X-ray Pro VR: Radiography Simulation Software
Radiography Simulation Software for Medical Imaging Education
X-ray Pro VR is simulation software for radiography and radiologic technology education. It allows students to practise X-ray positioning, exposure factor selection, radiographic image evaluation, and patient workflow in immersive VR and desktop simulation before clinical placements or rotations.
Students interact with virtual imaging equipment and patients while observing how positioning and exposure choices affect the resulting radiographic image. This enables repeated practice in a controlled environment without exposing patients to radiation.
How Radiography Simulation Software Supports Training
Radiography simulation software allows students to practise the core skills required in medical imaging before entering the clinical environment. Students develop competence in X-ray positioning, patient workflow, beam alignment, and exposure parameter selection while observing how technique choices influence image quality.
Simulation provides a safe learning environment where students can repeat procedures, correct mistakes, and develop technical confidence before working with patients in clinical departments.
Key Learning Outcomes
• Practise X-ray positioning without patient radiation exposure
• Understand how kVp, mAs, and SID influence radiographic image quality
• Develop confidence in patient positioning and imaging workflow
• Observe the impact of exposure parameter changes on radiographic images
• Support radiography teaching in both VR and desktop simulation environments
Interactive Radiography Simulation
Radiography students benefit from hands-on learning when they can interact directly with imaging equipment and patient positioning. The immersive VR simulation allows students to position the patient and X-ray tube and immediately see the resulting radiographic image.
Changes in exposure factors such as kVp, mAs, and source-to-image distance (SID) produce visible differences in the radiograph. The simulation also reproduces realistic image noise, including quantum mottle, allowing students to understand how exposure technique influences diagnostic image quality.
This interactive feedback helps students develop a practical understanding of the relationship between positioning, exposure technique, and image appearance.
VR and Desktop Radiography Simulation
The Virtual Medical Coaching platform supports both immersive VR (tethered and standalone) and desktop simulation environments. This allows institutions to integrate radiography simulation into laboratory teaching sessions, independent learning, and pre-clinical training.
Students can practise imaging procedures, review radiographic outcomes, and refine positioning techniques before entering clinical placement. Educators can incorporate simulation into teaching sessions to demonstrate imaging principles and allow students to experiment with technique selection in a controlled environment.
Evidence from Radiography Education
X-ray Pro VR is supported by peer-reviewed studies. At University College Dublin, first-year students who practised in VR outperformed a control group on 20 of 22 clinical assessment criteria, including positioning, exposure selection and image appraisal (O’Connor & Rainford, 2023). Newly qualified radiographers trained with X-ray Pro VR had significantly higher clinical preparedness scores than those trained with traditional simulation (Karimi et al., 2025). Over three years, students taught with a hybrid of X-ray Pro VR and physical simulation achieved higher exam scores, practical scores, and career readiness (Arroyo & Garcia, 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is X-ray Pro VR suitable for radiography and radiologic technology programmes worldwide?
Yes. X-ray Pro VR is used by more than 50 universities and colleges across North America, South America, Europe (including the UK and Ireland), Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific (including Australia). It supports radiologic technology programs in the United States and radiography and medical imaging programmes internationally.
Which VR headsets does it work with?
X-ray Pro VR runs as a standalone app on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, with no PC or cables needed. It also runs on PC-connected headsets, including the HTC Vive, Vive Pro and Vive Pro 2, Valve Index, and Meta Quest with Link or Air Link. See our VR equipment guide for full requirements.
Does it simulate CR or DR?
Both. The simulation includes Computed Radiography (CR) and Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) systems, so students learn how exposure factors affect the image before using post-processing tools.
Can students feel the patient in VR?
Yes. Haptic feedback through the VR controllers lets students feel major bony landmarks, such as the jugular notch and iliac crests, and the X-ray tube’s detents.
How many headsets do we need?
It depends on your budget and teaching style. Institutions run anywhere from one headset per 15 students to one per 30 students.
Is there evidence that it works?
Yes. Peer-reviewed studies have found that students trained with X-ray Pro VR performed better in clinical assessments and were better prepared for practice. See the published research.
How is X-ray Pro VR licensed?
Each licence is for one named learner. We don’t offer institution-wide, site-wide, or per-headset licences, and accounts can’t be shared. Every student has their own account, so their progress, feedback and assessment records are accurately attributed to them. This also protects personal data under privacy laws such as the GDPR in the EU and UK and FERPA in the United States, which require controlled access to student records. Licensing is designed to cover a full degree, so cohorts don’t need re-licensing for individual modules.
Do students need a VR headset?
No. X-ray Pro VR runs in immersive VR and as a desktop version on Windows and Mac laptops and computers, so students can practise the same positioning procedures on either. Students who have their own compatible VR headset at home can also use it to practise outside class (PC-connected or enrolled by your institution).
Demand for Radiography Training is Increasing
The demand for medical imaging is increasing worldwide. Population ageing and rising rates of chronic disease are driving a greater need for diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-ray, CT, and fluoroscopy.
The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to increase from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. As populations age, the demand for medical imaging procedures continues to grow.
For healthcare providers and universities, this creates pressure to expand radiography education while maintaining patient safety. Simulation allows students to practise positioning and exposure technique before working with patients, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure and improving clinical readiness.
Source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. World Social Report 2023.
Radiography Positioning Simulation
Radiography simulation allows students to practise X-ray positioning procedures before entering the clinical environment. Students position the patient, align the X-ray tube, and adjust exposure parameters while observing the resulting radiographic image.
The Virtual Medical Coaching radiography simulation platform includes training for common radiographic examinations, including chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremity imaging. Students can practise positioning repeatedly and evaluate the resulting radiograph.
The simulation environment demonstrates how positioning accuracy, beam alignment, and exposure parameters influence radiographic image quality.
Practical Radiography Education and Skills Assessment
Virtual Medical Coaching provides a complete radiography simulation learning environment that allows students to practise positioning, exposure technique, and image evaluation before clinical placement.
The platform guides students through the full learning process, including anatomy recognition, radiographic positioning, and exposure parameter selection. Students can practise examinations repeatedly while observing how technique choices influence the resulting radiographic image.
Built-in assessment tools allow students to evaluate their own performance and develop clinical decision-making skills. This active learning approach helps students move from passive observation to practical understanding of radiographic imaging procedures.
VR and Desktop Radiography Simulation
The platform is available in both immersive VR and desktop simulation formats. Training modules cover all 206 human bones and more than 130 radiographic projections. Students interact with anatomically accurate patient models that include a full skeletal system. When VR headsets are not available, students can practise the same radiographic positioning procedures on their laptops using the desktop version of the software.
Radiography Practice Modules
The system includes more than 60 simulated radiography rooms where students can practise examinations using different patient cases. Students position the patient, adjust the X-ray tube, select exposure parameters, and review the resulting radiographic image. This allows learners to understand the relationship between positioning accuracy, exposure technique, and image quality.
Learning Exposure Factors
The simulation environment responds to changes in exposure factors, including kVp, mAs, and source-to-image distance (SID). Changes in exposure produce visible differences in image density, contrast, and noise. The system also includes automatic exposure control (AEC) simulation and focal spot size selection. Students can observe how breathing instructions and diaphragm movement influence radiographic images during specific projections.
Student Performance Reporting
The platform records student activity during each radiography simulation session, including positioning accuracy, exposure parameter selection, and generated radiographic images.Educators can review student performance, identify positioning errors, and evaluate image quality directly within the educator portal. Reports allow instructors to monitor student progress in real time or review performance after training sessions.All simulation activity and radiographic images are stored within the student portfolio for the duration of their training programme, providing a record of learning progression.
Peer-Reviewed Assessment Modules
The platform includes over 1,000 peer-reviewed assessment questions covering radiographic image evaluation and clinical decision making. Assessment formats include multiple-choice questions and interactive ranking exercises where students prioritise diagnostic features within radiographic images. Topics include:• radiation safety• patient positioning• medical imaging physics• radiation dose• anatomy and pathology recognition. These modules support the development of critical thinking and image interpretation skills required in radiography practice.
Health and Radiation Safety Training
Students practise essential health and radiation safety procedures within the simulation environment. This includes verifying patient identification, removing metal artefacts, positioning shielding where appropriate, and ensuring the examination room door is closed before exposure. Students also practise correct communication with patients, including breathing instructions and positioning guidance, reinforcing safe radiographic practice before clinical placement.
Prepare Radiography Students for Clinical Imaging
Virtual Medical Coaching provides radiography simulation software used by universities to teach patient positioning, exposure technique, and radiographic image evaluation before clinical placement.
Students can practise examinations repeatedly in immersive VR or desktop simulation environments while educators monitor performance and assess clinical readiness.