Healthcare job market: Data and analytics spotlight

By Leah Shea

Healthcare analytics and data science have become integral components of the healthcare industry, helping organizations make data-driven decisions to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and enhance healthcare delivery. As a result, the demand for skilled professionals in this field has increased recently, creating numerous job opportunities for individuals looking to build careers in healthcare analytics and data science.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of those professional opportunities.

Pathways to a career in healthcare analytics

Formal education

A formal education in healthcare analytics is one of the best ways to prepare for a career. Many universities now offer specialized degree programs in healthcare analytics, data science and related fields.

The types of programs currently offered include a wide range, from certificate programs to graduate-level degrees. Here are just a few examples:

• Master of Biomedical Data Science
• Master of Science in Real World Evidence in Healthcare and Life Sciences
• Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Master of Science
• Bachelor of Science in Health Data Science
• Advanced Business Certificate in Health Care Analytics

Many universities have data science and analytics offerings; however, not all universities offer programs specific to healthcare. Some universities offering such programs include Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, Saint Louis University, and Dartmouth. In lieu of a formal degree program, many certificate programs are available, which can be more cost-effective and provide a faster path to career change.

On-the-job training

For those already working in healthcare or related fields, on-the-job training can be an excellent way to transition into healthcare analytics. Many healthcare organizations are now investing in training programs to help employees acquire the necessary skills to work with data and analytics. This option provides the added benefit of gaining practical experience in a healthcare setting while also learning about healthcare analytics.

If you’re interested in making this transition, it can be helpful to do some work on your own. There are many ways to learn and even get a certificate, which are often available online and may be free or included with certain subscriptions, such as LinkedIn Learning.

You can always talk with your direct supervisor and see what your organization offers internally.

Professional experience

There are a couple ways to leverage your existing experience to build a career in healthcare analytics or data science. Individuals with experience in healthcare can use their industry knowledge to better contextualize the data they are analyzing. In contrast, those with experience in data analytics can bring their skills to the healthcare industry.

Helpful skill sets for healthcare analytics

A variety of skill sets are helpful when working in healthcare analytics, which can help with both finding a job relevant to your expertise as well as with career progression.

Technical

Technical skills are essential for a career in healthcare analytics, and individuals with highly developed skills may find opportunities as data engineers or data scientists.

• Skills:
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python
  • Experience with databases and ETL processes
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis and/or predictive analytics
• Job title examples:
  • Healthcare data scientist
  • Data analyst
  • Data engineer
• Career progression examples:
  • Healthcare director/VP of data governance
  • Director/VP of data science
  • Chief data officer

Clinical

A background in clinical medicine can also be an asset when pursuing a career in healthcare analytics.

• Skills:
  • Clinical experience
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and clinical workflows
  • Experience with electronic health records (EHRs) and other clinical data sources
• Job title examples:
  • Clinical analyst
  • Clinical informaticist
• Career progression examples:
  • Process improvement leader

Research

The field of healthcare analytics also extends to the design and implementation of clinical research.

• Skills:
  • Background in formal research processes
  • Knowledge of data collection techniques
  • Experience with various data analysis tools and methodologies
• Job title examples:
  • Healthcare data scientist
  • Data analyst
• Career progression examples:
  • Director/VP of analytics
  • Chief analytics officer

Marketing and strategy

Healthcare marketing and strategy departments are increasingly data-forward.

• Skills:
  • Consumer/population analysis
  • Market research and analysis
  • Data visualization and storytelling techniques
• Job title examples:
  • Campaign analysts
  • Strategic analysts
  • Healthcare market analysts
• Career progression examples:
  • Director/VP of marketing
  • Director/VP of strategy
  • Chief marketing officer
  • Chief strategy officer

Learn more

Healthcare analytics and data science offer exciting opportunities for individuals looking to build careers in a rapidly growing field. Whether pursuing formal education or leveraging existing skills and experience, there are numerous pathways to a career in healthcare analytics. With the demand for skilled professionals in this field rising, now is an excellent time to explore healthcare analytics and data science opportunities.

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