Is it Tough to Break Into Healthcare IT as an Applications Analyst?

Having just help desk experience might not do the trick. What steps have you taken towards getting into this role? You might need to gain some specific healthcare knowledge or certifications to make your application stronger.

Why healthcare? It's a challenging field, and while Epic has job openings (like their continuous posting for the past 7 years in Madison, WI), you may need to relocate and they don't support remote work. If you know people in that area, it could work in your favor, though!

To start, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of Epic systems. Do you have experience with it or knowledge of ETL processes? That could really help in the applications analyst role! Just a heads up, I think applications analyst roles are a bit different from system admin jobs, so keep that in mind.

Epic analyst positions aren't typically entry-level. It's better to get your foot in the door at a healthcare organization, then work your way into roles like Bridges or on the interface team. That way, you gain relevant experience first.

A great way to become an Epic analyst is to start in site support or as help desk staff at a hospital that uses Epic. Make sure to stand out in your role! Work closely with Epic managers, and you might be able to transition into a dedicated Epic position with training, as long as you pass the relevant tests within 90 days.