How To Become a Data Scientist in Healthcare in 7 Steps

Becoming a healthcare data scientist requires several steps, including earning a degree in the field and obtaining a solid grasp of the healthcare industry.

Data science is a broad field that intertwines concepts from computer science, information technology, and statistics. Becoming a data scientist can provide a positive job outlook as it's used in many fields, including business, finance, and healthcare.

Data science has various uses within healthcare, and as a result, data scientists who specialize in healthcare are in demand. Keep reading to learn more about how to become a data scientist in healthcare.

How Can Data Science Be Used in Healthcare?

Often when people think of data science, they think of its uses in areas like business or cybersecurity. However, there are a lot of healthcare applications for data science as well.

One of the most common ways data science is used is to improve patient outcomes. Electronic health records (EHRs) allow healthcare professionals and patients to understand data from test results, medications, and medical history, reducing redundant treatments or tests.

Using data-driven research, clinicians can also get a better idea of how well certain treatments will work for patients or how certain medications may affect someone. Data science can also be used to:

develop medications, treatments, and vaccines
identify gene mutations or biomarkers for diseases (genomics)
predict health risks in communities
scan medical images for abnormalities
track disease outbreaks and monitor public health

How Long Does It Take to Become a Healthcare Data Analyst?

There are a few things that can affect how long it takes to become a healthcare data analyst. To land an entry-level data analysis job takes about four years of education. Upper-level roles may require several years of experience or an advanced degree, like a master's degree.

The time it takes you to become a data scientist will also depend on demand in your area. Data scientists are currently in high demand across the country, but there is higher demand in some areas and less in others.

Learn more: How Long Does It Take To Become a Data Scientist?

How To Become a Healthcare Data Scientist

To become a healthcare data scientist, you'll need to earn a degree and develop an understanding of health informatics, the healthcare industry, and healthcare organizations. We've broken down the individual steps below.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming a healthcare data scientist is to earn a bachelor's degree in data science or a related field like computer science or data analytics. Data science programs teach students about the power of data and cover topics like:

artificial intelligence and machine learning
data mining
data science tools like Excel and Tableau
programming languages like Python, R, and SQL
statistical analysis

In addition to specific data science skills, you'll also improve your soft skill set by developing your:

analytical skills
communication skills
decision-making skills
problem-solving skills

Step 2: Specialize in Healthcare Data Science

Many colleges and universities offer specializations in data science, which allows you to tailor your program to your intended career path. One specialization you can choose is healthcare.

In a healthcare specialization, you'll learn more about data science as it relates to healthcare. You'll focus on things like healthcare analytics and predictive modeling for healthcare. You'll also learn how machine-learning algorithms can streamline patient care and clinical trials and you'll fine-tune your data visualization skills for the healthcare industry.

Step 3: Understand the Healthcare Industry

To work as a healthcare data scientist, you must understand the healthcare industry. You'll need to learn basic medical terminology, how electronic health records are processed with patient information, and many other concepts.

You'll likely go over some of this within your healthcare specialization. Otherwise, you can take elective courses in these areas or study them on your own time.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

Having some practical experience can go a long way toward helping you become a healthcare data science professional. A good place to start is through an internship program at your college or university.

Internships give you hands-on practice under the guidance of an experienced data scientist. You can also look for entry-level roles in data science or related fields.

Step 5: Network in the Healthcare Sector

Networking allows you to meet others in the healthcare industry, and these connections can help you land jobs or get promoted. If you're participating in an internship, you've already started networking.

There are other ways to network, such as attending conferences or seminars. You can even network virtually through sites like LinkedIn.

Step 6: Consider Earning Your Master's Degree

While a master's degree isn't always a requirement to work in data science, some employers prefer it. Master's degrees can also help you negotiate a higher salary or get promoted to a leadership role.

Plenty of colleges offer master's degrees in data science, and several offer a healthcare specialization. Additionally, some schools offer degrees specifically in health data science or healthcare data analytics, and others offer degrees like a Master of Public Health with a specialization in data science.

Step 7: Tailor Your Job Search

As you enter the job market, focus on healthcare-specific roles. Again, the availability of these roles can vary depending on where you're located.

While hunting for jobs, customize your resume to highlight any relevant experience in healthcare data science. Additionally, fine-tune your portfolio so that these types of projects are front and center when hiring managers look at your application.

Step 8: Continue Learning and Advancing

Both data science and healthcare are fields that are advancing rapidly. To stay on top of trends and technology, you'll need to put in additional work even after you've found a solid footing in your career path.

There are various ways to do this. Many employers offer professional development programs to help employees stay up-to-date on advancements in their field. Additionally, you can take individual courses or bootcamps, attend conferences or seminars, or subscribe to relevant journals.

Find a Data Science Program Today

If you're ready to begin a career in data science, explore the data science degree programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today to learn how they can help you achieve your career goals.