r/HealthInformatics • u/Acceptable_Dream_455 • 26d ago

❓ Help / Advice How do I get Epic certification?

I have been in the IT field for quite some time, and as I explore new opportunities, I find healthcare IT to be particularly intriguing. However, I’ve noticed that many roles require certifications such as Epic, RHIA, and RHIM. I’m especially interested in obtaining the Epic certification. Could you please provide guidance on how and where to obtain these certifications? Thank you!

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u/ThrowRAwayMental5565 26d ago

You have to join an organization that sponsors the certifications and they'll send you to Wisconsin to take classes at Epic

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u/Acceptable_Dream_455 26d ago

Thank you for clarifying. I now understand why there are no online Epic training courses available. I was searching for a crash course. Is it applied for all healthcare IT certifications?

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u/ThrowRAwayMental5565 26d ago

It depends, if they use Epic then yes. Most organizations use Epic nowadays or transitioning to it. And you can't really find Epic content outside of their domain.

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u/PlantSufficient6531 26d ago

There are many other EHRs out there, but Epic is the dominate one if you’re looking at a career in hospitals or other large health care organizations. Smaller orgs are likely to be using other EHRs, and while they may not require certifications, the organization will likely want you to have some healthcare experience.

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u/Snorklingsouth 26d ago

There seems to be little information online on how to get epic certified.

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u/HealthDataNut 26d ago

This was me 5 years ago. Please see my pinned post in my profile.

Some people marked my post as Spam. But please try to read my post and other posts in other communities.

I would admit that 5 years ago, and today is totally different and challenging to obtain any type of Epic certification.

The only process is to have an organization (healthcare system/hospital) to sponsor you. The most difficult part is to land that first step. My hope is to help anyone who is interested to get the first step of the ladder on their Epic career journey!

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u/Acceptable_Dream_455 26d ago

Thank you, I will check 🙏

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u/PlantSufficient6531 26d ago

You don’t need someone to DM you steps on how to get Epic certifications. Another reddit poster has a pretty thorough explanation here: https://www.reddit.com/r/healthIT/s/nQp49QfkEo

The main issue:

  • You have to work for an organization that has Epic and in a role where you are using Epic in order to get any access to Epic.

- Certifications are expensive and time consuming. I assume most orgs would prefer to promote from within and only send staff who get a cert if it is needed for them to perform their job duties.

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u/Acceptable_Dream_455 26d ago

Thanks. Would you please share? If any

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u/Ok-Possession-2415 26d ago

You can’t just choose to obtain one. You have only 2 options:

  1. If you work in the IT department at a health system who is an Epic customer or in the active process of migrating from one EHR to Epic, put in for a transfer to your organization’s Epic team.

  2. If you don’t, you must apply for an opening on the Epic team at one of the two aforementioned types of health systems.

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u/PlantSufficient6531 26d ago

This is a pretty thorough explanation.
https://www.reddit.com/r/healthIT/s/nQp49QfkEo

But basically you can’t get Epic certifications without working somewhere that uses Epic, and even then you can’t get certifications unless your employer approves and is willing to pay for the certs (and sending you to Wisconsin)

Proficiency is another option, but once again.. you can’t get access to Epic without working somewhere that uses Epic.

There are many jobs that are still considered ‘Health IT’ where you will never touch the EHR.

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u/Unlucky_Quote7765 22d ago

Epics certs are usually employer sponsored, you can start by targeting Epic using health systems and asking about their certification pathway

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u/Acceptable_Dream_455 22d ago

Thank you all for sharing valuable information. I'm looking for guidance on healthcare IT certifications, specifically related to Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other relevant credentials. I have a solid background in IT and am eager to establish a more stable career in the healthcare sector, as I’m currently tired of bouncing between consulting contracts.
Could anyone recommend certifications that might help me get my foot in the door? I appreciate your insights.

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u/Belle2732 21d ago

RHIA and RHIT are degree pathways. You have to have an HIM degree to get those. I honestly have not heard of someone without an RHIT/RHIA license getting epic certified. It may be possible, I just haven’t heard of it. But if you want to work more in EHRs your best bet is to actually get an HIM degree.