By aprileolson Boost exam performance and long-term retention with the interleaving study technique. Learn how CRNAs and SRNAs can use this proven strategy to study smarter using CRNA exam prep tools.
As an SRNA or CRNA, you’ve got no time to waste. Whether you’re deep in CRNA board review, preparing for clinicals, or juggling CE requirements, you need study strategies that work. That’s where interleaving comes in—a powerful, science-backed method that could dramatically improve how you learn and retain information.
What Is Interleaving?
Most students follow blocked practice—focusing on one topic until they feel confident. But interleaving turns that approach on its head.
Instead of studying just one concept at a time, interleaving involves mixing related topics within the same session. It’s like interval training for your brain, and it’s been shown to produce more durable learning across disciplines—including medicine, engineering, and math.
🧠 Did You Know?
Research from Rohrer & Taylor (2007) showed that students who practiced math using interleaving performed 43% better on later tests than those who used blocked practice.
Interleaving vs. Blocked Practice
| Feature | Blocked Practice | Interleaving |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | One topic at a time | Mix of topics within a session |
| Feels easier? | Yes | No |
| Long-term retention | Lower | Higher |
| Real-world alignment | Poor (focused repetition) | Strong (mimics mixed clinical challenges) |
Further reading: Dunlosky et al., 2013 ranks interleaving as one of the top 10 most effective learning strategies based on empirical evidence.
Why Interleaving Works: The Science Behind It
Improved Retention
Interleaving forces your brain to re-engage with information, strengthening memory traces and retrieval.
Better Clinical Reasoning
Switching topics builds cognitive flexibility—exactly what you need to answer free NCE questions and make fast, safe decisions in the OR.
Enhanced Discrimination
Interleaving helps you distinguish similar concepts, such as differentiating types of neuromuscular blockers or interpreting hemodynamic curves.
Explore this summary by The Learning Scientists on interleaving: it includes videos, infographics, and real-world examples.
How CRNAs and SRNAs Can Apply Interleaving
In CRNA Board Review
– Instead of cramming pharmacology alone, rotate between pharm, patho, and equipment questions in each session.
– Use CRNA practice tests that randomize questions—many CRNA education apps now offer this feature.
In Clinical Prep
– Present different cases (e.g., neuro, OB, trauma) during study groups instead of sticking with one specialty.
– Review PACU complications alongside fluid management and drug interactions.
In CE and Ongoing Learning
– Alternate topics daily—combine regional anesthesia, airway management, and pediatric considerations across your CE schedule.
Practical Example
Let’s say you’re reviewing anesthesia pharmacology:
- Blocked: You spend an hour on volatile agents only.
- Interleaved: You mix volatile agents, opioids, NMBDs, and induction drugs.
This mirrors how topics appear in CRNA board exams and builds the mental agility needed in the OR.
For a deep dive into the science behind study strategies like interleaving, see the research published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest by Dunlosky et al. (2013)—a landmark paper comparing the effectiveness of ten popular learning techniques.
FAQs About Interleaving
Q: Is interleaving just multitasking?
A: Nope—it’s focused switching between related topics, not scattered attention.
Q: Is it only for preclinical content?
A: No. It’s highly effective for clinical reasoning, pharmacology, physiology, and equipment—all areas covered on the nurse anesthesia exam.
Q: How often should I switch topics?
A: Every 20–30 minutes, or after a few questions. The goal is purposeful mixing—not rushing.
Pro Tip: Use Study Tools That Support Interleaving
A great way to implement this strategy? Use a gamified study app for CRNA exam prep. Look for one that offers:
- Interleaved question sets
- Performance-based adaptive learning
- Spaced repetition
Ollivate was designed for exactly this purpose. Whether you’re preparing for boards, managing CE, or reviewing clinical scenarios, our CRNA study tools can help you retain more in less time.
How Ollivate Helps You Master Interleaving (Without Even Realizing It)
At Ollivate, we don’t just teach study science—we bake it into every question you answer. Interleaving is one of the key learning principles our platform uses to help SRNAs and CRNAs retain more, apply faster, and pass with confidence.
When you use Ollivate:
✔️ You rotate between different content areas—pharmacology, physiology, clinical scenarios—by design.
✔️ Our adaptive algorithms mix topics and challenge levels to mimic the cognitive demands of real board questions.
✔️ Our gamified system keeps you motivated while exposing you to high-yield topics in varying sequences—boosting long-term retention.
It’s not just studying. It’s smart studying.
Ready to Try Interleaving the Easy Way?
Whether you’re prepping for boards, squeezing in CE, or sharpening clinical knowledge during downtime—Ollivate has your back.
➡️ Download the app to get started.
💻 Prefer your laptop? You can also play on the web here.
Join the Movement to Redefine CRNA Education
We’re building more than just a study app—we’re leading a movement to elevate CRNA learning with science, strategy, and community.
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Let’s make CRNA education smarter—together. 💙
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