Medical Writing Training

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Medical Writer?

A medical writer is someone who writes, well, about medicine. Not only that, but a medical writer can write about complex topics in such a way that scientists with no background in the topic (and even non-technical readers) can understand it. Some medical writers write for the general public; others write for health professionals; and others write documents for regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Where do Medical Writers work?

Medical writers are in great demand today. Although many have chosen the freelance path, others prefer the security of a company job. Click here to see what types of companies hire medical writers.

How do I become a Medical Writer?

Good question. Read the answer here.

I am a physician looking to change careers. Is medical writing for me?

Sure it is! Read more about it here.

I have no scientific background but love to write. Can I become a Medical Writer?

Yes, you can. Medical writers usually fall in one of two categories: scientists or doctors who loved to write and writers who loved medicine.

Not having a medical background does not impede you to become a medical writer, but you will have to get some science training eventually to be competitive. It doesn't have to be an advanced degree necessarily, but you will have to know what you are writing about.

If you want to become a freelance health writer and have no science training, you can join the American Medical Wrirtes Association (AMWA) and obtain its Science Fundamentals Certificate , for example. You can also take advantage of all the courses offered here at MedicalWritingTraining.com.

Many employers, especially in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, do require their medical writers to have a strong science background. However, if you are willing to learn and are resourceful, you can be a successful consumer-health writer at a hospital, university, organization or as a freelancer.

What are the "hot jobs" in medical writing?

I hope I knew! No, just kidding. Read the answer here.

How much do medical writers earn?

It varies a lot, depending on several factors. AMWA periodically surveys its members about their salaries. Read here about the lastest survey findings.