INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the attitude of medical and paramedical students at Mashhad (Northeast of Iran) regarding artificial intelligence (AI). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023. A predeveloped standard questionnaire was used to collect the data. We used the proportional per-size sampling method with email distribution containing explanations and a link to a web-based survey. RESULTS: A total of 208 students answered the survey (response rate: 98%). We did not find any significant difference between the AI attitude of students in the academic field ( = 0.505), professional interest ( = 0.609), and educational level ( = 0.128). Overall, 61.9% of medical and 67.4% of paramedical students were optimistic about the role of AI. However, a considerable proportion of students struggled to accurately define AI, reflecting gaps in conceptual familiarity rather than technical knowledge (paramedical students = 56.62% and medical students = 45.26%). CONCLUSION: This study explored medical and paramedical students' perceived understanding of AI and their conceptual limitations. Identifying the positive and negative attitudes of students who are the future employees of the healthcare system can help planners and policymakers in the field of AI in health design the road map of the future of AI in health in the best way.