FAQ
This course is primarily for doctors in radiology and cardiology (either trainees, UK Specialist grade, or fully qualified), as it aims to prepare them for Level 2 training (independent reporting physician). However, any doctor who wishes to learn more about cardiac CT is welcome to attend. However, please note that you need the necessary skills to use modern computers and to understand the use of CT software. If you are found to progress much more slowly during the course, you might not be eligible for Level 2 certification at the end of the course, as we take the certification very seriously. In such cases, you will receive a Level 1 certification and advice to continue with further training.
Please note that the course is not intended for radiographers.
Over the years, we have only delivered in-person courses at Level 2 using workstation-based advanced post-processing software such as Vitrea and TeraRecon. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also been providing the courses online using TeraRecon cloud software and Zoom platform (in fact, this was the first Level 2 online course to be delivered worldwide). To attend the course in person or online is a personal choice. The course curriculum, content, and level of training with both modes of courses are similar, with both courses recognised by SCCT. However, those registering for the online course must ensure they fulfil the technical requirements (you will receive this once you express your interest). It is mandatory for participants to be fully present during both 6-days hands-on course, as attendance is monitored.
Although useful, it is not mandatory to have prior CT knowledge. Only an open mind and willingness to learn are required.
The course takes the participant from the basics of CT to an advanced understanding of post-processing and interpretation of cardiac CT.
No, one would need to do the whole course. However, as this is a combined Level 1 and 2 course, previous Level 1 training is not required.
If you already have level 1 training, you would still have to go through the full course.
BSCI / SCCT / EACVI certification is not directly provided by any course. Once you have completed the six-day course, you will be provided with the course certificate along with a log of cases to include:
-20 hours of didactic lectures
-Performance of supervised mentored interpretation of 200 cases of cardiac CT (including 50 non-contrast CT)
-Viewing 15 live recorded cases
After the course, you would have to visit a CT department locally in your or nearby hospital to participate in the performance and reporting of the required number of live cases (called on-site training) which isn’t provided during the course itself (and not provided by most such courses). The number of on-site live cases one needs to be involved in depends upon the professional society. We can try to arrange onsite training for a participant if one is not available in their hospital or region. The process of applying and obtaining BSCI or SCCT level two certification will be explained during the course.
We currently use TeraRecon software to provide training (TeraRecon cloud, with Microsoft Teams or Zoom for online courses). This is an advanced post-processing software for Cardiac CT and is best suited for teaching purposes. The techniques for image interpretation taught in the course can be applied to most similar new software from other vendors. For the online courses, a small file will be downloaded to your PC, and you will access the cases through the TeraRecon cloud software. For the on-site courses, the TeraRecon software with cases is installed on the provided workstations. Unlike most other courses, each onsite participant is provided with a separate workstation for the best learning experience.
Although you can commute to the course venue, the course is very intensive starting at 8 am and ending 6 pm. It is advisable that you stay at the venue itself or close by. We have negotiated a suitable tariff for accommodation with the venue.
About 4 weeks before the course, you will be provided with a link to the course eLearning platform with online lectures. You must give at least 14-16 hours to complete these lectures. It is mandatory to view and pass all the modules before attending the course. You can view some of the previous course lectures on the “Learning” tab of this website free of charge. When you attend the course, you will be provided with an online course manual and a permanent link to a resource folder.
Completion of the online pre-course lectures and attendance to the full 6-days of the course is recognised for 46 CPD credits by the Royal College of Radiologists, London, in accordance with their guidelines.
These CPD credits are recognised by most of the UK or international professional bodies.
After completing the course and the required number of onsite live cases (as per the requirements in place at the time), you would be able to apply for SCCT Level 2 certification in cardiac CT. For the CBCCT exam, there are some other criteria, which you can find on their website: http://www.cccvi.org/cbcct/content_574.cfm?navID=89. It is your responsibility to meet these eligibility criteria.
Please express your interest by completing the registration. An information pack will be sent to you along with relevant fees.