FAQ
Over the last few years (most notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic), the demand for scientific writers has significantly increased. This is due to researchers, health professionals, and more needing to communicate with the public at a level they understand. The industry is expected to grow by at least 10% by 2025.
Scientific writing encompasses a variety of disciplines, including medical, regulatory, publication, continuing education, grant, popular, and promotional writing.
This is totally up to you! All disciplines offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities.
Regulatory writing is a branch of scientific writing that specifically deals with the development or monitoring of medical devices. Regulatory writers write clinical evaluation plans and reports, update post market data, and ensure compliance with regulations in countries where the device is sold. They are familiar with the Medical Device Directives, Medical Device Regulation, MEDDEV, and other guidance documents.
Publication writing largely involves working directly with labs to ensure that their research is presented in such a way that the masses can understand it. This ensures that the most important ideas are boiled down while maintaining research integrity. Publication writers will take months of research, compile the data, and explain all aspects of the project in a paper to publish said research in a highly acclaimed journal like FASEB.
Health communication writers work in tandem with organizations such as hospitals, health agencies, the government, media outlets, and more to explain diseases and health conditions in layman’s terms for the public. These individuals can sometimes be found in marketing or PR departments, depending on the organization’s structure.
Grant writing is the preparation of an application for funds from an organization that does not ask for repayment. Essentially, writing a grant is an explanation of the project and why the funds are needed, in hopes of acquiring said funds to pursue the project. Grant writers can work in the for and not for profit world, depending on which field they prefer.
Promotional writers work with marketing departments of medical devices or drugs to advocate for its use. These materials – print or digital – are shared with doctors and patients alike. Science communicators are responsible for developing an accurate description of the product to be shared with consumers.
Nope! Companies like Medtronic, The Psychiatric Times, The New York Times, and independent labs have a history of hiring individuals with undergraduate degrees. PhDs and masters are becoming “nice to haves” at the entry and associate levels for many companies. Anyone with a related background can enter the field, including (but not limited to):
- Recent University Graduates
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Physician’s Assistants
- Dieticians
- Physical Therapists
- Bench Scientists
- Clinical Scientists
- Allied Health Professionals
- PhDs
Everyone has a background in writing – in fact, I was able to secure my first science writing position by submitting two written works (essays from my undergraduate research experiences) in addition to my resume prior to my interview. If you do not have this, you can start a blog, or contribute to one.
The basic skillset required to become a medical writer includes strong communication, research, and analytical abilities. In addition, knowledge of ethical principles and medical terminology is preferred. Become certified in the fundamentals here.