Working in a healthcare organization means constantly preparing teams for change especially when new diagnostic tests are introduced. As a former Order Entry Specialist, I had experienced multiple test launches as a learner and often found myself wondering what went into building the training behind the scenes. This project marked a pivotal moment for me: my opportunity to step into that role and design training from the ground up for a brand-new test.

Although this was my first large-scale instructional design initiative, I was highly motivated to take it on, contribute meaningfully, and prove my capabilities. Despite being onboarded later than ideal, I quickly upskilled, immersed myself in the product and workflows, and focused on understanding learner needs to support a confident and successful go-live.

This experience allowed me to transition from learner to designer, applying firsthand operational knowledge to create training that was practical, relevant, and learner-centered.

Introducing a new diagnostic test in a healthcare organization requires precise, timely, and role-specific training especially for teams responsible for order entry and quality. This project required designing training from the ground up while workflows were still being built and tested in Epic. 

Adding to the complexity, I joined the project later in the process and had to upskill quickly while ensuring that training materials remained current in a constantly changing environment.

Rapid Upskilling & Content Familiarization

To build foundational knowledge, I reviewed long, highly technical product videos and documentation. From there, I conducted learner and task analysis, focusing on how the Order Entry team would interact with new workflows in Epic. I partnered closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) and Epic Principal Trainers. This allowed me to quickly understand both the “what” and the “why” behind the workflows learners would use post–go-live.

Learner-Centered Design

My prior experience as an Order Entry Specialist allowed me to anticipate learner pain points, align training with real-world workflows, and focus content on what learners truly needed to succeed at go-live.

I designed content that was:

• Linear and easy to follow

• Highly relevant to real workflows

• Focused on practical application rather than theory
  
  

Agile Content Development

Because workflows were still evolving, materials required frequent updates. I worked in close collaboration with SMEs and Epic trainers to ensure accuracy while maintaining clarity and consistency across all learning assets.

Rapid Iteration & Content Governance

As workflows were still being developed and tested, one of the biggest challenges was keeping training materials current in a constantly evolving environment. This required agility, close collaboration, and frequent updates to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Note: Due to confidentiality and permission restrictions, actual training materials and system screenshots cannot be shared in this portfolio. 

Solution & Deliverables

I designed and developed over 60% of the training materials, including:

• Tip sheets

• Practice exercise booklets with realistic patient scenarios

• Mock TRFs

• Slide decks

• Facilitator guides

• A comprehensive FAQ resource based on real learner questions

I also facilitated three virtual training sessions for different internal teams, adapting delivery style and emphasis based on audience needs.

This project required extensive cross-functional collaboration with:

• Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

• Epic Principal Trainers

• Internal stakeholders across Order Entry, Leadership, and Quality teams

Most collaboration occurred through one-on-one discussions and iterative feedback cycles, which influenced both content accuracy and delivery timing.

Although formal metrics were not collected, informal learner and stakeholder feedback was consistently positive:

“Crisp and clear presentations”

“Information was well-organized and easy to follow”

“Training helped me feel confident going into go-live”

“Practice scenarios were extremely helpful”

“Resources were relevant and immediately usable on the job”

Learners reported feeling well-prepared and supported during the transition to the new test at go-live.

Adapting to Multiple Audiences

Facilitating training for leadership and the Quality team was both exciting and challenging. The Quality team’s attention to detail and leadership’s deep domain knowledge led to complex, high-level questions that pushed me to think critically. Training multiple audiences reinforced how differently the same content can be perceived based on role and perspective, reinforcing the importance of adaptive instructional design.

What I Would Do Differently

Encourage shared cross-functional alignment meetings: Collaboration largely happened through individual conversations rather than collective sessions. Having all cross-functional stakeholders in the same room earlier could have reduced rework and improved efficiency.

Clarify ownership earlier: Driven by enthusiasm, I proactively picked up large portions of work beyond my assigned scope. While this helped move the project forward, it later led to ownership challenges during updates. In future projects, I would align more clearly on roles and ownership upfront.

This project was both challenging and energizing. It gave me firsthand experience navigating ambiguity, collaborating across teams, and designing training in a fast paced healthcare environment. Most importantly, it confirmed my passion for instructional design - combining problem solving, empathy for learners, and continuous learning. The experience pushed me to grow, helped me navigate complex situations with confidence, and left me excited to take on future projects of increasing scope and impact.