UCLA Health Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

UCLA Health is a premier academic medical center dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovation, research, and education.

As a Data Analyst at UCLA Health, you will play a pivotal role in transforming complex healthcare data into actionable insights that support operational efficiency and compliance. Your key responsibilities will include collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather and analyze data, developing detailed requirements specifications, and generating ad-hoc reports to facilitate decision-making processes. You will serve as a liaison between business units, IT teams, and external partners, ensuring that both functional and non-functional requirements are met in alignment with UCLA Health's strategic goals.

To excel in this role, you will need a strong background in data analysis, proficiency in SAS, SQL, and Microsoft Office Suite, as well as experience in a Medicare or managed care environment. Your analytical and problem-solving skills will be crucial in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating business risks while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. A customer service-oriented mindset, strong leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills will also help you thrive in this dynamic, collaborative working environment.

This guide is designed to help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and competencies that UCLA Health values, ultimately positioning you for success in securing the Data Analyst role.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at UCLA Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is an initial screening call, usually conducted by a recruiter or an associate director. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and understanding of the role. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and expectations, ensuring that you align with UCLA Health's values.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are required to complete a technical assessment. This assessment is often conducted in a timed format, typically lasting around one hour. It may involve practical tasks related to data analysis, such as using SAS or SQL to solve specific problems. After completing the assessment, candidates are expected to explain their methodologies and thought processes to the interviewers, which may include a biostatistician and the associate director.

3. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process is a more in-depth interview with a senior leader, such as the director of the department. This interview focuses on the specifics of the role, including the responsibilities and expectations. Candidates may be asked about their experience with Medicare or Managed Care environments, as well as their ability to manage data and collaborate with various stakeholders. This round also assesses soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving abilities, to ensure candidates can effectively work within a team.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during these stages.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Role and Its Impact

Before your interview, take the time to deeply understand the responsibilities of a Data Analyst within UCLA Health, particularly in the context of Medicare Advantage Operations. Familiarize yourself with how this role serves as a liaison between various business units and IT teams. This understanding will allow you to articulate how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the team and the organization’s goals.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given that the interview process includes a SAS assessment, ensure you are well-versed in SAS procedures and can confidently discuss your proficiency. Practice common SAS tasks and be prepared to explain your thought process and methodologies during the assessment. This will demonstrate not only your technical skills but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

UCLA Health values candidates who can identify, analyze, and resolve issues effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges, particularly in a healthcare or managed care environment. Highlight your analytical skills and how you’ve used them to improve processes or outcomes.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

As a Data Analyst, you will need to work closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your experience in cross-functional teams and how you’ve facilitated communication between technical and non-technical staff. Demonstrating your interpersonal skills and ability to give and receive constructive feedback will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarize Yourself with Compliance and Regulatory Standards

Given the focus on Medicare and compliance, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of CMS processes and encounter regulatory reporting. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of these areas and how you’ve applied this knowledge in previous roles. This will show your readiness to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape.

Adaptability is Key

UCLA Health operates in a dynamic environment, so showcasing your ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs is essential. Prepare examples that illustrate your flexibility and how you’ve successfully managed multiple tasks or projects under tight deadlines.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral interview questions that assess your leadership skills, critical thinking, and ability to work independently. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that highlight your qualifications.

Reflect the Company Culture

UCLA Health prides itself on diversity and inclusion. Be sure to convey your alignment with these values during the interview. Share experiences that demonstrate your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and how you appreciate diverse perspectives in a team setting.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a thoughtful thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to UCLA Health’s mission.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview for the Data Analyst position at UCLA Health. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at UCLA Health. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, analytical thinking, and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of data analysis tools, healthcare regulations, and your experience in a Medicare or Managed Care environment.

Technical Skills

1. What SAS procedures are you most comfortable using, and how would you rate your skills on a scale of 1 to 10?

UCLA Health is looking for candidates who are proficient in SAS, so be prepared to discuss your experience with specific procedures.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of the SAS procedures you have used, emphasizing your proficiency and any relevant projects where you applied these skills.

Example

“I have extensive experience with PROC SQL and PROC REPORT, and I would rate my skills as an 8 out of 10. In my previous role, I used these procedures to analyze patient data and generate reports that informed operational decisions.”

2. Can you explain how you would approach a data quality issue in a healthcare dataset?

Data quality is critical in healthcare analytics, and interviewers will want to know your approach to ensuring data integrity.

How to Answer

Discuss your methodology for identifying, analyzing, and resolving data quality issues, including any tools or techniques you use.

Example

“I would start by conducting a thorough data audit to identify inconsistencies or missing values. Then, I would use data validation techniques to assess the accuracy of the data and implement corrective measures, such as data cleansing or re-validation with source systems.”

3. Describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in your previous roles.

SQL is a key skill for data analysts, and you should be ready to discuss your experience with it.

How to Answer

Highlight specific SQL queries you have written and the context in which you used them, focusing on how they contributed to your team's objectives.

Example

“I have used SQL extensively to extract and manipulate data from relational databases. For instance, I wrote complex JOIN queries to combine patient enrollment data with claims data, which helped identify trends in service utilization.”

4. How do you ensure compliance with healthcare regulations when analyzing data?

Understanding compliance is essential in a healthcare setting, and interviewers will want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with relevant regulations and how you incorporate compliance checks into your data analysis processes.

Example

“I stay updated on CMS regulations and ensure that my analyses adhere to HIPAA guidelines. I implement data anonymization techniques and conduct regular compliance audits to ensure that all data handling practices meet regulatory standards.”

5. Can you provide an example of a complex analysis you conducted and the impact it had on your organization?

This question assesses your analytical skills and the ability to translate data insights into actionable outcomes.

How to Answer

Describe a specific project, the analytical methods you used, and the results or decisions that stemmed from your analysis.

Example

“I conducted a comprehensive analysis of patient readmission rates, utilizing regression analysis to identify key factors contributing to readmissions. My findings led to the implementation of targeted interventions, which reduced readmission rates by 15% over six months.”

Communication and Collaboration

1. How do you communicate complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders?

Effective communication is crucial for a data analyst, especially in a healthcare environment.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to simplifying complex data insights and ensuring that your audience understands the implications.

Example

“I focus on using clear visuals and straightforward language when presenting data findings. For example, I created dashboards that highlighted key metrics and trends, allowing stakeholders to grasp the information quickly and make informed decisions.”

2. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team. What was your role?

Collaboration is key in healthcare analytics, and interviewers will want to know how you work with others.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a project where you collaborated with different teams, emphasizing your contributions and the outcome.

Example

“I worked on a project with the IT and clinical teams to develop a new reporting tool. My role involved gathering requirements from both sides and ensuring that the final product met the needs of both teams, which ultimately improved our reporting efficiency by 30%.”

3. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

Time management is essential for a data analyst, especially in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines effectively.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and regular check-ins with my team to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. This approach helps me stay organized and ensures that I meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”

4. Can you give an example of how you handled constructive feedback?

Being open to feedback is important in any role, and interviewers will want to see how you respond to it.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you received feedback, how you processed it, and the changes you made as a result.

Example

“I once received feedback on my presentation style, which was too technical for some stakeholders. I took this to heart and sought training on effective communication, which helped me present data in a more accessible way in future meetings.”

5. How do you stay current with industry trends and advancements in data analytics?

Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving field of data analytics.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed about industry trends and how you apply new knowledge to your work.

Example

“I regularly read industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in online courses to stay updated on the latest trends in data analytics. Recently, I completed a course on machine learning applications in healthcare, which I’m excited to apply in my analyses.”