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CT Education Courses and Programs

Computed tomography (CT) education is more accessible and convenient than ever before, thanks to the introduction of virtual CT training technology, such as online CT courses and programs. Not only do these tools help aspiring technologists learn and master the fundamentals of CT, but they also allow existing CT professionals to stay sharp and maintain their certification.

Below, learn more about the current state of CT education, including a peek at some of the best CT courses and programs available today.

What Is CT Education?

CT education is a term that encompasses all of the courses, certification programs, and other training tools used to educate aspiring CT technologists and prepare them for their certification exams. It also refers to the ongoing education that technologists participate in to retain their certification and grow their knowledge in the field of CT.

Modern technology has transformed the way that CT is taught — and now, there are many different aspects of CT education. Today, CT students learn through a combination of in-person CT classes, online CT courses, clinical experience and training, and digital tools (such as CT simulation software).

What’s Covered in CT Technician Education Courses and Programs?

As part of their education, CT students will learn and develop the skills needed to become a successful technologist. The specific curriculum will vary by program, but generally speaking, CT education and training courses will cover the following topics and concepts:

  • Patient care and safety
  • Anatomy, pathology, and physiology
  • Acquiring and reconstructing images
  • Operating and maintaining equipment
  • Collaborating with other medical professionals
  • Other required or relevant medical skills

Types of CT Education

While one of the primary purposes of CT education is to train future technologists, it’s also essential for current CT professionals. Here’s how both aspiring and existing CT technologists can use CT education to begin or continue a career in CT.

For Aspiring CT Technologists

Whether you’re new to the medical field or you’re a certified radiographer, CT education helps you gain the skills you need to become a qualified CT technologist.

To earn CT certification, you’ll need to complete some type of formal education. Many people fulfill these CT technologist education requirements by earning an associate’s degree (or higher) in radiography or a related discipline.

From there, you should pursue a primary credential from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). For this requirement, you can choose from a few disciplines, including radiography and radiation therapy. After that, you can embark on the post-primary pathway to get your CT credential.

As you can see, becoming a certified CT technologist involves a significant amount of preparation. During each phase, you can use CT education tools — like online courses and simulator software — to improve your skills and competency.

For Existing CT Technologists

Once you’ve received your CT credential from ARRT, you’ll need to complete Continuing Education (CE) credits to maintain it. You can earn these through qualifying CT programs and courses.

What’s Next in CT Technician Education and Training?

In the past, CT education and training were conducted entirely in person, through classroom, lab, and clinical learning. Of course, this type of hands-on instruction is still essential today, but it’s now supplemented with virtual education options, such as online CT courses and CT simulator software.

Online CT Tech Education Courses

Virtual CT courses present critical information and concepts in engaging and interactive ways. This type of CT education is specifically designed to improve students’ understanding and retention so they’re well-prepared to take the certification exam. It also offers CE credits to help experienced CT technologists keep their credentials valid.

Online learning platforms like ImagingU split in-depth CT topics into small, manageable modules. In these courses, students will learn in a variety of ways, including through animations, visual aids, interactive lectures, and more. This approach helps students of diverse learning styles absorb and retain the information.

For example, ImagingU’s CT Post-Primary Pathway course is broken up into a dozen modules, which include:

  • Introduction to CT
  • Image Production
  • Patient Care, Venipuncture, and Contrast Media in CT
  • Radiation Safety and Dose in CT
  • CT Procedures: Neuro
  • CT Procedures: Chest
  • CT Procedures: Abdomen and Pelvis
  • CT Procedures: MSK
  • CT Parameters and Their Impacts
  • Legal Aspects and Patient Care
  • Fundamental Concepts for CT Angiography

After signing up, ImagingU users receive 24/7 access to these lessons for one year after purchase. The platform has a personalized dashboard where learners can track their progress, evaluate their knowledge, and prepare for their exams. Students can log into the platform from their computer or mobile device, giving them opportunities to learn from anywhere, at any time.

CT Simulator Software

Aspiring technologists can also sharpen their skills by using a virtual CT simulator (like ScanLabCT). This type of software replicates the in-person scanning experience, allowing users to practice everything from safety checks to positioning to image acquisition and reconstruction.

Like ImagingU, ScanLabCT offers unlimited practice opportunities from locations most convenient to them. Plus, scanning in a virtual setting means that there’s no risk to patient safety or interference with a clinical schedule.

However, simulator software doesn’t just benefit CT students. It also benefits:

  • Educators at universities or colleges. Educators who use ScanLabCT in their classrooms are able to objectively and quantitatively assess their students’ knowledge and skills.
  • Managers at radiology facilities. Managers who use CT simulator software at their facilities can objectively assess prospective hires to ensure they have the right skills for the job. They can also strengthen their staff’s knowledge and improve quality assurance across their organization.

Find Out How to Transform CT Technologist Education at Your Organization

If you’re a CT instructor or radiology facility manager, implementing virtual CT training can raise the standard of CT education at your organization. With technology like ImagingU and ScanLabCT, you can ensure that your students and staff members are properly trained and have the tools to thrive in the field of CT.

Curious to learn how our solutions can elevate your organization’s CT training? We have packages for organizations of all sizes, with individual licenses (for students and technologists) and group licenses (for educators and managers) available. Reach out to our team today to receive a guided demo or quote!