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"Our students were struggling to learn MRI physics. It’s hard to teach MRI parameters without showing them in action.
We needed a platform that would let students play with the scanner settings—and instantly see how they affect the image."
This was the dilemma that Samantha Mataka at University of Cumbria faced in the fall of 2022.
She knew that students learn MRI best when by seeing and practicing the concepts—not by reading textbooks.
But how could she create the experience of a real MRI scanner, without actually having access to one on campus?
The answer: Corsmed’s MRI simulator.
Today, University of Cumbria has integrated Corsmed in both their undergraduate to postgraduate levels, with transformative results in student engagement and learning.
Thanks to implementing Corsmed, University of Cumbria has been able to:
- Bridge the Theory-Practice Gap in MRI Physics
- Create a Safe Environment for Experimentation and Learning
- Enhance Graduate Employability with Specialised Skills
1. Bridge the Theory-Practice Gap in MRI Physics
For radiography educators, teaching abstract MRI physics concepts presents a significant challenge. How do you help students visualise complex parameters when textbooks only provide equations and theory?
Samantha recalls the moment she first experienced Corsmed, and saw how it made the theory come alive:
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"When I first saw Corsmed, I knew this was the solution we had been looking for.
The simulator showed all the parameters of a real scanner—pulse sequences, TE, TR, slice angulation and more—and produced an image from your parameters almost instantly.”
But what really impressed Samantha was the accuracy of the Corsmed’s images:
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"The big advantage with Corsmed is that the image changes as you adjust parameters. Other softwares let you change parameters, but the images don't update to match.” – Samantha Mataka
Their decision to go with Corsmed came down to one thing: trusting the simulator’s accuracy.
What Students Say About Learning with Corsmed
For students like Beth Kempton, the simulator has revolutionised how she learns complex MRI physics:
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"MRI physics is hard to understand from textbooks. With Corsmed’s MRI simulator, you can play with parameters and see how the image changes.
Corsmed turns the textbook equations into images I can visualise. This really helped me understand concepts I had previously struggled with.”
Beth emphasises how the simulator's hands-on approach aligns perfectly with her learning style:
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"It's more like hands-on learning, which is how I learn best. Reading textbooks can be confusing, but once I do something, I understand it much better.
With Corsmed, you can see that if you change one thing, the image changes in a certain way." – Beth Kempton
The visual, interactive nature of the simulator also makes learning more enjoyable and engaging, as Beth explains:
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"Corsmed is much more interesting than textbooks. Textbooks can be dry, but the simulator is interactive and gives you tasks to work through. You learn faster this way—and it’s much more fun too!” – Beth Kempton
Thanks to this interactive learning, many radiography students now choose MRI over other imaging modalities for their specialisation. Samantha notes:
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"We've seen much higher uptake of the MRI focus pathway in the 3rd year. Nearly 20 students—about 25% of the cohort—chose MRI this year. I believe it's because the Corsmed simulator makes it more attractive and interesting.
When we promote different modalities, I use Corsmed to showcase MRI, and it's definitely increases their interest.
Our intake for MRI doubled!”
This ability to visualise MRI concepts has been transformative.
Before Corsmed, theory used to be complex and scary.
Now, learning theory has become simple—even fun!
2. Provide 24/7 Hands-On MRI Experience for All Students
One of the biggest challenges in radiography education is providing sufficient clinical experience for all students. With limited placement opportunities and variability in what students encounter during their externships, ensuring consistent, high-quality training can be difficult.
Samantha Mataka explains how this challenge affected their program:
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"It’s very difficult to secure clinical placement for students. Each site has different rules about whether students can access their MRI departments or not.
Some departments simply won't accept students, so we must find alternatives."
Corsmed addresses this challenge by providing students with their own personal MRI scanner they can access anytime, anywhere.
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"Having Corsmed helps students get the necessary training. Recent changes to HCPC standards now demands more MRI training.
Corsmed has been really helpful to ensure students get the practice they need." – Samantha Mataka
Student Beth Kempton especially enjoys the “on-demand” access to any body part or pathology that Corsmed provides:
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"I like being able to select different pathologies and body parts to practice on. You are not limited to the particular patient that happens to come through the door.
Corsmed lets me practice on whatever concept I most need right now."
Selecting what anatomy to practice on has now become as convenient as selecting what movie to watch on Netflix—infinite selection and instant delivery.
A Safe Environment to Experiment and Learn
Unlike real clinical settings where mistakes can have serious consequences, the simulator creates a risk-free environment for students to experiment freely.
Beth Kempton values this aspect of the simulator:
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“In clinical placement, you can't play with the parameters because you're working with real patients on tight schedules.
But on Corsmed, I can experiment freely! I can go: ‘What if I try this?’ or ‘How about if I do that?’, without feeling pressured.
I can play with the parameters until the physics ‘click’”.
This freedom to explore and make mistakes is fundamental to the learning process, allowing students to build confidence before working with real patients.
Samantha emphasises this benefit:
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"Corsmed gives students a safe space to learn—free from the pressures of clinical placement. They might be nervous to change parameters with real patients. But here they can experiment safely.
They can play with the settings, see what changes what, and understand how it affects the image—without worrying about patient care."
Experience with Diverse and Rare Cases
The simulator also enables students to practice with a wide range of anatomies and pathologies they might not encounter during limited clinical placements.
Beth shares how this broadens her educational experience:
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"During my clinical placement, I mostly just get to practice on routine scans. But with Corsmed, I can practice on any body part—shoulders, wrists, cardiac scans—things I rarely see in the hospital.
Even if I only see a particular scan once in my placement, I can practice it dozens of times on the simulator until I really understand it."
This comprehensive exposure ensures graduates are prepared to handle any scanning scenario they might face in their professional careers.
3. Boost Graduate Employability
Perhaps the most impressive outcome of implementing Corsmed has been its impact on students' confidence and career prospects.
Student Beth Kempton shares:
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"What did I learn at University of Cumbria?
Everything! And I mean everything.
When I started, I knew nothing about anatomy, radiation physics, or how MRI worked.
Now I understand how to take images, the effects of radiation, and how to fix images that don't look right. I can spot abnormalities and know when a patient can go home safely—and when they must get emergency treatment.”
This boosted confidence has in no small part been due to practicing with Corsmed:
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“Corsmed taught me more than any textbook. It’s one thing read about the physics and imaging concepts—it’s another thing entirely when you experience them.” – Beth Kempton
University of Cumbria has also leveraged the simulator to create skills certificates that prove students have completed certain MRI courses on Corsmed—giving their students a competitive edge in the job market.
As Samantha explains:
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"These certificates have helped students get jobs in their chosen modality. They bring them to interviews, which has been really effective."
Samantha shares a specific success story:
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"One of our 3rd-year students used her certificates in the interview, and she got accepted for a training position in CT/MRI." – Samantha Mataka
By giving students documented experience with MRI scanning, Corsmed provides them with a competitive edge in the job market:
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“Many students secure positions directly in MRI departments upon graduation. Some even get hired before they finish their studies." – Samantha Mataka
More Than Just a Simulator: Corsmed's Commitment to Education
For institutions considering simulation technology, implementation support and ongoing assistance are critical concerns. University of Cumbria has been impressed with Corsmed's customer service and educational partnership.
“Brilliant” Customer Support
Samantha praises the technical support and service they've received:
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"The customer support has been brilliant.
Donatella at Corsmed has always available when needed and very supportive, especially when we need password changes or students have issues. She also helps me build course modules, which is really valuable."
This level of support ensures that both faculty and students can maximize the benefits of the simulator without technology becoming a barrier.
LMS with Course-Building Functionality
When asked about her favorite feature with Corsmed, Samantha is quick to highlight the Learning Management System (LMS). Specifically, the ability to easily create custom course modules:
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"The feature for building course modules is extremely helpful.
I needed a solid structure rather than opening the whole platform, which would be overwhelming for undergrads. They need clear direction.
The module building is easy to use and a really good function." – Samantha Mataka
Simple-to-Use Interface
The intuitive interface makes Corsmed accessible even for students with limited technical skills:
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"Our students find it quite easy to use.
I was worried about making them use it on their own. But after they have seen me use it in sessions, they handle it just fine." – Samantha Mataka
Remote Clinical Placements – The Next Thing in MRI Education?
Looking ahead, Samantha sees even more potential for simulation in radiography education:
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"I hope to develop a program where students can do clinical placement remotely from home. I'm planning clinical simulated placement blocks for levels 4, 5, and 6, and creating narrated PowerPoints to cover the course material.
Of course, Corsmed will be essential to make this work.”
This innovative approach could help address the persistent challenge of clinical placement shortages:
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"With our clinical placement shortage, I hope Corsmed will help address this problem.
I imagine a future where the simulator is used entirely to replace a physical clinical placement." – Samantha Mataka
“Did Corsmed Help Us? Definitely.”
When asked about the overall impact of implementing Corsmed's simulator, Samantha is unequivocal:
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“Did Corsmed help us bridge the theory-practice learning gap?
Definitely.”
She continues to add:
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"It’s really has been transformative.
Corsmed has given our students a safe learning environment where they see the theory come alive, and experiment freely without worrying about patient care.
MRI departments can be busy, and students are often hesitant to ask questions, especially about physics.
The visual, hands-on learning from the simulator helps fill that missing knowledge—and makes learning MRI more engaging too!” – Samantha Mataka
University of Cumbria's implementation of Corsmed demonstrates how simulation technology can transform MRI education.
For other MRI education programs and healthcare facilities looking to enhance their training, the message from University of Cumbria is clear:
Corsmed's simulator doesn't just supplement traditional education—it fundamentally transforms it, creating skilled professionals who are ready to make an impact from Day One.
As Beth summarizes from a student perspective:
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"Soon after I started the radiography program, I was unsure if I was going to make it. The MRI physics were so hard!
But when I could play with the concepts on the MRI simulator and see the resulting image, it finally clicked! Corsmed played a big role in helping me push through.
I now feel well-prepared to start my career."
Want to Enhance Your MRI Training Program?
Book a free demo with us today, and discover how Corsmed can take your MRI training to the next level.
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