Unravelling career preferences: exploring health science students’ perspectives on healthcare analytics

This study aimed to explore the factors influencing health science students’ perceptions of healthcare analytics as a potential career. A qualitative study was conducted among final year health science students enrolled in Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Nutrition, and Psychology programmes at a private university in Malaysia. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis until data saturation was achieved. Fifteen students participated in the study. Four main themes were identified: knowledge and scope, readiness, exposure to healthcare analytics, and perceptions of healthcare analytics as a career. Participants demonstrated limited understanding of the field, insufficient exposure, and gaps in required skills, particularly in coding. These factors contributed to low confidence and a lack of interest in pursuing healthcare analytics careers. Students’ knowledge, skills, and exposure significantly influence their perceptions of healthcare analytics careers. Strengthening curriculum design, integrating technical skills, and providing experiential learning opportunities are essential to prepare a workforce capable of supporting data-driven healthcare.