Orderly

Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.

AI and automation will likely impact orderlies by taking over repetitive tasks like transporting patients, moving equipment, and routine cleaning within 5-10 years. This shift will likely reduce demand for purely physical tasks while elevating the role's focus towards direct human interaction, patient comfort, and supervising automated systems. Orderlies will increasingly collaborate with technology, emphasizing their interpersonal skills rather than being fully replaced.