3DR Labs has 250+ American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®)* certified RTs 3D post-processing CT and MRI scans for 1,000+ hospitals and imaging centers across the U.S. Its RTs process 50,000+ cases per month, some high-volume, routine cases and others that are relatively rare. It’s a busy, challenging, and rewarding job.
All 3DR Labs’ RTs are ARRT certified when they join the company. They need to have studied radiologic technology to have the requisite background knowledge to learn 3D medical image post-processing.
In the past, 3DR Labs conducted a 12-week, in-person training program at its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, during which new RTs learned all of the company’s neurology and body protocols.
But about three years ago, it decided to take a different approach. 3DR Labs’ training program is now fully remote. That may seem surprising for such a hands-on job. However, the approach is very practical for its employees, removing the need for them to spend time away from home, and the results have been extremely successful. Its RTs also begin to specialize right away; an RT may join the organization as a Cardiac Center of Excellence (CCE) tech, an advanced specialty tech, a body tech or a neuro tech.
The training is conducted in an online classroom setting with no more than four RTs per trainer to ensure that they get individual attention. Training typically occurs in two sections. Neuro is the only specialty that is taught in a single section. The RTs begin by learning how to use all the software and artificial intelligence (AI) technology that 3DR Labs employs. They are also taught the relevant anatomy, and half of the protocols used by their specialty. Then, they go to the floor to start working on live cases and fine-tune their craft. Once they are proficient at those protocols, they return to the virtual classroom to learn the remainder.
The RTs use training modules, and attend live lectures and demonstrations during the online classes. Then, they apply the knowledge they have gained to practice and live cases. Their trainer is able to watch them perform each task described in the training module in real time through a split computer screen and can guide them in their work, telling them how to move their mouse correctly on a scan if necessary.
It’s quite a different, personalized approach to training. 3DR Labs’ trainers also endeavor to adopt their RTs’ preferred learning methods. For example, some RTs like to be stopped immediately if they make a mistake while others prefer to finish the task and then receive feedback afterwards. The trainer will pinpoint tasks that each RT needs to focus on and areas where they should go faster or slow down. The RTs can also revisit the training modules as required to hone their skills.
The individualized training approach allows 3DR Labs to increase the proficiency of their trained staff. Productivity is tracked out of training by using a baseline model and monthly goals to incrementally increase until reaching full productivity. The baseline model creates a unique plan for each RT.
As 3DR Labs’ RTs process 50,000+ cases per month from hospitals across the country, they see some interesting, rare cases that RTs would not typically encounter. In those instances, the RT will reach out to a lead tech for additional guidance. If it is a very rare case and the lead tech is unsure how to handle it, they will consult with 3DR Labs’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Falk. If that discussion leads to a change in the way those cases are processed or new information is gained about specific pathology, it will be shared with the RTs, so they know how to handle those cases in the future.
3DR Labs’ Quality Assurance (QA) specialists routinely verify the accuracy of the RTs’ work. Each week, they will pull a randomized, diverse mix of cases that were recently returned to customers and compare them against the company’s 400 quality metrics to ensure they meet its acceptability standards. If they spot an error that is coachable, which the RT can improve upon, a trainer will meet with them to show them the mistake they made, perhaps they over-measured on a vessel, and teach them different techniques they can use to avoid doing it again. This is another form of continuing education tailored specifically to the employee.
3DR Labs also offers career development coaching sessions and mentoring. For example, if an RT is working in neurology but is also interested in body imaging cases or would like to learn a new protocol as a professional development goal, they can reach out to their supervisor and request additional training. The company also maintains a catalog of webinars and articles that can be reviewed to earn continuing education (CE) credits to help RTs to fulfill those requirements.
Well trained, engaged and motivated staff members are at the heart of every strong, growing company. 3DR Labs values its employees highly and invests considerable time and effort in their ongoing education. It recognizes the vital role they play together in helping clinicians to diagnose and treat their patients appropriately.
* 3DR is an independent organization and is not authorized by, sponsored by, or affiliated with The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which is the owner of the trademark ARRT.
