We have Epic in our hospital and I was wondering if I could get EPIC certification without having to go to the IT side?
I am a staff pharmacist currently. I did try out for our EPIC team the first time but I had difficulty with initial testing.
Any advice?
Thanks
Robby
Hi Robby,
Thank you for your question.
Depending on how your organization has things structured, it is technically possible for you to get certified in an Epic module and not be incorporated into the IT side of the organization but that is likely a decision that leadership will have to make. At my organization I know a couple of analysts who got certified, worked in the IT department on the Epic project and then transitioned back into more clinical roles outside the IT department but as far as I know they are not using their Epic training anymore.
One of the “rumors” I’ve heard within the Epic community is that if someone does the Sphinx test (I don’t know if that’s the initial testing you’re referring to) and doesn’t make the cut, they won’t be allowed to try again for Epic certification.
If it wasn’t the Sphinx test that you took then you should be okay to try out again, if it was then never fear… Some organizations don’t take the results of the Sphinx test into account (mine is actually discussing phasing it out as a screening tool but Epic recommends it as an optional screening tool) so you might want to try again with another hospital system in your area.
We had some pharmacists apply for open positions in my department who were already Epic Willow certified and working at other organizations but because there is a company policy of having every applicant do the Sphinx test, some did it and didn’t make the cut… Again note, they were already Epic Willow certified.
All that to say, not doing well on that particular assessment may not be the end of the story.
I hope that helps. If you have any additional or follow-up questions please feel free to pop them in the comments section below. š