In school

SRNA Recommendations: Study Tools, Gear and Money Tips

Practical resources for nurse anesthesia residents: board review tools such as Apex, Prodigy and Valley, the SEE, clinical gear, apps and money tips.

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Nelson, CRNA · Checked against official sources

The most useful SRNA resources are a good board review tool, the NBCRNA's practice exam, basic clinical gear and a realistic budget. Before you buy anything, check what your program already includes in its fees.

Many programs bundle board review subscriptions, exam fees and insurance into tuition. Your cohort and faculty will also know what works for your program. We have no affiliate deals with any product named here.

Board review resources

These names come up often on nurse anesthesia programs' own cost and fee pages. That shows they are widely used. It does not mean one is best for you.

Resource What it is Programs that list it
Apex Anesthesia Review Online board review FGCU, Marian, Ohio University, Louisville, Boston College
Prodigy Anesthesia Review Online question bank and review FGCU, Marian, Ohio University, Louisville, Cedar Crest, ChristianaCare/Wilmington
Valley Anesthesia Review Review materials and courses FGCU, Marian, Boston College, Cedar Crest
Core Concepts Review course Cedar Crest

Prices and subscription lengths vary. Program pages list figures from about $175 to $850, depending on the product and length. Check the vendor's current price, and ask your program which ones it covers.

How to choose

  • Find out what your program already pays for.
  • Ask second- and third-year residents what helped them most.
  • Use one main question bank well before adding another.
  • Start steady review early, then increase it in your final year.

The SEE

The NBCRNA's Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE) is a practice exam taken during school. NBCRNA recommends it before you take the NCE. Some programs require it and include the fee.

The NCE first-time pass rate was 90.5% in 2025. Our CRNA school guide covers the exam and licensing steps.

Clinical gear

Keep it simple. Programs usually send a list before clinicals start.

  • Stethoscope. A reliable one you are comfortable with. ChristianaCare/Wilmington budgets about $100.
  • Laptop or tablet. For coursework, e-books and notes. ChristianaCare/Wilmington estimates $500 to $1,500.
  • Scrubs and name badge. Some programs include these; others do not.
  • A small pocket notebook or card set. For drug doses, machine checks and preceptor tips.
  • Comfortable shoes and compression socks. You will stand for long cases.

Apps and software

  • Typhon. Many programs use Typhon to log clinical cases and hours. It is usually a required program fee.
  • Vargo Anesthesia app. Boston College lists it as an optional study tool.
  • Simvana. ChristianaCare/Wilmington lists a Simvana subscription in its costs.
  • A drug reference app. Ask your program which reference it prefers.
  • A calendar and task app. Clinical schedules change often.

Memberships and insurance

  • AANA student membership. Many programs require it, and some include the fee.
  • SRNA malpractice cover. AANA offers clinical coverage for residents. Some programs include malpractice in fees.
  • Certifications. Keep BLS, ACLS and PALS current. Programs list renewal costs among expected expenses.

Money

Money stress is one of the hardest parts of school, since most residents cannot work as nurses during the program.

  • Read your program's cost of attendance page. Many list board review, exam fees, travel and clinical housing separately.
  • Plan for clinical travel. Some rotations need a second place to live.
  • Look for scholarships. The AANA Foundation lists more than 100 scholarships. AANA also has an emergency scholarship for residents in financial hardship.
  • Learn your loan options. See our NFLP guide and compare CRNA schools by cost.
  • Budget for the NCE. Program cost pages list the exam fee at $995 to $1,125. Some include one attempt in fees.

This is general information, not financial advice.

Wellbeing

Three years of school is a long stretch. Protect your sleep, exercise when you can, and lean on your cohort.

AANA offers resident wellness resources and a confidential 24/7 helpline for substance use concerns at 800-654-5167. If you are struggling, tell your program early. It is easier to fix problems before they grow.

For more about life as a resident, see our SRNA guide.

Sources

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