By Eric Utzinger, Chief Customer Officer & Co-Founder
If you have ever asked yourself, “Is IT consulting a good career?” you are not alone. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with hundreds of healthcare IT consultants while helping health systems staff critical projects. I have seen the incredible value consultants bring during EHR rollouts, cybersecurity initiatives, and system integrations. And I have also seen how challenging it can be to turn consulting into a stable, long-term career.
The truth is that IT consulting can absolutely be a great career path. But here is what many people do not talk about: it only becomes a great career if you are able to move beyond short-term contracts and build lasting client relationships. Without that, it is easy to get stuck bouncing from one project to the next without the kind of stability and growth you want.
In this post, I will share why IT consulting is such a strong career choice today, especially in healthcare, and how you can create opportunities that extend well beyond one-off engagements.
Healthcare IT demand has never been higher. Just look at the projects happening right now:
EHR overhauls and optimizations as hospitals move from legacy systems.
AI in clinical workflows to improve patient outcomes.
Cybersecurity initiatives to meet ever-tightening regulations.
Cloud migrations to cut costs and improve scalability.
Hospitals don’t always have the permanent staff to handle these complex projects, which creates opportunities for consultants and contractors.
Here’s why IT consulting is worth considering:
Flexibility: You can choose projects that interest you.
Earning potential: Consultants often command higher hourly rates than salaried employees.
Variety: Every engagement exposes you to new systems, teams, and challenges.
Independence: You get to shape your career path, not wait for promotions.
So if you’re asking “Is IT consulting a good career?” — the demand, pay, and freedom make it very appealing. But there’s another side to the story.
Consulting isn’t always glamorous. Here are a few realities I’ve seen (and lived):
Short contracts: A 3-month gig can be exciting until it ends abruptly.
Uncertainty: You might not know what’s next when a project wraps up.
Competition: Other contractors with similar skills are often in the mix.
Perception: Some clients see consultants as “temps,” not long-term partners.
These challenges are why it’s critical to focus on relationship-building. If you want to turn consulting from a series of one-offs into a sustainable career, you have to become the consultant clients call back…not just the one they hire once.
Here’s what I’ve learned about turning projects into partnerships:
Deliver outcomes, not just hours.
Don’t just complete the task you were hired for. Make sure your work clearly ties to the client’s goals. Did the EHR go live on time? Did the cybersecurity upgrade reduce risk scores? Own those outcomes.
Communicate consistently.
No CIO wants to be in the dark. Share progress updates, flag risks early, and explain technical details in business terms. Clients remember consultants who make them look informed.
Understand the bigger picture.
Don’t get tunnel vision on your ticket queue. Step back and see how your work connects to patient care, financial performance, or regulatory compliance.
Be reliable and responsive.
Healthcare is fast-paced and high-stakes. Answering that late email or showing up to troubleshoot on short notice goes a long way toward trust.
Document everything.
Leave behind clear notes, training, and artifacts. Clients will remember you as the consultant who made their lives easier — not harder.
Ask for feedback (and referrals).
When a project wraps, ask how you did and where you could improve. Happy clients often have another project in the pipeline or will refer you to peers.
So how do you move from being a “project plug-in” to a trusted advisor?
Position yourself as a specialist. Clients love knowing you’ve solved their exact problem before. Whether it’s Epic-to-Cerner migrations or HIPAA-compliant cloud builds, specialization leads to repeat calls.
Offer continuity. Even if your initial contract ends, suggest ways you can support optimization, training, or maintenance.
Build your personal brand. Share insights on LinkedIn, get certified in emerging tools, and stay visible in your niche.
Leverage platforms like Revuud. Instead of waiting for recruiters to call, you can connect directly with health systems looking for pre-vetted IT consultants. That visibility can lead to faster matches and recurring engagements.
Is IT consulting a good career in 2025 and beyond?
A: Yes. With rising demand for healthcare IT projects, consulting offers flexibility, high pay, and career growth. The key is building relationships to avoid instability.
How much do healthcare IT consultants make?
A: Rates vary, but consultants often earn $20–$30 per hour more than internal staff or traditional staffing firm contractors.
What skills are in demand for healthcare IT consultants?
A: EHR implementation, cybersecurity, cloud migration, AI in workflows, and data integration are top priorities.
How do IT consultants get long-term clients?
A: By delivering outcomes, building trust, and becoming a “go-to” expert. Platforms like Revuud also help consultants find repeat opportunities with health systems.
So, is IT consulting a good career? Absolutely!
But the consultants who thrive aren’t just great technicians. They’re relationship-builders. They transform short-term projects into long-term opportunities by delivering outcomes, building trust, and positioning themselves as strategic partners.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your consulting journey, platforms like Revuud can connect you directly with health systems that value transparency, speed, and expertise. It’s one of the smartest ways to grow your career (not just your project list).
Join Revuud for free today to view open opportunities.