Will AI replace Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists?

AI can do 29% of the work Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 3 of their 24 tasks, while 4 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 14 still need a person.

AI is already doing this3 · 8% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Take brief medical histories from patients.Mostly assisted3% of time
  • Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.Mostly assisted1% of time

AI could do this next4 · 21% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.8% of time
  • Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.6% of time
  • Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.4% of time
  • Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.3% of time

Robots can technically do this3 · 4% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.Robots: purpose built settingsunder 1% of time

Still needs a person14 · 68% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.29% of time
  • Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.9% of time
  • Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.8% of time
  • Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.4% of time
  • Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.4% of time
  • Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.4% of time
  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.3% of time
  • Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.1% of time
  • Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.1% of time
  • Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.1% of time
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.1% of time
  • Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.1% of time
  • Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.1% of time
  • Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.under 1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can speed up parts of this job, mostly the paperwork and information work around it. The core still depends on hands, presence or relationships.

What to do next

  • Do the 3 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 4 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 3 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 14 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians22%Diagnostic Medical Sonographers31%Nuclear Medicine Technologists32%Radiologic Technologists and Technicians49%Medical Dosimetrists62%Cytogenetic Technologists28%

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