A Timely Response to the Growing Data Demands in Healthcare
Boise State University has answered the call for expertise at the intersection of healthcare and technology with its newly announced Bachelor of Science in Health Data Analytics degree, set to commence in the fall of 2024. The program aims to tackle the critical need for talent capable of navigating the vast seas of health data—an asset increasingly integral to modern patient care and health system management. As the health informatics landscape burgeons, transformative education like this becomes essential. The university’s proactive approach anticipates not only the current needs but also the future challenges of health data management, intending to produce professionals equipped to drive both innovation and efficiency in healthcare.
The demand for proficient health data analysts has surged, a trend which the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will continue, forecasting a 35% job market growth from 2022 to 2032. Jaime Sand, the School of Public and Population Health’s associate director, emphasizes a shift from mere electronic health record-keeping to a widespread application of health data analysis across various contexts. With this program, Boise State is expanding the framework of health informatics education to address a spectrum of settings beyond hospital corridors. It is an educational paradigm shift aimed at inculcating a more versatile skill set in future professionals.
Hands-On Curriculum: Fusing Theory with Real-World Experience
Boise State University’s pioneering Health Data Analytics degree combines vital technical skills in data science and statistics with pivotal soft skills like communication and creative problem-solving. Students gain proficiency in essential analytics tools such as Excel, R, and SQL. A distinctive feature of the program is the hands-on experience obtained in the nine-month Data Analytics Lab led by Clinical Associate Professor Kirk Ketelsen. Here, students apply classroom learning to actual data projects, like analyzing suicide data for the Idaho Department of Health, providing insights into critical health issues. This practical exposure equips graduates with the expertise to leverage data in advancing healthcare outcomes, making the program a strategic embodiment of the synergy between health and technology.
