Digital Health

Students of digital health learn to use technology, tools, and data to plan and deliver high-quality, sustainable healthcare.

Digital health aims to improve health care through the effective management and utilisation of health information, data, and systems, and to use the knowledge gained to solve problems and make decisions about health care and services. This can lead to a more affordable, flexible health system and better health outcomes for people. Digital Health students develop a blend of analytical and technical skills and learn how to take a multi-disciplinary approach. They also bring to future workplaces skills such as analysing information and data and communicating findings to non-technical audiences.

Roles and career pathways

Digital Health graduates with an undergraduate qualification may work in roles such as:

  • data analyst
  • policy adviser
  • project coordinator
  • policy analyst

You could progress into roles such as business analyst or solutions developer in areas such as national patient flow or health intelligence.

Postgraduate qualifications open up opportunities in research and management

A postgraduate qualification or relevant work experience would normally be required for research or management in the health sector. With their valuable transferable skills in data analysis and critical thinking, graduates may also find similar roles beyond the health sector, particularly in other areas of public policy, administration, and technology.

Where Digital Health graduates work

Graduates will apply their critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills in a range of health and related organisations, including the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards (DHBs), Primary health organisations (PHOs), or non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Some examples of where Health Informatics graduates may work include:

Build relevant skills and experience

Paid and unpaid work experience builds workplace skills

Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. If you want to build your knowledge of the health sector but have yet to gain work experience there, consider voluntary roles.  By volunteering in the health sector, you can learn more about where to apply your skills and develop valuable connections.

Internships and work-integrated learning opportunities

The Bachelor of Health offers Research and Enquiry in Health and Health Internship courses, which provide students the opportunity to develop applied research or workplace skills and experience.

The FHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences also helps develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience.

Make career connections

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities. Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) is a not-for-profit organisation with a focus on education and networking. HiNZ supports the field of health informatics and digital health, has student membership, and runs a range of events, including an annual conference.