I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs – You Can Too!

As I have chronicled in my previous blogs, it’s been an interesting journey these past 5-6 years I’ve been successfully and gainfully engaged as an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) professional.  The adoption of EMRs / EHRs is a top healthcare facility priority and on the national forefront thanks in large part to the National Healthcare Reform bill that was passed this year by our Government and also last year’s adoption of the ARRA.  So many more people are seeking information about this evolving healthcare industry. I feel so fortunate I learned about EMRs about 10 years ago.  At that time I was the lead Microsoft Instructor for a major university hospital – training all of the Clinical and professional staff in utilizing MS Office. My colleagues in this hospital training department were tasked with providing instruction on this interesting little ‘pilot’, a  clinical software application for this hospital’s outpatient/ambulatory clinics. My entire professional career…I’ve always been very inquisitive and seeking information about what is most current on the cutting edge of technology or what’s new…and then I want to learn about it and so again, I followed my professional instinct and learned everything I could about EMRs. And now 10 years later I have garnered three EMR Certifications from one of the top EMR vendors – Epic® Systems Corporation. Epic® has a large market share of the hospitals and clinics who have implemented EMRs by converting their paper medical charts to digitized systems, based on specific clinical workflows.

Some of the top questions people now ask me include:  How do you get EMR certified?  How do you get hired for EMR / EHR implementations? What types of healthcare IT jobs are available? How do you get qualified for hire? (or at least an interview). My first answer to these pressing questions is, earning a EMR Certification is just the beginning of your EMR / EHR journey. To be fully marketable in this field, getting certified is an exciting first step, but it also requires an opportunity to directly apply what you learned in the classroom to the “real life ” clinical community. Different EMR / EHR vendors have various training programs and/or certification requirements.

Following is my successful 10 year journey of how I got EMR Certified and just as important, EMR Experienced (summarized version):

2001 – 2003 Hired/worked as Lead Microsoft Office instructor in the Training department of a large University level Healthcare facility. Also began observing a new EMR system (EpicCare®), being piloted at several outpatient/ambulatory clinics associated with this healthcare facility.
2004 Transitioned from the Training department, to the ‘EMR’ implementation department at this same University level Healthcare facility.  I was then sent out to Epic® Systems training facility in Madison, Wisconsin. Received intensive 3-day training consisting of 3 training companions about their outpatient/ambulatory EMR system (EpicCare®). Post Epic Systems training received access to their online system and for about 6-months did the required self-study and project assignments completions (also completing various “real life” clinical EMR implementation work assignments).
2005 Received my first Epic EMR Certification – EpicCare Ambulatory, by successfully completing mandatory 2-hour exams for each of the 3 study companions. Received my official certification notification and document from Epic Systems.
2005 – 2006 Worked with other certified EpicCare Analysts, by completing all the tasks related to EMR implementation for Internal Medicine Practices.
2007 Was recruited to become a traveling EpicCare EMR Implementation Consultant. Continued with EMR implementation assignments for outpatient/ambulatory healthcare facilities on the West Coast, Mid-west, and the East Coast.
2008 Was recruited to be part of an Inpatient (or acute care) EMR implementation for a large pediatric hospital facility. I was sent out (twice) to Epic® Systems grand new and improved training facility now located in Verona Wisconsin. Each visit I received intensive 3-day training consisting of 3 training companions about their Inpatient EMR system to learn Clinical Documentation and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). Post Epic Systems training received access to their online system for self-study and project assignments completions.Received my second and third Epic® EMR Inpatient application Certifications; Clinical Document and CPOE. I successfully completed the mandatory 2-hour exams for each application. Received my official certification notification and document from Epic Systems.
2008 – 2010 Continued working with Full-time EMR professionals and other certified Epic EMR consultants, by completing tasks related to EMR implementation for Hospitals and Clinics nationally.

I hope this summarized version of my EMR Certification process (and my  ten year journey to get the experience required to be marketable and do good work) is helpful to your quest.

If you are also EMR certified, please reply to this blog with your particular experience…perhaps you have another EMR Vendor certification, please share your process and/or experience.

If you are seeking EMR certification, let me know if this blog has been helpful!

 

Update:  I am proud to announce that since this post was originally written in 2010, I have founded an online school – Healthcare Information Technology Workforce – School of New Jersey.    Visit us today and learn how we conduct our nationally recognized government-sponsored Health IT curriculum online, preparing students for the Health IT Workforce Competency Examination Program (HIT Pro™). Graduates of Healthcare IT School of New Jersey programs receive a Certificate of Achievement and are provided with their in-demand job placement assistance.

About the author

Shirley Corsey

Shirley Corsey is a certified Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Consultant/Road Warrior, and owner of her own online training center for the Healthcare Information Technology industry. She is a seasoned Healthcare IT professional with over 25 years experience, with a recent career focus for the past 9 years in the EMR job market.

167 Comments

  • I would like to start working with epic. I am a respiratory therapist in Cincinnati. My hospital is using epic but it is difficult to get in. Any ideals?

  • Shirley,

    I am a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and have over 25 years experience in health information management and this past year have been working a temporary contract position using the EPIC EMR. I want very much to get certified in the EPIC modules – how do I go about doing this? Do I need to be employed to get the EPIC certification from their home office in Wisconsin?

    Michele Stern

  • Michele,

    …sounds like you have already taken the first steps by your utilization of the Epic EMR application, I would need to know more about who hired you for this temporary postion you have detailed above.

    I cover this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – Click the link and review what this webinar consists of – and feel free to register for the next session.

    http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Thanks,
    Shirley
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Can you please let me know where Can I get training for epic healthcare tool and Can I get certified on this tool.If yes can you please let me know how to get certfied.Thanks In Advance!!

  • Bella15

    Epic Systems provides training for their EMR application, and subsequent opportunity to become certified on their EMR application.

    I have developed a Webinar with information how I got my Epic EMR Vendor Certifications (3), and advice how you may be able to utilize my tips and leads regarding how you may be able to get hired by a Healthcare facility that sends it’s employee staff out for EMR Vendor training and subsequent opportunity for EMR Vendor Certification.

    Feel free to veiw/register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Click the link and review what this webinar consists of – and feel free to register for the next session.

    Thanks,
    Shirley
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Hello,Can you give me any information about becoming an Epic Trainer, I am willing to relocate if necessary for training.

  • Renee,

    Epic Systems provides training for their EMR application, and subsequent opportunity to become certified on their EMR application.

    I have developed a Webinar with information how I got my Epic EMR Vendor Certifications (3), and advice how you may be able to utilize my tips and leads regarding how you may be able to get hired by a Healthcare facility that sends its employee staff out for EMR Vendor training and subsequent opportunity for EMR Vendor Certification.

    Feel free to view/register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Click the link and review what this webinar consists of – and feel free to register for the next session.

    Thanks,
    Shirley
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Shirley~

    I have a sales background in pharmaceuticals and would like to transition into EMR/EHR.

    It stated that you teach the training to become certified. Is your training the Epic Systems Corp you described? How can I apply for your training? How long is it? What is the cost of the training?

    Look forward to hearing from you.

  • Jeffrey,

    This particular training and certification is provided exclusively by Epic Systems and only for their clients and their consulting agency partners’ staff. To become Epic® system certified is much sought after nationwide, because it indicates to healthcare organizations and consulting agency employers of one’s EMR Systems specialized knowledge and proficiency to carry out the intricate requirements to safely and efficiently implement this vendor’s EMR system.

    I’m well aware of this process as I have written about including my most popular post ‘I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs – You Can too! For me, this process to get Epic® EMR Vendor certified has been the very best career advancement I have experienced in my 25 year-old Healthcare Information Technology profession. Currently there are many, many new and exciting ways to get ‘Clinical Informatics’ education and/or degrees, including the ones being posted by my fellow bloggers here at Healthcare IT Today. I have also mentioned in my blogs the great programs being offered by many community colleges nationwide due to the ARRA stimulus U.S. government funds for EMR / EHR certification programs. But for folks such as myself, who have been around Information Technology since the “dinosaur” days, EMR Vendor Certification is the best ‘On-The-Job’ training program I have ever experienced and has provided a method for me to more than double my salary and/or hourly rate in 7 years, has allowed me to travel to work at hospitals and clinics nationwide, has expanded my IT skills to now include clinical workflow knowledge, and to be involved with the most exciting (and very challenging) cutting edge career happening today! I have studied and worked very hard in acquiring three (3) Epic® EMR application certifications, I have completed 7 years of EMR implementation work assignments, and have this wonderful opportunity to share all of this through my blogs.

    This year of 2011, my blogs and upcoming webinars will focus on EMR Vendor Certification experiences and how to apply this expertise and skill set in getting and keeping EMR Jobs and/or EMR consulting assignments.

    Based on the many responses from my ‘I Got Certified…” blogger fans, I have developed my first 2011 EMRLive Webinar entitled: A “How To” Guide for EMR Vendor Certification – I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs – You Can Too!

    This live online webcast is designed to provide information and guidance for Information Technology and Healthcare professionals seeking to get hired for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs, and to provide information on the best “On-The-Job” training happening in the Healthcare Industry today.

    For details regarding the date, time, and cost of this 1 hour ‘”Live” webcast and how to enroll, please click this link > Register Now

    Regards,
    Shirley
    http://www.HTITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Hello Shirley,

    Your information has been so helpful. I am going to take a look at your webinar. The only pressing question I have is, do they require a Bachelor’s degree to become an Epic trainer? I am an OR RN, I have and ADN and am enrolled in a BSN program online, but have 5 or 6 classes left to complete. Do I have to have my BSN in hand before applying? Thank you so much for your help.
    ~Amanda

  • Good Morning Shirley~

    I left a message before, and you posted some information. However, I am pretty frustrated at this point.

    I have a friend who is getting trained by someone online to get his certification for a small fee. He has barely trained a month and he has already received a 2 week contract.

    How can I receive EMR Vendor Certification training? I don’t believe I am asking for much by wanting to know who does the training online, how long does it take, and the cost of it.

    If EMR VC is the best ‘On-The-Job’ training available, I want to know how can I be trained on it. That simple.

  • Hi Shirley,
    I am an RN and have worked with EPIC in patient charting/ order entry etc. I have also done a little temp work as an abstractor/contractor in ambulatory. Is an associates degree acceptable or is a bachelors required for certification and /or success in this field?
    Thanks,
    Dale

  • Amanda and Dale,

    You both have the educational and professional background that many hospital employers would be seeking to hire for thier EMR Implementation staff. Once hired these healthcare institutions will send you out (at thier cost) to the appropriate EMR vendor training and subsequent EMR vendor certification.

    I provide additional information and tips on how I was very successful with this process – Feel free to view/register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Click the link and review what this webinar consists of – and feel free to register for the next session.

    Thanks,
    Shirley
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Hi Shirley,

    I have 13 years of diversified healthcare experience mostly on the revenue cycle side and I have begun to look into Epic training/certification ( i have no current experience with Epic). Can I go directly to Epic and obtain training and pay out of pocket or do I have to be affiliated with a facility? What are the chances of being hired with the certification and experience but none directly related to Epic?

    Thanks in advance
    David

  • It is so incredibly discouraging to find that the information to obtain a job you want is shielded within the confines of a premium webinar.
    Whatever happened to people helping each other?

    It is so discouraging to find that in order to pursue your passion for technology and healthcare, you have to pay to become a member of a secret society.

    Is this really the sort of club I want to be a part of? Will I become so money hungry and elitist after I finally break into the industry that I will SELL how I did it?

    Is this the norm? Why are people holding on to this information so tightly? There are SO many job opportunities, but so few willing to share details on how to get started.
    How very frustrating to a nurse who wants to work in IT. How very frustrating…

  • Hi Nerdy Nurse!

    As the Editor of Healthcare IT Today, and someone who has worked with Shirley Corsey over at Healthcare IT Central for years now, I feel compelled to respond to your comment.

    I can understand your frustration with the mystery shrouding the transition into Healthcare IT. Most of the vendors of EMR systems do not make it easy to find information about becoming part of their team – Epic is at the top of that list. In my experience it isn’t so much that they are elitist – what I’m seeing is that they were just not prepared to handle the overwhelming amount of work that, due to legislation, suddenly became a necessity for hospitals, rather than a luxury. Thus, their focus was not on building their bench, and now they are scrambling.

    Shirley Corsey is an independent contractor who is highly sought-after by facilities who are launching and/or using Epic systems. She is not compensated for writing this blog, and for thoughtfully answering the scores of questions that are the result. In many of her responses, she has offered her personal email address and/or phone number. Her mission is to help others wade through this maze of information or lack thereof, in an effort to help make it easier for those of you who want to get where she is now.

    That being said, like the rest of us, Shirley has a finite number of hours in the day. After seeing that Shirley was spending hours upon hours patiently responding personally to often the same questions (or variations of), I suggested the Webinar as a way to help people en masse. I also suggested that she charge some nominal fee for registration, to compensate for her time. Many of the attendees have expressed their disbelief that they were able to receive so much information and insight for so little. At $49.00, she obviously is not going to retire in Bora Bora from the proceeds of this Webinar. In fact, by the time she covers her admin costs to run it, I’m guessing she makes very little.

    Our goal at Healthcare IT Today is to provide insight and guidance to existing and potential Healthcare IT professionals. I invite you to subscribe to the RSS feed, and also to take a look at Healthcare IT Central, where we showcase hundreds of job opportunities – some that offer certifications for candidates like you with clinical experience. Lastly, I encourage you to invest the $49.00 in your career and attend Shirley’s Webinar – it’s well worth it!

    Warm regards,

    Gwen Darling
    CEO, Healthcare IT Central
    Editor, Healthcare IT Today

  • Is the Webinar a class for EMR certification? What exactly is the $49 pay for?

  • Based on the many, many responses from my Blog entitled ‘I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs…You Can Too”, I have developed a Webinar entitled: A “How To” Guide for EMR Vendor Certification – I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs – You Can Too!
    This live online webcast is designed to provide information and guidance for Information Technology and Healthcare professionals seeking to get hired for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs, and to provide information on the best “On-The-Job” training happening in the Healthcare Industry today.
    Following are the key objectives for this 1 hour session:
    1. Learn who hires employees for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs.
    2. Learn how to get EMR Vendor Certified.
    3. Discover what the EMR Training course is like and who provides this instruction.
    4. Learn how to evaluate your professional background for a matching EMR Job title.
    5. Explore EMR Job Salaries – and all the possibilities!

    Feel free to register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Regards,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Hello Shirley,

    My background is IT architecture and design network. I’m planning to shift my career to Healthcare IT. I want to inquire the steps or pre-requisite for this process. I would like to be trained with Epic System in regards to building infrastructure and network. Do you have any suggestion on where can I start?

    Thanks,
    – Edwin

  • Shirley – I have a business sales operation background where I have overseen a lot business report development, process redesign, and systems development.

    Recently, I began my career shift toward EHR systems. I was accepted to a HITECH program through a community college under an ARRA grant. I’m working through that six month program focusing on work as a workflow redding specialist.

    Will your webinar help me with the next steps following this training and certification process? Do you have any other thoughts on what my best next step would be? Should I wait to seek any positions while I’m in the HITECH program? I was hoping to use my past experience and my current enrollment to help me find a role where I can start learning/gaining real world experience to reinforce what I’m getting through the classwork.

    I appreciate your postings and assistance.

  • I worked for over a decade in ICU setting and now in home health setting, but very interested in transitioning to health care IT. I’ve never worked with EPIC before. What do you suggest as the best starting point into this career shift? Thanks for your time!

  • Based on the many, many responses from my Blog entitled ‘I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs…You Can Too”, I have developed a Webinar entitled: A “How To” Guide for EMR Vendor Certification – I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs – You Can Too!
    This live online webcast is designed to provide information and guidance for Information Technology and Healthcare professionals seeking to get hired for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs, and to provide information on the best “On-The-Job” training happening in the Healthcare Industry today.
    Following are the key objectives for this 1 hour session:
    1. Learn who hires employees for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs.
    2. Learn how to get EMR Vendor Certified.
    3. Discover what the EMR Training course is like and who provides this instruction.
    4. Learn how to evaluate your professional background for a matching EMR Job title.
    5. Explore EMR Job Salaries – and all the possibilities!

    Feel free to register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Regards,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Lenny,

    Vendor Certification is developed and taught by the actual EMR software application manufacturer (Cerner, McKesson, Siemens, Epic, etc.) and is usually only offered to the staff of the healthcare facility that is implementing that vendor’s software. Some of these vendors also offer Certification upon completion of the training (i.e. Epic Systems, Inc.). I’m not familiar with the particular training school in your link, therefore I can’t speak on what this training has to offer. I do know that as a result of the The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, was signed into law on February 17, 2009, to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/enforcementrule/hitechenforcementifr.html – Community Colleges around the country are now offering EHR training/certification courses as well.

    I hope this information helps.

    Regards,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com

  • Hello,
    I have been working in the Health Information Management field for 15 years. I currently work with EMR, HealthSpan, Epic and Softmed. I am very interested in getting Epic certified. How long does the process take? Would I need to get someone within my healthcare organization to sponsor me? The class seems to be 3 days up until a week long. We study the material for each session and take the test?

  • Jeanette,

    Training courses and subsequent exam for thi’s vendor’s certification for most of Epic’s EMR application “module” requires a process of about 3 months. You would need to be a hospital/clinic of an Epic client employee staff member in order to be sent out to this vendor’s site for training.

    Based on the many, many responses from my Blog entitled ‘I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs…You Can Too”, I have developed a Webinar entitled: A “How To” Guide for EMR Vendor Certification – I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs – You Can Too!
    This live online webcast is designed to provide information and guidance for Information Technology and Healthcare professionals seeking to get hired for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs, and to provide information on the best “On-The-Job” training happening in the Healthcare Industry today.
    Following are the key objectives for this 1 hour session:
    1. Learn who hires employees for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs.
    2. Learn how to get EMR Vendor Certified.
    3. Discover what the EMR Training course is like and who provides this instruction.
    4. Learn how to evaluate your professional background for a matching EMR Job title.
    5. Explore EMR Job Salaries – and all the possibilities!

    Feel free to register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Regards,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Hi Shirley,

    I’m a twenty-something that recently stopped working at Epic after getting a little burnt-out. I’ve recharged my batteries and want to get back into health care IT. I was wondering if you had any advice for transitioning into the world of EMR consulting?

    Thanks!
    Ben

  • Hi,
    I am a Lotus Notes / Domino administrator, but am very interested in branching out into the Healthcare IT field. Do you think this is feasible? Do I need any healthcare experience to make this transition? What is the income potential after five years? Your expert input is very much appreciated.

    PJ

  • Ben and PJ,

    This Healthcare IT career industry has been great for me professionally and I created the following webinar that details how have been able to develop from a professional Microsoft Training Specialist about 10 years ago to my current status of Healthcare IT (as a vendor (Epic) Certified EMR Consultant.

    Epic Systems provides training for their EMR application, and subsequent opportunity to become certified on their EMR application.

    I have developed a Webinar with information how I got my Epic EMR Vendor Certifications (3), and advice how you may be able to utilize my tips and leads regarding how you may be able to get hired by a Healthcare facility that sends it’s employee staff out for EMR Vendor training and subsequent opportunity for EMR Vendor Certification.

    Feel free to view/register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294

    Click the link and review what this webinar consists of – and feel free to register for the next session.

    Thanks,
    Shirley
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Wow. When I grow up, I want to cut and paste “buy my webinar” boilerplate text into comments to drive people to my paid course.

    Shame on you, Corsey. You’re gaming people for very little information–and for $50, at that. It’s a ripoff, people. Contact your local healthcare IT department and ask them direclty—-I did, and learned all I need to know.

  • Hi Shirley,
    I have currently been a McKesson HAC EMR consultant For 4 year this month and I am interested in being trained on the Epic Care EMR. I have never seen the EMR but I know that it is highly rated and would like to open up more consulting opportunities for my career. Can you tell me where I could get this training from? Can I contact Epic themselves?

  • Joe,

    The $49 fee I charge to proved “requested” information for an hour of my time is a BARGAIN. And based on the feedback from my webinar attendees, I will continue offering this webinar with my goal of helping people get into this EMR job rich industry in high demand, like I was smart enough to do about 10 years ago!

    Trust me – I’m not getting rich from these webinars – the richness of my income is based on my well earned EMR certifications and my EMR consulting assignments.

    Oh well Joe “can’t please them all” and as long as I have folks who make THEIR OWN DECISION to pay for my advice (just like many other professionals do) I will continue.

    I’m so encouraged by the many, many great responses I have received in appreciation of my efforts!

    Regards,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Joe Dante – I’m so glad you got all you needed to know from your healthcare IT Department and found no need to participate in my webinars – it sounds like you now have good advice for folks like you who are employed at a facility that provides this option to “get all the information you need”. How about you offer a free webinar and share this information with our audiences. (…be prepared to spend some of your time to find your online host, set-up cost, and ongoing usage fees, etc. and most importantly your time!)

    For folks who do not have the same options as Joe Dante – following is what I have taken time out of my very, very busy “day job” of EMR Consulting Assignment work to provide folks with information that I got requested to provide well over a year ago. And Yes my fee is $49 for an hour of my time charged for each of these webinars “LIVE INTERACTIVE SESSIONS THAT PROVIDE PARTIPANTS WITH INFORMATION, LIVE QUESTIONS ANSWER FROM THE FACILITATOR AND THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL HANDOUTS AND JOB LEADS!”
    (A whole lot more happens at my webinars then “cut and paste” text …or whatever you where talking about??)

    Yes Joe Dante – I value my time and my services. People can make their own decision whether to pay for my advice or not – so here it is: (or they can wait for Joe Dante’s free webinar, containing the information he has from his Healthcare IT Department – JOE DANTE – Please, please share this information with our audience (and the public at largre) and I can stop burning the “midnight oil” ;-))

    Based on the many, many responses from my Blog entitled ‘I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs…You Can Too”, I’M VERY, VERY PROUD to have developed a Webinar entitled: A “How To” Guide for EMR Vendor Certification – I Got Certified for Healthcare IT Jobs – You Can Too!

    This live online webcast is designed to provide information and guidance for Information Technology and Healthcare professionals seeking to get hired for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs, and to provide information on the best “On-The-Job” training happening in the Healthcare Industry today.

    Following are the key objectives for this 1 hour session:
    1. Learn who hires employees for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs.
    2. Learn how to get EMR Vendor Certified.
    3. Discover what the EMR Training course is like and who provides this instruction.
    4. Learn how to evaluate your professional background for a matching EMR Job title.
    5. Explore EMR Job Salaries – and all the possibilities!

    Feel free to register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294
    I’m so encouraged by the many, many great responses I have received in appreciation of my efforts to-date!

    THANKS,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • I am in the process of returning to work after having a baby, I have worked for a hospital in CA doing admissions and registration. I like that kind of work and since moving to MN from CA I have found that a lot of positions are requiring EPIC knowledge and background. The hospital I worked for, was not using Epic, in fact won’t be using it for another two years. I am wondering if there is a way to get the training, maybe even pay for the training prior to working in a facility that uses it?

  • Gwen Darling and Shirley Corsey:

    I did make the transition for bedside care to informatics and I did without having to pay for any webinars.

    I blog about the transition an other things for free for anyone.

    I will answer anyones questions and will not charge them a $49 fee. It’s unfortunate that this great career is being kept from many would be great at it because of barriers such as this. If you want to work in clinical informatics, I can tell you how, and you don’t have to pay me to share knowledge on a job that I love.

  • Dear Brittney (a.k.a. The Nerdy Nurse) – I salute nurses like you as detailed in one of my recent blogs detailed here > https://www.healthcareittoday.com/2011/07/25/2011-electronic-medical-records-emr-systems-have-come-a-long-way-baby-%e2%80%93-thanks-to-nurses/

    I also share a lot of my experiences and information FREE through my blogs here at Healthcare IT today as well and have been doing so for almost 2 years. My webinars are provided for folks who wish to receive even more detailed leads into this industry that I also love and have worked hard in for the last ten years. No one is forced to pay for my professional services, just like no healthcare institution is forced to purchase an EMR or EHR system or to hire staff to implement it – but there are costs. Brittney (a.k.a. The Nerdy Nurse), this is America (after all) and many, many professionals charge fees for their services, for the professions they love – I’m so proud that I have always used my legal name (and photo image) as opposed to hiding behind a cute little avatar, therefore all know who I am, what I have worked hard in studying and working to achieve. I’m so honored that folks, of their own free will, choose to pay for my professional consultation – outside of my FREE blog information and advice I provide here!

    Brittney (a.k.a. The Nerdy Nurse) – I checked out your blog website, it looks great! It seems you are a terrific writer and offer your ‘Freelance Writing’ services for a fee as well. You have established some great AD spot$ to support your site – are these FREE? Have you visited my website http://www.HCITschool.com? I have absolutely no paid AD spot$, that’s right – my endeavor is currently supported exclusively by the minimal $49 fee I charge for an hour of my time! It’s great to be Americans; we are allowed to find a variety of legal ways to provide products and services for what we love to do. Thanks for your continued replies and comments to my blogs (I’m not a professional writer, so I’m honored). But I am an experienced EMR consultant and I make a honest living from my professional services, knowledge and advice. You make additional income from writing about a profession you love, therefore I don’t understand why you seem to resent my additional income from a profession that I have studied and worked hard to obtain.

    Regards,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com

  • I am in junior year of college. I just recently heard about EMR. I am majoring in information systems. I would like to get information about EMR. Please suggest about the salaries and scopes in Maryland. How can I get this certification. Is this online

  • Dear Asna,

    The State of Maryland has some terrific opportunities regarding hospitals who are or have installed Epic EMR Clinical software applications; John Hopkins in Baltimore, University of Maryland Medical Center, and Bon Secours Health Systems are three that I’m aware of. There are additional hospitals in the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. of Washington area as well. I would suggest you go to the websites of the 3 hospitals I just mentioned a do a internet search of their careers portals for information of how you could apply for a position. Use keywords such as ‘Epic’, ‘analyst’, ‘clinical Analyst’, etc. and you could also call their HR Department to get salary information.

    Please feel free to regisiter for my webinar if you feel you need additional information regarding the webinars I have developed at http://www.HCITschool.com

    These online webcasts are designed to provide information and guidance for Information Technology and Healthcare professionals seeking to get hired for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs, and to provide information on the best “On-The-Job” training happening in the Healthcare Industry today.

    Following are the key objectives for this 1 hour session:
    1. Learn who hires employees for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) jobs.
    2. Learn how to get EMR Vendor Certified.
    3. Discover what the EMR Training course is like and who provides this instruction.
    4. Learn how to evaluate your professional background for a matching EMR Job title.
    5. Explore EMR Job Salaries – and all the possibilities!

    Feel free to register for my webinar regarding this process in detail in my new webinar “A “Guide” to EMR Vendor Certification – http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A308294
    I’m so encouraged by the many, many great responses I have received in appreciation of my efforts to-date!

    THANKS,
    Shirley Corsey
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Hi Shirley, your blog was very helpful. I am on a quest to become EPIC CERTIFIED this year. I have a clinical background and I have done 4 EPIC GO LIVE’S, I have used EPIC in practice and also MEDITECH. This year I plan to do more go lives and continue to grow as an epic user and professional. Thank you for your advice!
    machasehanson@hotmail.com

  • I am working at a hospital that has implemented EPIC. I was lucky enough to get sent to Madison to receive training and and now have two EPIC certification. I am now looking for a new role in consulting and couldn’t be more excited about all the new possibilities.
    I was at the right job at the right time. My current employer is still in process of rolling out many more clinical applications and they DO hire people without certifications. As long as you have a strong clinical background and are computer savy you can get hired!!

    If you would like more information on the employer, email me at epicresoluteconsultant@yahoo.com

  • I am an HL7 Integration consultant with my own Corporation (sole proprietor). I use for Engines – eGate Jcaps Mirth and Ensemble to do my work. I would like to get EPIC Bridges Certification. Do you have any information on how to obtain that.

  • I’m 60 years old, have over 28 years in the IT arena but have not worked in the field for over 3 years (worked- but in totally unrelated field). As a results I have lost some of that IT skill set edge, although I still consider myself technically competent with very good problem determination skills. My past career evolved from a mainframe systems support engineer to writing network management application code then to project lead overseeing a bunch of developers and the complete development cycle for future releases of that same application.

    At this point in my life I’m ready for a change and really would like to break into Healthcare IT-EMR arena. I have no background in Healthcare industry but don’t want to spend 10 years getting off the ground. If I make $30-$40K a year I’m happy. Besides, I have a 14 year old daughter I’d rather spend more time with vs. my career. So I was thinking of starting as a EMR coder then progress towards being an EMR Systems/Application support grunt. Ya know, the guy you implementers give orders to (haha). So to get started, I’m thinking a course in Anatomy, Medical Terminology and EMR coding to get off the ground. Your thoughts appreciated.
    Carl

  • John,

    Your background sounds like a good fit for hire for an EMR applications ‘Interface Analyst’ job role. The only way to get Epic’s training and Bridges Certification you must be sent to Epic’s (fabulous) training facility in Verona, WI as a full-time employee of a hospital that has acquired Epic EMR applications OR you may be able to get hired as a consultant by a “partnering Epic Agency”, allowing this agency to send you to Epic for training.

    Send me an email message to contactUs@scconsultant.com and I will provide to you names of a few of these agencies that I’m aware of. Otherwise, seek employment with a hospital that is using Epic’s EMR applications.
    Regards,

    Shirley
    SC Consultant, LLC
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • Carl,

    My thoughts are you are on the right track regarding breaking into this “cutting edge and in-demand” EMR job Industry. With your professional background and willingness to take the healthcare courses you have described – then you should have no problem of seeking a hospital or clinic and getting hired.

    Then seek and additional opportunity of getting some EMR vendor application training by allowing your employer to send you out to the vendor for this specific training. (…within a year or so you could definitely meet your salary goals and beyond!)

    Good luck and stay in touch with your progress!

    Regards,
    Shirley
    SC Consultant, LLC
    http://www.HCITschool.com
    (609) 561-6016

  • I was wondering if it is possible to go out on my own with my EPIC certification and start my own training business with healthcare professionals

  • Tawnya,

    Epic’s training and materials is proprietary (Epic Systems, Inc. is a privately held company) and they only provide their clinical applications training to the staff of client’s (hospitals and clinic) who have acquired under contract the usage of their intellectual property. Therefore, specific Epic applications training and certification can only be provided by Epic Systems, Inc.

    Regards,
    Shirley

  • Shirley,

    I just graduated college with a psychology degree. Not wanting to go to grad school I got a job as a Healthcare IT recruiter. I have only been there a few months but I too have seen the increasingly fast growth of Epic jobs. We do a lot of different Applications but Epic projects takes over at least 70% of our open projects. Of course, seeing this growth, I too wonder “how do i get certified?” I know that you have to work with an Epic partnered hospital or agency, but as someone with NO healthcare experience at all…How do I get in? Is it even possible?

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