How to Become a Medical Writer

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 References

Medical writing is a relatively new yet growing field. A medical communicator is someone who writes, edits, or communicates about topics relevant to medicine and health.^{[1]
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Research source} Pharmaceutical companies and government agencies need effective medical writers to convey information in a direct yet highly specialized manner. If you are considering medical writing as a profession, you should be aware that it can take a long time to obtain the necessary degrees, certifications, and experience necessary to succeed. It's doable, though, and highly rewarding if you enjoy the work!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Obtaining the Necessary Education

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Get a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field. Medical writing requires a highly specialized skill set. Most employers are looking for candidates with degrees in life sciences or a related field, like statistics. While a bachelor’s degree might be good start, you will need to consider if you have the time and money to invest in a higher degree.^{[2]
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Obtain a Master’s or PhD in the life sciences. About 72% of medical writers have been through some sort of graduate school.^{[3]
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Research source} Even if you have the time and finances to get a doctorate, you might need further specialization.

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Pursue further specialization. Certain schools offer highly focused post-doctoral degrees in medical writing, such as the University of North Carolina’s postdoc in medical publications.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
Science Magazine
Respected Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal
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- If you are relevantly unexperienced, and want to get a window into the field at no cost to you, consider Stanford University’s open online course “Writing in the Sciences.”^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Building the Right Skills

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Obtain certification from the American Medical Writers Association. Becoming a medical writer usually requires certification by the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). In order get certified, you will need to have at least two years of experience in the field of medical communications.^{[6]
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Research source} You will also need to take an examination, the Medical Writing Certification Examination.^{[7]
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Research source} You may also choose to enroll in the AMWA Essential Skills (ES) certificate program, which can range anywhere from $975 up to $1,275.^{[8]
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- AMWA’s website offers a number of resources to help you prepare for the exam, such as the Medical Writing Certification Examination Content Outline.
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Become specialized in a niche medical field. As a medical writer you will most likely be writing for a highly specialized field. A number of employers will require you to focus on a specific area of knowledge. Others, like academic journals, will expect you to have both general knowledge in the life sciences, and a more specific set of skills, such as writing for physicians specializing in psychiatry or pediatrics.^{[9]
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Know your medical protocols and guidelines. You will have to be knowledgeable of the guidelines, protocols, and styles particular to highly specialized fields. In fact, you will need to master a lot of medical terminology and to become acquainted with a variety of guidelines.^{[10]
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- For instance, if you are working for a pharmaceutical company, you will have to follow guidelines set out by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
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Know your software and medical technologies. Medical writers need to be technologically savvy. You will need to familiarize yourself with software like Microsoft Word, in particular with using the program for making charts, graphs, and other specialized features.^{[11]
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Research source} You will also need to perfect your research skills, since you will be looking for information and articles across a number of highly specialized online databases.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finding Jobs

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Get relevant work experience in a medical field. Before you can become a professional medical writer you will need to have relevant work experience. As such, it is a great idea to get a job as a laboratory assistant or medical researcher before you transition to the medical writing profession. ^{[12]
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Build a great resume and cover letter geared towards medical writing jobs. Getting relevant work experience in a medical or scientific field will help you strengthen your resume as you transition into the medical writing profession. More importantly, you should write a strong cover letter when you apply for a job. Employers spend a long time writing job advertisements in order to look for qualified individuals, and you should do the same. Your cover letter should not only highlight your skills, but also relate those skills to the specific job posting for which you are applying.^{[13]
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Become a member of American Medical Writers Association. A great way to look for a job is to become a member of American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). As the premier guild of medical writers, they offer a comprehensive website filled with job postings and career opportunities. ^{[14]
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Use networking in the American Medical Writers Association to find a job. The American Medical Writers Association or AMWA is not only useful for getting certified and looking for a job, but more importantly they offer unique opportunities for networking. Their annual gatherings and conferences provide unique opportunities for networking with companies looking for medical writers, and provide the perfect opportunity for aspiring medical writers.^{[15]
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Medical Writing Resume and Sample Piece

Resume for a Medical Writer

Medical Writing Piece

Community Q&A

Question

Is it required to complete a master's program for the necessary training?

Wanjiru Susanna J Dodgson

Community Answer

No. The only requirements are that you understand what you are writing about, and that you can write and edit and land contracts.
Question

I have an English degree and some experience as an editor and proofreader. I took a course in Pharmacy Technician certification, but have not passed the test yet. I am interested in becoming a medical writer. After acquiring some experience in retail, I am aiming for clinical trials. How do I go about this?

Wanjiru Susanna J Dodgson

Community Answer

Find a certificate course in an institute or organization that works with you towards getting jobs or contracts as a medical writer.
Question

How do I set up my own medical writing business?

Wanjiru Susanna J Dodgson

Community Answer

First, make sure you can be hired as a medical writer by completing a certificate course at an organization or institute that offers one. Second, set up a business according to the laws in your state and your country. Third, market yourself.