The healthcare industry has quietly become one of the biggest employers of tech talent in the country. Hospitals, clinics, and health systems are all racing to digitize patient records, automate workflows, and keep up with federal compliance standards. That shift has created a massive need for people who understand both technology and the clinical world — and right now, there simply aren’t enough of them to go around.
If you’ve been thinking about a career pivot or wondering where the stable jobs are, healthcare IT deserves a serious look.
The Push Behind the Demand
A lot of this started years ago with the push toward electronic health records. Government incentives and penalties pushed healthcare organizations to adopt digital systems, and most of them chose platforms like Epic, Cerner, or MEDITECH. Among these, Epic has become the dominant player. It runs in most of the top-ranked hospitals in the United States and continues to expand globally.
What that means for job seekers is straightforward: organizations need people who know how to implement, manage, and troubleshoot these systems. And they’re willing to pay well for it. Entry-level roles in Epic support can start around $55,000, while experienced analysts and project managers regularly clear six figures.
What It Takes to Break In
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize — you don’t always need a clinical background to work in healthcare IT. Many roles are open to people with general tech experience, provided they can demonstrate familiarity with the specific tools used in that environment.
Epic, for instance, offers its own certification tracks. But before committing time and money to formal certification, a lot of candidates start by taking an Epic skills assessment practice test to gauge where they stand. It’s a practical first step that helps you figure out what you already know and where the gaps are.
Beyond that, the hiring process at many hospitals includes aptitude tests or skills evaluations during the interview stage. Showing up prepared for those screenings can make a real difference in whether you land the role.
Why Preparation Matters More Than You Think
One mistake people make when entering a new field is underestimating the assessment phase. Healthcare systems deal with sensitive patient data, so employers are cautious about who they bring on board. They want proof that you can handle the technical side before giving you access to their systems.
That’s where practice tests for exams come in handy. Spending a few hours working through realistic questions helps you get comfortable with the format and the types of problems you’ll face. It’s not about memorizing answers — it’s about building the kind of confidence that shows up in an interview room.
For a variety of healthcare IT certifications and pre-employment tests, there are many resources that provide an online practice exam.The key is to choose ones that mirror the actual exam content rather than generic question banks that barely scratch the surface.
A Field That Isn’t Slowing Down
Telehealth, AI-driven diagnostics, and interoperability mandates are only adding more fuel to this fire. Hospitals are not cutting their IT budgets anytime soon. If anything, the roles are getting more specialized, which means people who get in now and build their skills will be well-positioned for years to come.
Healthcare IT isn’t glamorous in the way that Silicon Valley startups might be. But it offers something a lot of tech workers are craving right now: stability, decent pay, and work that actually matters. For anyone willing to put in the preparation, the doors are wide open.
