Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 8 (40%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 10 (50%)

• Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load and unload film cassettes used to record images from procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about diagnostic medical sonographers and AI