How to Become a Medical Writer

If you have an interest for writing and medicine, consider becoming a medical writer. Medical writers write material on different topics in medicine. The term is used both for general writers, such as journalists, who focus on medicine and health topics and for writers working in health care, medical research and related industries. This page takes you through the steps of becoming a medical writer.

My Freelance Career : All About Freelance Medical Writing Jobs

In this video Brian Scott, a professional writer with over two decades of freelance experience, shares his advice on freelancing as a medical writer as a home-based business. It covers typical pay rates, who your clients are, where to find jobs and what to write about.

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Introduction

Becoming a medical writer is a great way to combine an interest for writing with an interest for medicine. It can also be a way to use a medicine or health-care related degree without actually working in the field or as an extra income for writers or health care professionals. Medical writers work in a variety of fields, including health care, medical research, media and the pharmaceutical industry.
Step 1: Asses the Field
- If you want to become a medial writer, first decide what type of medical writing you would like to do. Some medical writers, such as journalists, produce content for the general public which describes topics in medicine in laymen terms. Others write content for professionals in the field. The more scientific the writing is, the more experience and education is required. If you have a strong interest for medicine, an analytical mind and an attention for detail, consider writing for medical journals, pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations or similar. If you are interested in health care, but want to write less complex materials, consider writing fact sheets or sales or marketing material for hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or similar companies.
Step 2: Education
- The education you need to become a medical writer will vary depending on the industry and position.
1. A degree in English, Communications, Media or Journalism is sometimes required.
2. Other positions require a degree in health care, nursing, medicine or science.
3. When a degree is not required, it is often helpful to have one in either or both of the fields.
4. Some universities have courses in medical writing.
5. Professional associations such as the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) provides certifications and other educational resources.
6. Classes in statistics are also helpful.
Step 4: Finding a Job
- To find a job as a medical writer, search general job resources such as classified ads or job sites, as well as job resources specialized in medicine or writing jobs. Depending on the position you are looking for, contact hospitals, media, pharmaceutical companies or other relevant companies. Consider freelancing to get job experience and connections. Having a blog is a great way to put your name out there and show off your writing skills at the same time.
Step 3: Training and Experience
- Training is as important as education when preparing to become a medical writer.
1. If you have a health care degree, consider taking writing classes. If you are planning to write for an audience without a background in health care, read similar materials to learn how to explain scientific and medical terms that may seem obvious to you but not to others.
2. If you don't have experience or education in health care, familiarize yourself with basic concepts and terms in medicine. Read medical journals, studies and other materials on a regular basis.
3. It's useful to specialize in a specific field, for example an aspect of medicine (such as pharmacy or medical research), a health topic (such as nutrition) or a specific disease or medical condition.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical writer is a great way to combine an interest for writing with an interest for health care and to make use of both your creative and analytical skills. Have a specific job position and market in mind and research the education and experience requirements. Polish both your writing skills and medical knowledge before you start looking for a job.
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