on A Tablet?

Can you do online classes on a tablet?

Online classes can be done with a tablet, if it meets the necessary performance specifications. This includes an excellent video display, a fast wireless internet connection, and a decently fast microprocessor.

The screen resolution is more important than the video quality of the camera that’s trained on you, the student.

Memory capacity doesn’t matter as much unless you’re going to save content to watch later. That might be overcome by having a memory card with a high memory capacity, but that’s generally sold separately.

Top 7 Best Tablet For Nursing Reviews

01. Fire HD 10 Tablet, 64 GB , Black , Without Ads

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The version of this classic 10 inch full HD tablet has 64 GB. That gives you more memory for storing files, though it isn’t as much as a PC.

We’re recommending the black version, because it won’t show fingerprints and dust as much as a white one. A black tablet is also much more professional than a pink one.

Features

The 1080p full HD display is intended to let you watch high definition movies via streaming media services. That makes this tablet a great choice for those taking online classes. 

And paying a little more to not get ads when you’re watching educational videos is worth it. The 2 megapixel front and rear facing cameras make it a good choice for video chats, too. This model comes with a 9 Watt power adapter and USB-C cable.

One point in favor of the Fire tablet is the sheer number of accessories available for it. You can buy a 15 watt charger for faster charging, a protective case, or microSD that increases its internal storage capacity. It is also compatible with Alexa. 

You can stream media from Alexa with a voice command as well as turn it off via voice. It has a long battery life as-is. The battery can last up to 12 hours.

Issues

It is advertised as up to thirty percent faster than the prior generation of Fire tablets. It is only slightly better. A different issue is that everything is designed for Amazon. It defaults to the Amazon services for installing apps and downloading eBooks.

If there are issues with the software, you may not be able to access to the Google app store. Furthermore, general market apps may not work with Amazon hardware.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

  • 10.1″ 1080p display gives you vivid and clear images
  • Features 32 or 64 GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 512 GB with micro SD
  • Equipped with 2.0 GHz octa-core processor and 2 GB RAM provides up to 30% faster operation
  • Provides up to 12 hours of continuous use
  • USB-C feature allows faster charging

Pros

  • Designed for streaming media
  •  Tons of accessories available

Cons

  •  May not run the apps you need
  • Make sure you pay not to be hit with ads

02. Microsoft Brand Surface Pro 7 Model QWV-00007

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This Microsoft tablet has a tenth generation Intel core i5. That makes it faster than the Microsoft Pro 6. That gives it better than average processing power. It has a 12 inch screen, which is standard for this product class.This unit has a 256 GB SSD card.

This gives it an incredible amount of memory. You could save movies or download video presentations for later viewing.

Features

You can connect with both a USB A and USB B port. This gives you the option for fast charging, and you can connect it to a wide variety of docking stations and displays.

You can thus connect it to your existing computer monitor and use it as if it is a laptop. That’s why we say it may be the best laptop or tablet for nursing school.

The battery life of this tablet is average. It can run up to ten hours if fully charged. It recharges faster than average. It can recharge from nothing to eighty percent in around an hour.

Of course, that takes longer if you’re operating the device while it is on the charger. This model is lightweight. It weighs less than two pounds if you don’t include accessories.

Issues

The cameras have horrible resolution. The camera picture quality is generally low, and it is terrible in low light conditions. Don’t buy this if you intend to use it for video conferencing. It can overheat.

When that happens, it throttles the CPU so much that it may freeze up. The software otherwise slows down or becomes unusable.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

  • Constructed with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor for faster and more convenient processes
  • Thin and lightweight for maximum portability
  • Designed with USB-C and USB-A ports for more connection options
  • Offers all-day battery life of up to 10.5 hours and fast charging capabilities
  • Comes with a free upgrade to Windows 11

Pros

  • Can connect to almost anything
  •  Fast recharging

Cons

  • Lousy cameras
  • Prone to overheating

03. Apple iPad mini, 64GB, Space Gray

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The iPad is arguably the classic tablet computer. Odds are you’ll be using one at work as a nurse if you don’t use it at home.

The iPad mini is smaller than the iPad, but that makes it both cheaper and more portable. Note that this means the screen is small.

This gives it lower screen resolution compared to other Apple devices, though it is better than the average for tablets this small. It is relatively large when you compare it to a smart phone.

We’re recommending the space gray model because it is sleek and professional. And it won’t show fingerprints and minor scratches.

Features

The Apple iPad Mini can be compared to a cross between a smart phone and a tablet. It is smarter and faster than a smart phone, but it isn’t as large as a tablet. You can get this if trying to watch online classes on a smart phone is not working but you don’t want to invest in a full sized tablet computer.

If this tablet can’t connect, it isn’t for lack of trying. This tablet can connect via Wifi and cellular networks. Not all tablets will let you access your email or download streaming media through a cell phone network if the wifi is down or just crowded.

Issues

Like other Apple devices, you can only use Apple accessories with it if you want to avoid problems. This isn’t an issue if you already own a lot of Apple gear. Setup requires an Apple ID and going through extensive verifications.

It can be difficult to impossible to get apps installed if they are not in the Apple app store. Don’t get this if you need to install Android apps.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

  • Equipped with Apple’s Retina display that delivers vivid, contrasted, and clear visuals
  • Provides a 7.9-inch display
  • Constructed with an A12 bionic chip which gives a boost in speed and performance
  • Features a Touch ID fingerprint sensor for security
  • 10 hours of battery life gives you more time for studying or other digital activities

Pros

  • Great if you are already a fan of Apple
  • Can connect multiple ways

Cons

  • Setup can be a challenge
  • Requires you to be loyal to Apple

04. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Model SM-T860NZBLXAR

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This is probably the best tablet for those who want an affordable, versatile alternative to a laptop computer. The Samsung Galaxy S6 has a better than average keyboard, so it is suitable for typing up term papers.

This is the best tablet for nursing school if you’re going to be typing a lot rather than watching videos. We’re recommending the model with 256 GB of memory, though one with half that memory is available. 

We’re suggesting the unit with Wifi connectivity, since that’s the default option in most areas. It is available with LTE.

Features

The display is 10.5 inches across. That’s fairly typical. One point in favor of this unit is the fact that you can connect it to your Android tablet or smart phone to create a de facto laptop computer.

This unit comes with the branded Samsung S Pen. That allows you to pause and skip at the push of a button, if you’re watching video. Or you can sign documents and take notes without having to type. The stylus can be connected to the tablet magnetically and charges along with the tablet.

The battery is superior to most others on the market. It will run up to 15 hours on a full charge. It will hold its charge up to five days. If you have a Galaxy compatible phone, you can use that to power the Galaxy tablet.

Issues

It can be hard to issue commands to this tablet unless you connect the keyboard, something that is sold as optional. We’ve mentioned the stylus that comes with it.

One problem with the unit is that the screen sensitivity is lousy. It may not detect fingerprints or react to swipe commands.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

  • Provides a PC-like experience when connected to a keyboard with a built-in trackpad
  • Equipped with a fast mobile processor that allows you to multitask seamlessly
  • Designed with a PC-caliber RAM for better and faster utilization
  • Includes an S pen for taking notes
  • Provides up to 15 hours of continuous use with a fully charged battery

Pros

  • Comes with a pen-like stylus
  • Compatible with other Android devices
  • Full keyboard
  • Excellent battery

Cons

  •  You really need the keyboard to use it

05. Dragon Touch Model K10 Tablet, 10 inch

You probably haven’t heard of Dragon Touch. They make a basic Android tablet. It looks like other 10 inch tablets. The resolution is 1280×800 pixels.

It has a simple 16 GB memory modules and 2 GB quad core processor. You can buy additional storage to expand it to up to 128 GHB.

Features

It can connect to 5G Wifi. Hello, fast streaming. It includes a few additional features like GPS. It has a good combination of features given the low price. 

It is also made to be compatible with a wide range of standardized accessories, so you’re not forced to go through the manufacturer to get charging cables or memory modules.

Furthermore, you’re not locked into using one company’s hardware or software. It is designed to work with the Google Play / Android app store.

This is the best tablet for nursing students who will be using a wide variety of apps. It has the fairly routine dual camera, and it is suitable for video conferencing.

It accepts the micro HDMI cable.

Issues

This unit is decidedly fragile. You must have a protective case on it. The screen is prone to cracking. It also has no glide, while the touch interface has poor responsiveness. Unlike the prior tablet, there is no stylus that comes with it to substitute for your fingertip.

It can develop problems with the hardware, too. It may freeze up or stop charging after just a few months of use. If you have software problems, resetting it requires sticking a pin in a small hole.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

  • Equipped with 64-bit quad-core processor up to 1.3GHz with 2 GB RAM for faster operations
  • Comes with the latest Android version, the Android 9.0 Pie
  • Offers an 800 x 1280 IPS display that provides vivid and clear visuals
  • Eye care mode feature automatically adjusts the backlight depending on the light in the surroundings

Pros

  • Good overall value
  • Not stuck with branded hardware and software

Cons

  • Delicate

06. Microsoft Surface Go Model MCZ-00001

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We’re recommending the high end version of the Microsoft Surface Go.

We’re recommending the configuration with a 8 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, instead of the models with half that amount of memory and processing power. It has a standard 10 inch wide screen. 

Features

At 1.15 pounds, it is one of the lightest options on our list. It has the USB C cable port for connecting next generation accessories and faster charging. It has a headphone jack.

It runs a streamlined version of Windows 10 out of the box. The benefit of this OS is that it is already up to date, and you get the full Microsoft Office suite with the tablet.

The downside is that it won’t let you use non-verified apps. That rules out third party apps. It won’t let you run Google apps, either. That creates issues when you’re trying to access Google Drive or run the Chrome browser.

Issues

Battery life is middling. It may work eight hours if fully charged. If you’re streaming media via Wifi, it may last six hours. The unit can work with other brands’ keyboards, mouse and pen. That’s good, because the tablet isn’t shipped with Microsoft branded accessories.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

  • Features 128 GB of storage to store all your documents and important files
  • High-resolution 10-inch PixelSense display providing enough space for you to write and view documents efficiently
  • Lightweight and highly portable
  • Equipped with a long-lasting battery that can last up to 9 hours
  • Designed with USB-C feature allowing fast charging

Pros

  • Full Microsoft OS and software suite
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Limits the browsers and apps you can use
  • Mediocre battery life

07. Apple 3rd Generation iPad Air

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What does a third generation iPad Air come with? It has 256 GB of memory. It has the full color Retina display. It comes with Apple’s latest features like Apple Pay and Touch ID fingerprint sensors.

Pay for things with your iPad and prevent others from accessing your data, because you can live without a password.

Features

It has far better than average cameras. The back camera has 8 MP, while the front camera has 7 MP. That is great for taking pictures or capturing video. 

It is designed to work with Facetime. It has the intelligence to handle shared augmented reality. Otherwise, the software is pretty basic. If you need a lot of apps or run a lot of memory intensive webpages like streaming media, you may want to pick a different device.

On the other hand, you can install apps from the Apple App Store. And tech support is probably familiar to you as an Apple customer. Refresh apps, reboot the device, wipe and start over if necessary.

The 10 inch screen is far better than the one on the iPad mini we previously reviewed. Battery life is good but not great. It can run up to 10 hours on a single charge.

Issues

It can connect via wifi. It may not even work with your local cellular connection, though this depends on your network. Split screen is terrible on this device. The touch screen can be problematic. It may not work without you pressing down hard or repeatedly swiping.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

  • 10.5 inches screen size gives you a more immersive viewing experience
  • Sports a 1668 x 2224 resolution that provides clear visuals
  • Lightweight for maximum portability
  • Equipped with a long-lasting battery that provides up to 10 hours of usage
  • Comes with 256 GB of memory allowing you to keep all your essential files

Pros

  • High end cameras
  •  Advanced Apple features

Cons

  • Often won’t connect to cell service
  •  Basic functionality

FAQs Regarding Nursing Students Tablet 

Q. What is the difference between the iPad Pro and the IPAD air?

What is the difference between the iPad Pro and the IPAD air

At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much difference. After all, the iPad Air is very similar to the iPad Pro in design. It is even the same size. The Ipad Air is only a little thicker. Both of them support the Apple Pencil, if you get a later model.

One immediate difference you might see is the range of colors. The Pro is professional, so you can only get it in silver or grey.

The Air comes in multiple colors 

The Air comes in colors like pink and blue. You might see the difference in the displayed images, too. Both have 264 pixels per square inch, but the Pro has a higher peak brightness.

There are differences in their features and performance. Only the Pros has FaceID authentication. The iPad Air uses the TouchID system. The Pro has better audio due to its quad speaker system, though the Air’s stereo speakers aren’t bad.

And both Apple devices have good stereo systems compared to anything by Microsoft.

Q. What iPad should I get for nursing school?

What iPad should I get for nursing school?

We recommended the iPad Mini for those who need something better than watching their online classes through their smart phone but don’t want to commit to a full tablet computer.

Try the iPad Air if you need to be visible to your classmates through your camera or expect to be Facetiming a lot.

The ideal iPad will mirror the one you’ll be using during your clinicals or at work. You want to get accustomed to using the device you’ll be using day to day before it could get in the way of taking care of patients.

Q. What is the best tablet for homeschooling?

While there are online homeschool programs that feature virtual classes connected with a live teacher, relatively few programs have that option. They tend to rely on books or the digital equivalent to impart information.

The best tablets for homeschoolers are not going to limit you to software in the Apple App Store. The best tablets for homeschooling will allow you to install the apps you want to utilize to further your education, no matter which ones those are. 

What is the best tablet for homeschooling?

However, tablets that are fine for K-12 homeschooling may not have the bandwidth or memory required for HD livestreaming necessary to keep up with online college classes.

That’s why the best laptop or tablet for nursing school is probably a step up from what you had as a high school student.

Q. Is iPad air worth buying?

The answer is maybe. The iPad Air is in the middle of the pack in terms of both price and performance. It is a step up from the smart phone, making it the better choice for watching movies and online courses. It isn’t as good as a laptop computer, especially if you’re going to be writing a lot of papers or need more computer power to create complex media presentations.

We do suggest buying a later version iPad Air rather than an older one, since the latest generations are that much faster, lighter and more powerful than earlier models. That means you shouldn’t try to save money by buying a three year old iPad Air.

Is iPad air worth buying?

And the older ones won’t have features like fast charging while they consume that much more power. Fast charging is important if you want to recharge the tablet on your lunch break, if the battery won’t last 12 hours.

Q. Which MacBook is best for nursing students?

Pretty much every version of the MacBook is great for nursing students. It is fast enough to process data and present graphics files like X-rays. The larger screen is great for zooming in on detailed medical diagrams as well as watching HD videos of dissections.

If the image is grainy or lags, you won’t learn everything you need to know. It is portable, so you can take it to school, work or on your rounds. And it is energy efficient. You won’t have the battery go out half way through your long day.

Which MacBook is best for nursing students?

This is why some people say the MacBook is the best laptop computer for nursing students.

Final Verdict

The best tablet for nursing students will prepare you for the professional world while supporting your education. While this by definition includes the ability to connect with online classes and accessing digital media, other features and amenities are a matter of preference.

Do you want to have instant connectivity to your favorite shows or better video conferencing? Do you want to be able to use it as a second screen for your computer or in place of a laptop? Answer those questions, and you can choose the best tablet for nursing school from our list. 

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