As a traveling allied health technologist, you already expect new schedules, new teams, and new workflows every time you start an assignment. But the one thing that can impact your day-to-day more than almost anything else? The facility’s EMR system.

Some assignments come with familiar platforms you’ve used before. Others introduce brand-new systems with short onboarding and high expectations. 

And for many clinicians, EMRs can either streamline their workflow or slow them down.

This post breaks down what EMR systems are, why travelers encounter so many, and the pros and cons of the systems you’ll see most often.

What Is an EMR System?

An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system is the digital version of a patient’s chart. It’s where clinicians document care, place orders, review results, communicate with the care team, and track patient progress.

EMR systems help standardize patient information, improve chart accuracy, and support clinical decisions across departments. These programs are designed to streamline workflows and centralize data, though their efficiency depends on the system and how the facility customizes it.

For travelers, understanding EMRs isn’t just about documentation — it’s a big part of how smoothly your time on assignment goes.

Why Travelers See So Many Different EMR Systems

Every facility chooses its EMR system differently. Some adopt the newest platforms with deep customization; others stick with older versions that have been in place for years. 

As a traveler, that means your onboarding experience can vary dramatically.

Here’s what influences a facility’s EMR choice:

• Size of the facility or health system
• Specialty demands (OR, cardiology, oncology, etc.)
• Budget and licensing restrictions
• Existing or legacy infrastructure

Because of these differences, consistency is rare. Even if two hospitals use the same EMR, their workflows, screens, and training modules might look nothing alike.

The Most Common EMR Systems Travelers Encounter

While there are dozens of systems nationwide, travel techs see some of them more often across hospitals and clinics. The most common Electronic Medical Record platforms include:

Epic

Epic is widely recognized for being user-friendly once you know your way around it. Many travelers appreciate its clean navigation, organized charting pathways, and strong communication tools. 

You’ll see Epic in large hospital networks, academic medical centers, and multi-state systems — meaning once you learn it, you may use it repeatedly.

That doesn’t mean the platform is without challenges, especially when it comes to learning specialized modules or completing a longer initial training. But overall, Epic tends to be a solid system.

Cerner (Oracle Health)

Cerner is another major player in large health systems across the country. It offers powerful data tools and broad functionality, but experiences can vary depending on how each facility configures it. 

Some hospitals heavily customize Cerner, creating unique workflows that feel nothing like what you may have seen elsewhere.

For travelers, that inconsistency can make the learning curve steeper. Still, once you’ve used Cerner a few times, navigating its menus becomes more intuitive.

Meditech

Meditech is common in community hospitals and regional health networks. Travelers often find that it’s lightweight and easy to pick up, even without extensive onboarding. 

It’s not as visually polished as other systems, and some versions feel outdated, but its simplicity is part of its appeal.

That said, older Meditech builds can be clunky, and documentation pathways may feel longer than necessary — especially in busy environments.

Athenahealth

Athenahealth is most common in outpatient clinics, imaging centers, and ambulatory care settings. 

Most travelers describe it as straightforward and uncluttered, with simple documentation flows and easy patient communication features.

In some facilities, Athena is used alongside partial paper workflows, which can add extra steps. But for most outpatient travelers, it’s one of the easier systems to adapt to quickly.

Pros and Cons of EMR Systems for Traveling Technologists

No EMR is perfect — and no system is universally loved or hated. But travelers do tend to see consistent themes across all platforms.

The Pros

Travelers often benefit from:

• More predictable workflows
• Faster documentation with experience
• Better coordination with care teams
• Transferable skills across assignments

Gaining experience with multiple EMRs can strengthen your resume and help you become more adaptable over time.

The Cons

Here’s where travelers commonly struggle:

• Limited or rushed onboarding
• Customization differences between facilities
• Outdated versions that are still in use
• Overly complex or unintuitive interfaces

Even experienced clinicians can feel behind when a facility expects rapid adaptation to an unfamiliar system.

How Travelers Can Prepare for EMR Training Before an Assignment

You’re not expected to master an EMR on day one, but preparing a bit beforehand can make a big difference in your confidence and workflow.

A few ways to get ahead before day one:

• Ask your recruiter which EMR the facility uses
• Search for basic system walkthroughs or demos
• Request access to training materials early when possible
• Refresh your skills in the systems you’ve used before

If you’re new to traveling or building your skills, our guide to starting a career in travel healthcare can help you prepare for onboarding, credentialing, and first-week expectations.

FAQ: Common EMR Questions Travelers Ask

What’s the difference between Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR)?

An EMR is the digital version of patient charts that facilities use. An EHR is a broader record designed to share information across multiple facilities and systems.

Do I need experience with every EMR system to take an assignment?

Not at all. Facilities expect some level of learning curve. What matters most is your willingness to ask questions and adapt.

Should I list EMR proficiency on my resume?

Yes. Listing EMRs you’ve used makes you more competitive and helps recruiters match you with facilities that fit your experience.

Final Thoughts on EMR Systems for Travelers

Every assignment brings something new, but EMRs don’t have to be a source of stress. The more systems you learn, the more confident and adaptable you become. And as clinicians ourselves, we know how valuable that confidence is.

If you ever want help navigating EMR expectations, preparing for onboarding, or finding assignments that align with your strengths, we’re here to help.

Contact Lucid today to learn more about how we can help you find the right fit for your needs!