Radiographers (X-ray Technologists)

How AI is changing radiographers (x-ray technologists) work

5 of 25 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 20%. 3 newer tasks are not in the data yet and left out.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Operate digital picture archiving communications systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Explain procedures and observe patients to make sure safety and comfort during scan (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Maintain a current file of examination protocols (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Perform procedures (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to make sure safety of patients and staff (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Coordinate work with clerical staff or other technologists and technicians (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to make sure the images produced are of the highest quality (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Transport patients to or from exam rooms (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Perform general administrative tasks (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside — no recorded AI use
• Perform supervisory duties — too new for the AI data

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Operate digital picture archiving communications systems”. Try the prompt for: “Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and radiographers (x-ray technologists)

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