The healthcare industry is booming, and medical writing is just one of the many roles you can pursue if you want to get in on the action. Medical writers are tasked with creating content for clinical trial protocols and other related documents for pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research institutions. If you are interested in this field and think you’re cut out to be a medical writer, keep reading for more information. You may be surprised by how many different career options there are within the field of medical writing.
Depending on your interests, education level, and location, you may find several job listings that suit your interests. Generally, medical writers fall under one of three categories: clinical researcher writers; technical writers; or science communication specialists.
In this article – How to become a medical writer
- What does a typical day look like for a medical writer?
- How do you become a medical writer?
- Educational requirements to become a medical writer
- Key skills for becoming a medical writer
- Tips to becoming a medical writer
- Final words
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What does a typical day look like for a medical writer?
One thing that is really important to keep in mind is that the work of a medical writer is very project-based. You could work on one project for a few months, then switch over to a new project. However, this can make it difficult to predict exactly when you’ll finish a given task, or how quickly you’ll progress in your career.
In general, a typical day could include the following tasks:
- Reviewing research and clinical studies to better understand research design, sample size, and findings.
- Creating outlines, writing drafts, and revising your work based on feedback from your manager or client.
- Reviewing other materials related to your projects, such as diagrams, graphs, images, video scripts or storyboards.
- Communicating with team members, clients, and stakeholders to resolve questions and issues.
How do you become a medical writer?
To become a medical writer, you first need to determine which kind of medical writing is best suited for your interests and skills. There are three main types of medical writing: clinical research writers, technical writers, and science communication specialists.
There are no exams to write, but taking medical writing courses can help you break into the industry and progress in your career much faster. You’ll learn what recruiters are looking for and tailor your CV to their needs.
Educational requirements to become a medical writer
The educational requirements for each type of medical writing are different. However, for each, you are likely to need a degree in life science or health.
Here are some of the possible degrees that could help you become a medical writer:
- First degrees: BSc, MBBS, and other life science degrees
- Second degrees: MSc, MRes, MPhil
- Third degrees: PhD, MD, PharmD, etc
Examples of fields of study include nursing, midwifery, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, genetics, zoology, biophysics and biotech. Others are DVM, medicine (MBBS), pharmacology, pharmacy, paramedic, lab science, public health, nutrition, and many more.
Other skills or experience that can help you become a medical writer include knowledge of clinical trial design, familiarity with regulatory guidelines, good attention to detail and writing skills.
Key skills for becoming a medical writer
All three types of medical writers share some skill sets, such as excellent attention to detail, strong writing skills, and proven research skills. However, there are also some key differences that are important to keep in mind if you want to pursue each type of writing. Clinical researchers should also be well-versed in the clinical trial process. You’ll need to know how to conduct clinical trials, including how to design a study, interpret the findings, and organize the information in a clear and concise manner.
Moreover, you should also have a working knowledge of regulatory requirements. Technical writers need to be skilled in the use of design and software, as well as the creative process. You’ll also need to know how to write and how to incorporate images and graphics into your writing. Science communication specialists need to have strong public speaking and presentation skills, and be able to translate scientific concepts into terms non-scientists can understand.
Other important skills include the ability to write clearly and concisely, and a knowledge of the scientific process.
Tips to becoming a medical writer
Get some experience. If you’re still in school, look for opportunities to get some experience in the field. Internships and co-op positions are good ways to gain experience in medical writing. You can also look for work on the side, such as freelancing. This will help you understand what it’s like to work in the field and give you a leg up on the competition when you apply for full-time positions.
Networking
Another important thing to do is to build a strong network of people in the field. This could include former classmates, professors, and other people in the industry. Having a strong network can help you learn more about job opportunities, gain helpful advice, and get your name out there.
Stay up-to-date on industry news
Additionally, make sure you stay up-to-date on industry news. This can help you stay on top of trends in the field and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Final words
Medical writing is a great field to get into if you have an interest in health and medicine. While the hours may be long and the work can be challenging, it’s also rewarding and can open the door to many different career opportunities.
Whether you want to become a clinical researcher, technical writer, or science communication specialist, there are many different things you can do as a medical writer. Finally, as the healthcare industry continues to grow, there will be plenty of opportunities to pursue this rewarding career.
