How to get started in Epic (from the beginning!)
(Originally posted on LinkedIn)
If you're interested in or already work in Healthcare IT, Epic is a name that you've likely heard. Epic holds the largest market share of EHR users. They are leveraged by some of the largest health systems and educational institutions in the US. Because of their mass adoption, it has created countless high-paying roles that are available nationwide and provided immense flexibility and opportunity for growth. If you're interested in a career in Epic, where do you get started?
Your Employer Matters
This is likely going to be the most difficult portion of starting an Epic career. The only ways to access their training material and take the courses needed to get certified are to work directly at Epic in Madison, WI, work for a health system or institution that has a signed contract with Epic, or work for a consulting firm that provides professional services to Epic clients. Second to that, Epic roles are highly competitive and that can make it difficult for an entry-level IT professional. There are strategies that will set you up for success and increase your odds of getting your certification sponsored. Here’s how!
Getting Your Foot In The Door
Working at a hospital that has Epic, or is planning on implementing it, is the best start unless you want to relocate to Epic in Wisconsin. Each hospital will have a different path to getting into IT but having any clinical background will help you. This is because the workflows and applicable knowledge you have will assist in your ability to deliver on Epic projects and avoid needing outside resources to understand how something should be implemented. As Epic positions are posted, or an Epic implementation is in its initial phases, begin to apply for any Epic roles that open internally that do not specifically require certification. To make yourself stand out on these open roles, you have a couple of options: becoming an Epic Credentialed Trainer (CT) or pursue Epic proficiency. Both of these options allow you to get exposure to Epic without costing your current employer the fees associated with travel, class fees, and time.
Getting An Epic Certification
If you've taken the steps outlined above, put in the time required to prove yourself as a qualified technical resource, and are now being sponsored by your employer, it is time to get certified. Epic Certification Exams are not going to be a walk in the park, but their processes run like a well-oiled machine. This machine of instructors and course materials are excellent and will give you every resource required to do well. Here are a few tips that will help set you up for success:
Do not take your exam unless you've already done your project first
Everything you need to know will be outlined in the course materials. Prioritize more time working in the practice system building what is listed and less time just trying to memorize terms
Take your time and be fully invested. Do not skip anything or take shortcuts
Know that it will be worth it. You've invested heavily to get yourself to this point and this is the start to a wonderful career in Epic
Epic is a highly competitive, albeit lucrative, career choice that requires an immense amount of effort upfront to break in. Once you're in and building within Epic, the door opens to many more opportunities to learn, advance your career, and continue to get to leverage your technical skills and directly impact patient care.