Will AI replace Medical Dosimetrists?

AI can do 62% of the work Medical Dosimetrists do at least twice as fast. Real use has not caught up: none of their tasks show up in real AI use yet, but AI could speed up 10 of them. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 6 still need a person.

AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time

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

  • Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.

AI could do this next10 · 62% of time

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

  • Design the arrangement of radiation fields to reduce exposure to critical patient structures, such as organs, using computers, manuals, and guides.22% of time
  • Develop radiation treatment plans in consultation with members of the radiation oncology team.9% of time
  • Calculate, or verify calculations of, prescribed radiation doses.8% of time
  • Calculate the delivery of radiation treatment, such as the amount or extent of radiation per session, based on the prescribed course of radiation therapy.8% of time
  • Record patient information, such as radiation doses administered, in patient records.5% of time
  • Develop treatment plans, and calculate doses for brachytherapy procedures.4% of time
  • Teach medical dosimetry, including its application, to students, radiation therapists, or residents.3% of time
  • Conduct radiation oncology-related research, such as improving computer treatment planning systems or developing new treatment devices.1% of time
  • Develop requirements for the use of patient immobilization devices and positioning aides, such as molds or casts, as part of treatment plans to ensure accurate delivery of radiation and comfort of patient.1% of time
  • Educate patients regarding treatment plans, physiological reactions to treatment, or post-treatment care.1% of time

Robots can technically do this3 · 3% 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.

  • Fabricate beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Fabricate patient immobilization devices, such as molds or casts, for radiation delivery.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Measure the amount of radioactivity in patients or equipment, using radiation monitoring devices.Robots: structured workplacesunder 1% of time

Still needs a person6 · 35% 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.

  • Identify and outline bodily structures, using imaging procedures, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography.12% of time
  • Plan the use of beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters, to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation treatment.8% of time
  • Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for treatment delivery, using image-guided radiation therapy.5% of time
  • Supervise or perform simulations for tumor localizations, using imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography scans.5% of time
  • Advise oncology team members on use of beam modifying or immobilization devices in radiation treatment plans.3% of time
  • Perform quality assurance system checks, such as calibrations, on treatment planning computers.3% of time

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 0 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Get ahead on the 10 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 6 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%Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists29%Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses63%

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