Will AI replace Radiologic Technologists and Technicians?

AI can do 49% of the work Radiologic Technologists and Technicians do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 30 tasks, while 14 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 5 physical tasks. 10 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 1% of time

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

  • Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.Mostly assisted1% of time

AI could do this next14 · 47% of time

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

  • Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.7% of time
  • Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.7% of time
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.7% of time
  • Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.4% of time
  • Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.4% of time
  • Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.4% of time
  • Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.3% of time
  • Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.3% of time
  • Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.3% of time
  • Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.3% of time
  • Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.3% of time
  • Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.1% of time
  • Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.1% of time
  • Maintain a current file of examination protocols.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this5 · 26% 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.

  • Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.Robots: purpose built settings11% of time
  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.Robots: structured workplaces8% of time
  • Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Transport patients to or from exam rooms.Robots: structured workplaces3% of time
  • Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person10 · 25% 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.

  • Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.7% of time
  • Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.4% of time
  • Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.4% of time
  • Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.3% of time
  • Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.1% of time
  • Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.1% of time
  • Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.1% of time
  • Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.1% of time
  • Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.1% of time
  • Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.1% of time

Your week is not the average

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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 1 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

  • Do the 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 14 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 5 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 10 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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