How To Become an Epic Consultant: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as an epic consultant, including education, skills, salary and more.
Epic Consultants are in high demand due to the widespread use of Epic Systems software. Epic consultants work with clients to help them implement and optimize their use of Epic software. If you are interested in becoming an Epic consultant, it is important to understand the steps involved in becoming one. In this article, we will discuss what an Epic consultant does, the skills you need to be an Epic consultant and the steps you need to take to become one.
What Does an Epic Consultant Do?
Epic Consultants are responsible for providing support to clients who use Epic, a software used by hospitals and other medical organizations. They may work with clients remotely or on-site, and their duties include training users, troubleshooting issues, resolving problems, and providing technical support.
Other responsibilities of an Epic Consultant include:
- Creating and maintaining user manuals, how-to guides, and other documentation
- Identifying process improvements and developing strategies to implement them
- Coordinating with other teams to ensure smooth operation of the software
- Monitoring system performance and making recommendations for improvement
- Assisting with data migration and conversion projects
- Writing SQL queries to extract data from the system
- Testing new software releases and patches
- Providing input on software design and development
- Participating in project planning and implementation
Epic Consultant Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for an Epic Consultant is $108,150. However, pay can vary greatly depending on the specific employer, geographic location, and qualifications of the consultant.
The job outlook for Epic consultants is much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for these professionals will continue to grow as more and more healthcare organizations adopt Epic’s electronic health record system.
How to Become an Epic Consultant
Here are several steps you should take to become an epic consultant.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field
Epic consultants must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. While it is not necessary to major specifically in healthcare informatics or medical coding and billing, courses in these areas can be helpful when applying for jobs as an Epic consultant.
It is important that you choose a program that will provide you with the skills needed to work as an Epic consultant. For example, if you are interested in working as an Epic coder, then consider majoring in health information management (HIM) or medical coding and billing. If you want to become an Epic trainer, then major in computer science or information technology.
2. Gain experience with the Epic software suite
Epic consultants typically have at least five years of experience in healthcare IT before applying for a position. One way to gain this experience is by working as an Epic system administrator or clinical consultant. System administrators are responsible for maintaining the computer systems used by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, while clinical consultants work directly with patients to ensure they understand how to use their electronic medical records.
Another option is to become an Epic software trainer. Trainers teach others how to use the Epic software suite and develop skills that are valuable when consulting with clients.
3. Obtain certifications through Epic Systems
Epic Systems offers several certifications for consultants who want to further their careers. The first certification available is the Epic Certified Healthcare IT Professional (ECHITP) credential, which requires candidates to have at least two years of experience in healthcare information technology and pass an exam covering topics such as coding, data management and security.
The next level of certification offered by Epic Systems is the Epic Certified Consultant (ECC), which requires candidates to have five years of experience in healthcare information technology and pass an exam that tests their knowledge of Epic software implementation and support.
4. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
Epic consultants must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of people. They may need to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff members or interact with patients and their families during training sessions. Strong interpersonal skills help Epic consultants build relationships with clients, which can lead to more job opportunities in the future.
5. Be able to work independently and as part of a team
Epic consultants work in teams with other professionals such as nurses, physicians and IT staff. They must be able to work independently when completing tasks such as gathering information from patients or reviewing medical records. However, they also need to be able to collaborate with others on projects that involve multiple people.
6. Stay up to date on changes in the healthcare industry
Healthcare is a rapidly changing industry, and new laws and regulations can affect how healthcare providers operate. It’s important for Epic consultants to stay up to date on these changes so they can advise their clients accordingly. For example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has affected how hospitals and clinics operate by introducing new standards and requirements. Consultants need to know what these changes are and how they impact their clients’ operations so they can provide the best advice and service.
7. Join professional organizations such as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) is a professional organization that provides education, networking opportunities and advocacy for healthcare information technology professionals. Membership in HIMSS can help Epic consultants stay up to date on changes in the industry and find new job opportunities.
To become a member of HIMSS, you must have at least two years of experience working in healthcare IT or management. You also need to complete an application form and pay annual dues.
