Today, CT education comes in a variety of forms, with virtual CT simulators being one of the most valuable learning tools available for students, technologists, educators, and managers. Below, we’ll explain what you should know about a virtual CT simulator, including how they work, who can use them, and what benefits they offer.
What is CT simulation?
CT simulation replicates the experience of operating a CT scanner — only in a virtual setting. It offers a realistic simulation of the in-person scanning environment, allowing users to practice and refine their skills on their own time and without risking patient or tech safety. Additionally, some CT simulators provide tools for educators and managers to assess learners’ skills and clinical competence.
How does a virtual CT simulator work?
Virtual CT simulators like ScanLabCT allow users to access CT simulation software from wherever they’d like — as long as they have an internet connection and a computer. Once logged in, users can enter a virtual reality (VR) CT scan room, where they can engage with an interactive patient. During this time, they’ll practice essential CT skills such as:
- Positioning the patient’s body
- Setting patient landmarks
- Monitoring patients during exams
- Acquiring images
- Reconstructing images
After finishing one of these sessions, users will answer questions related to their learning. These questions vary in difficulty and cover a range of topics, including:
- Anatomy
- Angiography
- Artifacts
- Clinical procedures
- Parameters and trade-offs
- Pathology
- Patient preparation and care
- Safety
Once an assessment is completed, educators or managers can use the software’s built-in evaluation tools to view a user’s performance score and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Who can use CT simulators?
Both educational institutions and healthcare facilities can use CT simulators to improve the quality of CT education and training at their organization. Here’s how:
Educational institutions
Colleges and universities can pair CT simulation software with classroom learning and clinical sessions to help students master critical CT concepts and fine-tune their skills. Plus, since learners can access the CT simulator online, they can practice as much as they’d like — at any time and from anywhere.
On top of that, using a CT simulator helps students prepare for the CT registry exam — especially when paired with other learning tools, like online CT courses.
Casa Loma College is one of the educational institutions that has benefitted from simulation software. Specifically, this Los Angeles-based college uses ScanLabMR, an MRI simulator, to prepare students for their certification exams. After implementing the simulator, Casa Loma saw increases in graduation rates, class sizes, and net revenue.
Healthcare facilities
In healthcare settings, online CT software can help facility managers cross-train existing staff into new roles and help them learn CT while on the job. Eventually, when they’ve gained enough knowledge and can fulfill other prerequisites, these team members can take the CT registry exam to begin careers as CT technologists.
For example, AdventHealth, a Florida-based healthcare system, uses ScanLabCT’s CT simulation software to address the nationwide CT technologist shortage and ensure that their facilities are properly staffed. AdventHealth staff members can also participate in online CT courses from ImagingU, ScanLab’s sister company, to continue learning at their own pace and prepare for the CT registry.
In addition, radiology facilities can assess their staff’s knowledge to boost quality assurance across the organization.
What are the benefits of CT simulators?
Simply put, virtual CT simulators simplify and elevate the standard of CT training and education at schools and radiology facilities around the world. Whether you’re looking to adopt a CT simulator for students or staff, there are many benefits that this technology can provide. However, not all CT simulators are created the same.
Here are some of the benefits of the most advanced CT simulator in the world, ScanLabCT:
Safe, low-stress learning environment
Like anything else, learning CT takes some trial and error. With a ScanLab’s CT simulator download, students can get the practice they need — and make mistakes — in a safe virtual environment that doesn’t pose a risk to real-life patients or staff.
Unlimited practice from anywhere
Because ScanLabCT is software-based, students can log in and learn from home, work, or wherever else they’d like to learn. Unlike traditional CT education, there is no need to reserve a CT scanner or take up valuable clinic time. Plus, there are no limits on how much practice students can get on a CT simulator, so they’re free to study and repeat certain subjects as often as they need.
Standardized education and training
Everyone has a different journey into the field of CT, which means that there may be knowledge gaps between educators. By implementing a CT simulator at your radiology facility, you can ensure that your staff is operating from the same level of training and education. ScanLabCT has been specifically designed with criteria that’s established and maintained by an international panel of thought leaders so educators and managers can objectively evaluate their staff’s and students’ understanding with scores benchmarked against the highest standard of excellence. Ultimately, this helps improve CT scan quality across organizations and supports better patient outcomes.
Easy and effective evaluation
For educators and managers, one of the primary benefits of ScanLab’s CT simulators is that they make it easy to evaluate their students’ and staff’s progress. ScanLabCT comes with assessment and feedback tools that quickly gauge how well learners are retaining knowledge and where they can improve.
Tailored experience
As an educator or manager, you can also customize your students’ learning experiences to focus on certain aspects of CT. For example, if you need to keep your cohort focused on a specific subject, you can allow or restrict access to body regions and examinations. You can also set the difficulty level and categories of critical thinking questions.
Learn more about CT simulation software
Whether you’re a CT instructor or radiology facility manager, ScanLabCT can help transform the quality of CT training and education at your organization. ScanLabCT offers group licenses (for educators and managers), with tailored packages to meet your team’s needs. To learn more about this software or set up a free guided demo, get in touch today.
Still have questions? Explore our FAQs or resource hub.