Radiation Therapists

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: 1 (5%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 10 (45%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 11 (50%)

• Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Photograph treated area of patient and process film.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Schedule patients for treatment times.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task