Key Takeaways
The Challenge
Train new MRI technologists quickly without disrupting patient care or using scarce scanner time.
The Solution
Embed the Corsmed MRI Simulator as a core part of postgraduate training to build skills safely and consistently.
How Implemented
A seven-week, 14-class framework starting with routine head, spine, and MSK, then progressing to contrast and angiographic imaging with repeatable practice.
Key Results Achieved
- Training time cut by 50%: Technologists reach full competence in 3–4 months instead of 6.
- Fewer recalls: Improved troubleshooting and parameter control reduced repeat scans and patient delays.
- More confident technologists: Practice time increased 3x, and technologists learn advanced parameters safely.
Most Loved Features
- Safe learning space: Learners build skills through trial and error with no patient impact.
- Vendor-neutral design: Learn universal MRI principles across scanner types.
- Flexible assessment: Educators review exercises anytime to guide progress.
- Simple, intuitive interface: Easy to start; a 1-hour intro enables independent exploration.
Final Verdict
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"The simulation-based training has become an essential part of our program.
We would not have achieved the same results without it."
How UCLH Transformed MRI Training with Corsmed
With seven MRI scanners, each scanning 15-20 patients per day, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) needed to optimize the postgraduate training program for MRI technologists, without disrupting patient care.
Their solution: a new training program that integrated the Corsmed MRI simulator as a core element of developing technical skills. Since 2022, MRI technologists from UCLH have regularly participated in this structured program.
Noyal Mathew, MRI Practice Educator at UCLH, led the development of the program.
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"The simulator and the structured training we developed have helped MRI technologists strengthen their technical skills and confidence.
When learners feel supported to take ownership of their training, they perform at their peak and provide better patient care."
The new program has yielded three key improvements:
- Technologists gain expertise in 3–4 months, not 6, through blended training in both the clinical and simulated environment, reducing reliance on clinical scanner time in a busy NHS service.
- Fewer patient recalls thanks to stronger technical skills and troubleshooting.
- More opportunity for safe, repeated practice without affecting scanner time.
This case study examines UCLH's three-year experience implementing Corsmed's MRI simulator as part of their new training approach, based on data and educator assessments.
1. Technologists Gain Expertise in 3–4 Months, Not 6
Technologists postgraduate MRI training programs were dependent on a few variables, including staffing levels and access to clinical 'hands-on' scanning time.
This meant progress for individual learning varied widely, with some technologists needing as much as 6 months to complete their training.
The introduction of the Corsmed simulator has enabled a simulated technical training pathway, increasing capacity for new MRI technologists to develop their scanning skills, and confidence faster.
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"Now, our MRI technologists gain the same level of competence in just 3-4 months."
The main benefit has been a consistent, supportive approach, allowing staff to learn at their own pace.
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"The simulator allows new technologists to repeat scans, revisit protocols, and build confidence step by step without relying on hands-on scanner time."
Today's new program follows a seven-week framework with 14 structured classes. Technologists progress systematically from simple to complex procedures:
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"Learners start with simpler imaging such as routine head, spine and musculoskeletal conditions.
Once they've developed confidence and understanding of parameters, they explore contrast imaging and angiographic imaging."
This repetition builds competence through repeated practice:
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"On the simulator, MRI technologists are able to repeat the same scan over and over. They can resume where they left off the previous day, revisit what they've done, and improve the next day. They can save protocols for future use rather than starting from scratch."
The overall improvement has been clear:
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"All in all, I must say the simulator and the new training have considerably increased the confidence level of our technologists, because they are now able to refine their technical scanning knowledge outside of the physical MRI room itself."
2. Fewer Patient Recalls Through Better Technical Skills
Corsmed's simulator makes the effect of selecting the wrong scanning parameters or planning immediately visible. This instant feedback enables the learner to correct issues safely.
The built-in artifact course, for example, allows technologists to build up the memory bank to easily recognize root cause and resolve image issues swiftly.
This lowers the risk of longer scan times, or in some instances, patients having to re-attend for a repeat scan.
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"The simulator instantly shows the impact of combining the wrong scanning parameters or making a planning error. That's incredibly useful."
By rehearsing scenarios such as implant scanning or working within SAR limits, staff gain confidence to care for patients more effectively within their appointment time slots. This reduces late running of lists and helps the team to see their patients on time.
While recalls haven't been eliminated entirely, the improvement is significant:
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"We have audit meetings and metrics for patient recalls. Our recalls haven't been completely eliminated, but they have dropped over the last few years."
Beyond basic troubleshooting, technologists now handle complex cases confidently:
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"With the simulator, MRI technologists explore alternative parameters to scan patients who need special care. For example, those with metal implants.
Our technologists now learn how to handle these cases."
Better preparation means fewer recalls and more successful first-time scans:
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"Patients now get scanned faster with minimal recalls. The number of patients going home without a scan has dropped significantly.
It all translates to better patient care within the NHS."
While challenges will still appear in practice, technologists now feel better equipped, at an earlier stage in their MRI career, to handle these advanced cases.
3. More Opportunity for Safe, Repeated Practice Without Affecting Scanner Time
With 7 scanners scanning 15-20 patients daily, finding time to learn on clinical equipment was challenging. Simulation offers a practical alternative:
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A Safe Learning Environment:
MRI radiographers can troubleshoot and learn on simulated patients, away from the clinical department.
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"When there's no patient involved, it creates psychological safety.
Radiographers can freely test their technical knowledge and skills, learning without the worry of affecting their patients."
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Flexible Assessment:
Educators and trainers can review learning exercises at any time.
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"With the simulator, assessment is easier. Radiographers can perform a scan whenever it suits them, and I can review their work later."
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Access to Uncommon Procedures:
Some scans appear infrequently in clinical practice, and Corsmed includes less common examinations.
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"With Corsmed, you can scan any of the MRI examinations, even the less frequent ones, anytime. It's already stored."
Implementation: From Home Study to Structured Group Sessions
While results have been positive, UCLH had to experiment with different approaches to using the simulator to find what worked best.
UCLH discovered that structured on-site training was most effective for their specific situation:
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"Now staff are given computers when they come in for training, and we work through exercises together.
During these sessions, technologists complete specific tasks based on that day's learning objectives, such as scanning a head with hemorrhage or working within SAR restrictions for patients with implants.
The engagement is much better. Everyone completes the work, I can give immediate feedback when they are stuck, and the whole group progresses at the same pace."
Early trials included independent practice, but the most effective approach has been structured group sessions. Technologists work through set tasks together.
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"During these sessions, technologists complete set objectives such as a head scan for a patient with multiple sclerosis or working within SAR limits for patients with an implant. Engagement is improved and I can give feedback at the time when needed."
Vendor-Neutral Training
UCLH operates MRI scanners from multiple manufacturers, so it is important that learning is not tied to a single make and model of scanner.
Corsmed's vendor-neutral platform supports this approach, meaning technologists learn universal MRI principles.
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"This is a useful way to understand the concept of MRI – this is how the physics works."
Building Confidence
The confidence to adjust scanning parameters has practical benefits.
Many technologists are cautious about adjusting scan parameters. Simulation allows them to practice this to optimize the image quality and in some cases length of the scan sequence.
This is especially important for patients who find the scan harder to tolerate.
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"Most radiographers have not been exposed to settings like GRAPPA or turbo factor. On the simulator they can practice adjustments safely and see the outcome straight away."
Easy to Use and Quick to Adapt
The Corsmed interface is intuitive enough that even those with minimal digital skills succeed:
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"It's straightforward: press 'Scan' and it scans. Click 'Add protocol' and it adds a protocol.
A 1-hour introduction enables the learners to explore independently. There are good workflow videos within the 'Help' page too."
Professional Growth and Development
For some technologists it is evident that repeated simulator practice has helped them build confidence and take on more responsibility.
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"I've seen technologists develop quickly because they have been able to make mistakes, correct them and build on their learning in the simulated environment.
This translates to better clinical practice."
Looking Forward
When asked what guidance he would offer other hospitals considering simulator implementation, Noyal emphasized tailoring modules to local needs and not attempting to cover everything all at once.
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"Don't get lost in the big ocean of MRI. Understand your key focus areas and use the software for what it offers. That's where you can have a happy marriage with this solution."
The results at UCLH demonstrate the value of this focused approach.
With more consistent training times, reduced patient recalls, and technologists advancing rapidly in their careers, the trust has created a model for MRI education in busy clinical environments.
As Noyal reflects on the transformation:
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"If I were in university, I would have been blessed to have a simulator solution like this."
He adds:
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"I think the innovation that Corsmed has put into the simulator, and all the special features like cardiac scanning and assessment solutions, is all very impressive."
Many NHS trusts and other clinics face similar challenges with:
- Limited scanner time
- Inconsistent training, and
- Struggle to maintain patient throughput while onboarding and training new staff
UCLH's experience demonstrates that simulation technology can help to address these constraints while improving patient experience.
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"The simulation-based training has become an essential part of our program.
We would not have achieved the same results without it."
Note: This case study is based on operational observations and does not constitute an endorsement. UCLH maintains vendor neutrality in accordance with NHS procurement guidelines.
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