Equipping health professionals with
the latest data and analytics skills
SAS technology applies analytics to enhance medical imaging capabilities
4
specialised core subjects training the next generation of analytics leaders in healthcare
The University of Wollongong has partnered with SAS for several years, applying data and analytics to train the next leaders in a range of faculties and courses. Demand for these courses has continued to grow year-on-year as organisations across a range of industries seek talent to accelerate their own growth trajectory. Recently, the application of analytics has found a new home at the university, courtesy of their Graduate Certificate in Analytics of Medical Imaging Data.
The degree has been designed in collaboration with the Medical Imaging Service of Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), NSW Health and the University of Wollongong. The intent is to teach students how to develop the necessary skills and strategies for handling the large volumes of medical imaging data that is collected through medical imaging technologies.
Graduates of the degree learn how to develop the skills and knowledge in medical imaging analytics and how to understand and apply these technologies to put predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics and descriptive analytics into action. Attaining these skills has benefits across a range of areas including medical diagnosis, research and investigation of new and existing trending diseases. It also has an impact on strategic planning and developing new medical services and facilities to meet future demand when it comes to healthcare and hospital services and facilities.
SAS plays a central role in the course and careers of graduates, with many of the healthcare facilities in Australia using SAS technology. Students undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Analytics of Medical Imaging Data gain hands-on experience using SAS Viya for Learners as they acquire different skills in medical imaging data analytics.
The Graduate Certificate in Analytics of Medical Imaging Data has experienced a strong introductory uptake as a continuing education program among Medical Imaging and Healthcare professionals in Australia, specifically attracted by the long-term career prospects that are on offer by becoming a data analytics leader in the healthcare field.Dr. Joshua Fan Director of Academic Programs - Business Analytics and Analytics of Medical Imaging Data University of Wollongong
"The degree is tailored to closing the gap that the University of Wollongong sees in the market and through our partnership with SAS – we see this as a way to enable graduates to go on to highly successful careers and address a real need in healthcare in Australia and across the world," said Fan.
The course, which began in 2023, has already generated a pipeline of outstanding graduates. Nadine Penberthy, a Radiographer and System Administrator and Support Officer for NSW Health, CCLHD, enrolled in the degree, finding it offered a unique opportunity to learn how data can be interpreted and used in making clinical decisions in healthcare.
The degree has played a role in enhancing Nadine’s skills. “This Graduate Certificate equips me with the tools to turn data into insights and insights into impactful decisions, bridging the gap between information and action in this increasingly technological and data-driven world,” said Penberthy.
Central to the degree was the hands-on experience of using SAS technology, a key part of health professionals’ roles.
“Learning SAS enables the user the ability and power to transform raw data into strategic insights, to drive more informed decisions and direct the future of your Medical imaging department,” said Penberthy.
As a recent addition to the University of Wollongong, there has already been strong introductory demand for enrolment in the course, addressing a need in the healthcare sector. It continues to evolve, much like the applications and demand for medical imaging and is set to play a key role in building the pipeline of analytics-driven leaders in the sector.
Facts & Figures
24
Students enrolled in the program since the degree opened.
All students were Medical/Healthcare professionals taking this degree as their continuing education program.
20%-30%
Growth in % of students in the degree year on year.
University of Wollongong ranked
11th
among Australian Universities and ranked 2nd in regional Universities of Australia.
