Do I Still Need SAS If I Know Python?

Call Now

by Handson
August 19, 2025

Do I Still Need SAS If I Know Python?

Introduction

Python is the most popular language for data science and AI. Many learners ask: If I know Python, do I still need SAS? The answer is yes, especially if you want to work in pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, or other regulated analytics fields.

Why Python Is Popular

Great for machine learning and AI
Open-source with large community support
Widely used across tech, retail, e-commerce

For general data science jobs, Python is often enough.

Why SAS Still Matters

Regulatory Compliance: Agencies like FDA and PMDA require SAS for clinical data submissions (SDTM, ADaM). Tools like Pinnacle 21 depend on SAS outputs.
Auditability: SAS ensures data integrity and reproducibility, key in pharma, banking, and healthcare.
Hiring Trends: Many CROs and pharma firms require SAS as a baseline skill. Python is a plus but SAS is mandatory.
Complementary Skills: Python is great for modeling and automation. SAS is trusted for validation and reporting. Together, they make a strong combination.

Real-World Example

Clinical data is standardized to SDTM using SAS
Analysis datasets (ADaM) are created in SAS
Tables, Listings, and Figures (TLFs) are generated in SAS
Python may be used for extra analysis or visualization
Final FDA submission is validated in SAS with Pinnacle 21

Career Insights

Pharma/Clinical roles → SAS is essential, Python adds value
Tech/AI startups → Python may be enough
Hybrid professionals (SAS + Python + BI tools) → Strong demand and higher salaries

Python brings innovation. SAS brings compliance. For a career in regulated industries like pharma and finance, you need both. Learning SAS along with Python makes you more employable and future-ready.