CT training for VNs

RE: CT training for VNs

Sara-Ann Dickson — Mon, 20 May 2019 07:02:49 GMT

Not really sure what CT CPD is out there for what you are looking for as most of it will be geared to the interpretation of the images you'll be generating.

I agree that in house training with the 2 vets that currently use the CT will be able to help and guide you in its use and you will definitely use them for this. However with some of the more intricacies other than push the button you may/will need and bit more guidance.

For learning about my new Echo machine the vets using it were amazing but they knew how to use it to get their required images for diagnosis. they just needed it to perform this duty and didn't really have the time to look in to making it work better for them. We have a service contract out on our machines and that includes them coming out a providing training when we require. So i got them out to provide me training on the more intricate use of the software side and image acquisition as opposed to the diagnosis side. They were really good so i am now able to add in various different formulas/ calculations my vets are looking to be able to get without them having to do via a plain old calculator and have these automatically generated and placed into the report when they measure them. this gives them a prettier report for sending to our referring vets and clients.

See if you have a service contract out on your CT machine (i'm sure you will have) and ask them to come out and show you some of the finer points of using it. Your vets will probably pop in and out and learn new things and different ways to get their scans looking better without stepping on their toes either as you'll not be learning how to read the scans, just how to get better scans for them. Eventually you'll be able to read them and be able to prioritise them for reading as in a vet needs to look at this one ASAP for them to diagnosis the craziness you can see.

Good luck!

RE: CT training for VNs

apache — Sun, 19 May 2019 22:45:51 GMT

What accreditation or certification are you thinking of? I'm unaware of any universally accepted ones.

I agree if you go on to do a recognised qualification in diagnostic imaging, but as an employer myself I would look to see if up to date with CPD, but I wouldn't care who provided the CT training course. I'd actually be pleased to see mentoring and being mentored listed as a part of the CPD record. A series of passive lectures with certificates don't prove anything.

Practically I've paid lots of money for some pretty poor CPD and had some great CPD for free. Someone made up the 'proper' course, there is no reason it has to be better.

RE: CT training for VNs

Nick Shackleton — Sun, 19 May 2019 22:30:57 GMT

By undertaking accredited/certified courses thus means that it shows to perspective employers that you’ve undertaken further training in certain areas of practice

RE: CT training for VNs

Sal the 1st — Sun, 19 May 2019 20:48:50 GMT

[quote user="apache"]

I happily count mentoring and in house training as CPD. 30 seconds with word if you want a magic certificate for your toilet wall. Just as easy and just as valid CPD in RCVSs eyes whether in house or external expert. Counts just the same.

[/quote]

I agree - there are a lot of people out there making a lot of money because they issue the magic bit of paper . There is a lot that can be learnt closer to home which is just as valid (and in many cases more so) because it relates directly to the job you are doing and the environment you are working in

RE: CT training for VNs

apache — Sat, 18 May 2019 17:40:15 GMT

[quote user="Nick Shackleton "]I’d rather learn from experts in that field[/quote]

That's fine, and maybe the way to get better. I still think learning to do what you do in your practice on your machine is infinitely more valuable. Whether we agree with the concept or not VNs not allowed to interpret the image and diagnose, so you are limited to looking at the output to decide if clinically useable. Finding a veterinary CT 'expert' who is also an expert in your machine may be quite a task.

[quote user="Nick Shackleton "]its easier to log as CPD if you’ve had formal training [/quote]

No it's not? I happily count mentoring and in house training as CPD. 30 seconds with word if you want a magic certificate for your toilet wall. Just as easy and just as valid CPD in RCVSs eyes whether in house or external expert. Counts just the same.

RE: CT training for VNs

Nick Shackleton — Sat, 18 May 2019 09:05:00 GMT

[quote user="apache"]

Can't you just learn from the vets who already use the machine? There seems to be a view these days that you need an expensive course to learn a new skill, when you can learn from others and look a bit up in a book or on the internet.

[/quote]

you can pick up the basics from learning from someone else, however, I’d rather learn from experts in that field and also its easier to log as CPD if you’ve had formal training

RE: CT training for VNs

apache — Thu, 16 May 2019 21:53:44 GMT

RE: CT training for VNs

Nick Shackleton — Thu, 16 May 2019 13:41:58 GMT

Hi there. the principals of CT are the same from manufacturer to manufacture, however, the difference arises from the different software that the different manus use to run the scanners. Each manufacturer has what you call an applications specialist, who should be able to provide some good training for you.

With regards to Actual CPD. VetCT offer a range of courses. This one would be of particular use to you, in my opinion:

https://www.vet-ct.com/us/courses/small-animal-ct-advanced-practical/

Also if you happen to have a Siemens scanner then they offer a one day course, this is more appropriate if you use a Siemens scanner:

https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-uk/education/siemens-healthineers-academy/medical-imaging/computed-tomography/veterinary-ct-key-principles-and-techniques

Feel free to ask any questions. I’ve been running a Veterinary CT service for almost two years and have NHS experience as well

RE: CT training for VNs

Carolyn Edwards — Thu, 16 May 2019 13:16:04 GMT

Have you checked with the company that supplied the CT machine? I imagine the training you are looking for is quite machine specific but I am speaking as a complete CT novice!