Student Toolbox

Student Toolbox

This article walks you through each resource in the student toolbox, explains what it is, how to access it, and how it helps you as a NIMAA student.

You will use many of these tools regularly, and instructors will often reference them throughout the program. Taking time now to understand what’s available will help you feel confident, organized, and prepared.

Info
If you’d like a high-level overview of all NIMAA student tools and where they live, start with the Tools Overview Knowledge Base article. Once you’ve reviewed that, come back here for detailed explanations and tips on how to use each resource.

How to use this toolbox:

  • Read through each section in order (they’re organized to build understanding step by step)
  • Bookmark or save the tools you’ll use weekly
  • Return to this article whenever you’re unsure where to find something

1. Important Dates Document
What it is:
Introduces students to the academic calendar, milestone deadlines, and program schedule.

How to get it:
Current students can find the document in Populi:
Files → Student Toolbox → 1. Start Here: Course Essentials

How to use: 
Add dates to personal calendars and review before the program begins.
2. Student Catalog

What it is:
The official source for NIMAA policies, academic requirements, grading standards, attendance expectations, and program rules.

How to get it:
Use the link https://www.nimaa.edu/catalog/.

How to use:
Review early to understand expectations and return to it when questions arise.
Reference as needed
Use Ctrl (or Command for Mac) + F to find key words
3. NIMAA Courses by Week

What it is:
A visual overview of how your program is structured week by week.

How to get it:

Current students can find this document in Populi.
Files → Student Toolbox → 1. Start Here: Course Essentials

How to use:
Use as a roadmap throughout the program.
4. Weekly Assignment Checklists (29 total)

What they are:
Step‑by‑step checklists outlining required assignments and tasks for each week.

How to get them:

Current students can find this document in Populi.
Files → Student Toolbox → 1. Start Here: Course Essentials
Weekly Assignment Checklists are available as a single document with all weeks, and week by week checklists.

How to use:
Track assignment completion and stay organized.
5. Focused Information Session Links

What they are:
Short, targeted videos explaining key components of the NIMAA program.

How to get them:
These Vimeo videos will be linked in the Populi course NIMAA 101: Intro to NIMAA. 

NIMAA 101: Intro to NIMAA → Wrap-Up and Next Steps → New Student Focused Information Recordings
These recordings will be available within 24 hours of each session.

How to use:
Watch before Week 1 and revisit as needed.
6. Skills Binder
What it is:
A collection of foundational clinical knowledge used throughout Skills Lab.

How to get it:
Current students can find this document in Populi.
Files → Student Toolbox → 4. Skills Lab & Clinical Practice
Download and keep a digital or printed copy.

How to use:
Review before Skills Lab and bring to all skills sessions.
7. Skills Lab Student Scenarios (4 total)
What they are:
Practice scenarios designed to simulate real clinical situations.

How to get them:
Current students can find this document in Populi.
Files → Student Toolbox → 4. Skills Lab & Clinical Practice

How to use:
Review prior to skills sessions and use for competency preparation.
8. Core Skills Competency Checklist (Universal Version)

What it is:
A master checklist of required clinical skills you must demonstrate competency in.

How to get it:

Current students can find this document in Populi.
Files → Student Toolbox → 4. Skills Lab & Clinical Practice

How to use:
Track skills with instructors and bring to all skills sessions.
9. MA Study Guide Template

What it is:
A customizable template to help you organize notes and study materials for block assessments.

How to get it:

Current students can find this document in Populi.
Files → Student Toolbox → 2. Academic Success & Study Tools

How to use:
Complete at the end of each block for exam preparation.
10. Techniques for Studying Document

What it is:
A guide with proven study strategies and time‑management tips.

How to get it:

Current students can find this document in Populi.
Files → Student Toolbox → 2. Academic Success & Study Tools

How to use:
Review weekly and implement new strategies as needed.

11. Knowledge Base (KB) Articles

What they are:
A collection of how‑to guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles.

How to get them:
Access on the NIMAA Support Center.

How to use:
Bookmark and use as a first-stop reference.
Notes
Many of the resources are in the Populi Files. You can find this when signed into https://nimaa.populiweb.com/, and selecting Files from the global menu in black at the top.


Your Role as a NIMAA Student

You are expected to take an active role in your learning. These tools are designed to support you. Using them consistently is key to your success.

We encourage you to:

  • Review every resource in the toolbox

  • Save or bookmark tools you’ll use often

  • Return to this article whenever you need guidance

Think of this Student Toolbox as a one stop shop for student resources to stay organized, informed, and confident throughout the NIMAA program.


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