Technology Survival Kit for CRNA Students: Essential Apps, Tools, and Resources

CRNA students can significantly improve their success in school by using essential technology tools and apps designed specifically for their demanding curriculum. These resources help with productivity, organization, and clinical practice throughout CRNA school.

CRNA students can strengthen their productivity and learning with essential apps and tools. The CRNA Club recommends using apps like Notability and Anki to streamline study processes. These resources are important for managing the demanding CRNA curriculum effectively. “Outwit, Outplay, Outlist…” Low supplies, feeling stranded, and willing to do anything for an Oreo cookie, oh wait, this isn’t an episode of Survivor. it’s CRNA school.

Though CRNA school can feel like a reality TV show, this blog hopes to share technology essential tools and resources that strengthen productivity, learning, and clinical practice as SRNAs. If you're curious about what CRNA schools are really looking for in an applicant, we actually talked about this on the podcast (Ep 1: "What CRNA Schools are REALLY looking for in an applicant" on Apple Podcasts).

This is not an exhaustive list Look at my previous blog, “Must-Haves Before Starting CRNA School: A Guide to Essential Tech, Books, and More,” which details what desktops, laptops, and iPads are available, and many offer a student discount. Additionally, use your school’s guidelines on what technology you must have. If you want a deeper dive into the profession itself, our Learning Library has a full lesson on Profession Overview.

What Are the Must-Have Apps for Learning and Organization?

Note-Taking Apps

• Notability: Notability is an iOS/macOS app that annotates PDFs and records audio. Many of my Mac-using classmates swear by it.
• Notion: Notion is perfect for productivity and organizing study notes. It’s free for students.
• OneNote: OneNote by Microsoft lets you take notes directly on PowerPoint slides and offers advanced features.

Whenever you choose an app, be intentional about it. These apps can significantly help with information retention, making studying across multiple devices seamless. Say goodbye to lugging hundreds of printed PowerPoint slides. For a historical perspective on anesthesia and the different types you'll encounter, check out the CRNA History + Types of Anesthesia lesson in our Learning Library.

How Can Study and Flashcard Apps Improve Your Learning?

• Quizlet Do I need to explain Quizlet? Haha, Quizlet is a basic flashcard app that tests active recall and offers a free student version accessible across many devices.
• Anki: Anki is similar to Quizlet, but it can do more with spaced repetition and make a wide variety of flashcards to keep learning fun. I was impressed when I started using Anki for my last endocrine exam! There is a tiny learning curve when you first start.
• Additional apps: Brainscape, Mochi

I will not stress the importance of making flashcards, but I want to stress the importance of using spaced repetition in mastering anesthesia concepts. These apps help move your learning beyond 3×5 index cards, saving you time. If you're wondering about strategies to prepare before applying to CRNA school, we discussed this on the podcast (Ep 2: "3 things I would have done differently BEFORE applying to CRNA school" on Apple Podcasts).

Which Collaboration Apps Should You Use?

• Dropbox Dropbox is a cloud storage system that assists in productivity and collaboration with others. It makes all files saved accessible from any device, and the student version provides quite a bit of storage.
• Google Drive: Google Drive is a part of the Google umbrella, similar to Dropbox. I have used the documents section to share and collaborate on many assignments with my classmates, including my doctoral scholarly project.
• Notion: As mentioned previously, Notion is a great way to organize and collaborate with a team of people.

What Are the Best Summarizing AI Apps for CRNA Students?

• Grammarly: Grammarly is great as a personal grammar and content editor. I use it often when writing long professional e-mails or proofreading significant written content.
• Speechify: Speechify is a tool that reads documents out loud and assists in the retention of large amounts of information. Speechify has helped me read multiple chapters for one lecture.
• Notable mentions: Notta: Best for transcribing and summarizing audio/video, Eightify: AI YouTube video summarizer, Hypotenuse AI: Best for summarizing PDF, ChatGPT: Most versatile summary generator, HubSpot: Best for summarizing customer interactions, Semrush AI Summarizer: Best for summarizing long articles, Frase: Free AI summarizer for short-form content, BooksAI: Best for summarizing books, Scholarcy: Best AI summarizer for academic fit.

What Time Management Tools Do CRNA Students Need?

• Todoist: Todoist is an app that helps you stay organized, whether completing assignments or tasks. Although there are no free versions for students, the reviews are great, and the monthly fee is less than a Starbucks Venti ice-cold brew with a splash of almond milk and sugar-free vanilla.
• Microsoft Todo: Microsoft Todo is an app created to make tasks and satisfy you by checking them off. As a student, most schools offer Microsoft Studio 365 for free, and Microsoft Todo is included.
• Google Calendar: Google Calendar is a tried-and-true calendar, but to my surprise, I needed to take full advantage of all it offered. From scheduling due dates to adding daily tasks to check off, it combines both Todoist and Microsoft Todo for free.

What Clinical Resources and Reference Tools Should CRNA Students Use?

• Vargo: Vargo is an app that serves as an excellent clinical resource. I use it often, and they offer great deals on pricing during the holidays.
• Pedi Crisis 2.0: Pedi Crisis 2.0 is similar to Vargo but is pediatric-focused and completely free.
• BlockBuddy: Block Buddy is an app that walks users through many regional blocks that can be performed in clinical. I use it often when reviewing blocks. This app requires a paid membership but offers a student discount!
• Anso Pro: Anso is an app similar to Block Buddy. It also requires a paid membership, but it is much cheaper than other apps.
• Safe Local: Safe Local is an app that helps calculate safe and maximum dosages of local anesthetics. It uses a calculator interface that inputs provided patient information to answer. It’s a great resource when the surgeon asks for the maximum dose.

CRNA school is no small feat, but the right tech tools can make a world of difference. From note-taking and flashcard apps to AI summarizers and clinical references, these resources will help you stay organized, efficient, and prepared for success. Equip yourself with this technology survival kit, and tackle CRNA school with confidence.

Happy studying! If you're curious about salary expectations and how CRNAs are compensated, our Learning Library has a lesson on Salary, and we also covered this topic on the podcast (Ep 4: "CRNAs make HOW MUCH?!" on Apple Podcasts).

Best Podcasts and YouTube Channels for CRNA Students?

The following are a few great audio and visual learning resources:

• Atomic Anesthesia
• Core Anesthesia
• Osmosis
• Ninja Nerd

For more information, check these trusted resources: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our Final Thoughts

Using the right technology tools and apps can make a difference in managing the CRNA journey. The CRNA Club encourages students to explore these resources and find what works best for their learning style. With the right support, CRNA students can thrive and move confidently toward their goals.