Northern Arizona University is accepting applications for two AI training programs designed to teach healthcare employees how to harness artificial intelligence tools for patient care.
The programs aim to give workers the skills to build AI tools that gather and analyze massive amounts of health data and use those tools to provide more personalized care, according to an announcement from NAU published in SignalsAZ.
“It’s not replacing the physician; it’s allowing you to know more and make a more informed choice.”
Program Director Tim Curry told reporters the technology lets medical professionals take vast amounts of data and learn more than they’ve been able to in the past.
Both online training programs are available to students based in NAU’s Flagstaff campus and across Arizona, as well as employees seeking further education. No prior coding experience is required for enrollees.
“We’ve spoken to multiple hospital groups, and they see a need for this,” Curry said. “Employees need to be up to speed on how these tools work and what they can do.”
The announcement comes as AI becomes more widely implemented in the U.S. healthcare sector. An American Medical Association survey released in March found that over 80% of U.S. physicians now use AI tools professionally.
“AI has quickly become part of everyday medical practice,” AMA CEO John Whyte said in a statement. “Physicians see real promise in its ability to support clinical decisions and cut down on administrative burden.”
Whyte emphasized that augmented intelligence must be designed to enhance physicians, not replace them.
