I’m a firm believer in using a structure or framework to tackle big life changes—and entering medical writing is no exception. Whether you’re starting out in your first job or changing careers after decades, having a clear path makes all the difference. When I work with my clients to help them land medical writing jobs, I use the general framework shown in the image below. This article will explore this framework in detail, which I’ve seen launch career success for multiple clients.
Please note: While this post will be beneficial to those entering many different types of medical writing, it specifically concerns medical education writing. To learn more about this specific type of medical writing, you can read about the foundations of medical education writing here (including example projects).
Step 1: Lay the foundation
Understanding the landscape of medical writing is the first place I start with clients. It’s important to understand the life cycle of a drug or medical device, explore the key responsibilities of medical writers, and talk through the wide range of industries and project types you might find yourself working in. Whether you’re coming from a research background or transitioning from clinical work, building a strong foundation is essential.
As a medical education writer, you can work in various environments, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. Common work settings include:
- Medical communications agencies: Collaborating with pharmaceutical or biotech companies to create materials like training modules, slide decks, and conference presentations for healthcare professionals and sometimes patients.
- Pharmaceutical and/or medical device companies: Working with pharmaceutical and medical device companies to create clear, accurate content that supports everything from clinical trials to product launches.
- Healthcare organizations: Writing educational content for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, or developing patient education resources for hospitals and clinics.
- Freelance or contract work: Offering flexible opportunities to take on projects independently, including CME (continuing medical education) materials, instructional design, or clinical trial documentation.
Most medical education writers come from life sciences, healthcare, or communications backgrounds. While advanced degrees like a master’s or PhD can be advantageous, a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, along with experience or a strong foundation in writing, can suffice for many entry-level positions.
Additionally, it can be helpful to develop a solid understanding of instructional design. Many organizations look for writers who not only know the science but also understand how to craft educational content that is clear, engaging, and learner focused. Certification programs in medical writing or instructional design can also help bolster your qualifications.
Step 2: Prepare to enter the industry
Breaking into medical education writing isn’t just about knowing science—it’s about learning how to communicate your skills clearly and meaningfully, which is why I focus so strongly on this with my clients. Whether you’re just starting out or making a career pivot, you want to build your skills, boost your confidence, and create a simple but powerful branding strategy that reflects your strengths and values and attracts hiring managers to your online profile.
Understand medical writing as a craft
Medical education writing is more than just conveying information—it’s about transforming complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging educational materials. To excel, you’ll need to hone your writing skills and practice often.
This means practicing concise, accurate communication and understanding the specific needs of your audience, whether it’s healthcare professionals or patients. By refining your writing and learning the nuances of medical education, you’ll set a strong foundation for your career.
Gain confidence and a growth mindset
Success in medical writing often comes from confidence in your abilities and the willingness to learn from each experience. A growth mindset—where you embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and actively seek feedback—will help you develop professionally. No one enters this industry with all the answers, so the key is to view each new project as a learning opportunity.
Identify knowledge gaps
To thrive in medical education writing, you should assess any gaps in your knowledge. Are there areas of medical science you’re less familiar with? Is your writing more suited to general audiences rather than healthcare professionals? Identifying these areas early allows you to focus on closing those gaps—whether through courses, certifications, or seeking feedback from industry peers.
Create a values-based professional brand
Before entering the medical writing field, it’s important to create a professional brand that reflects your values and what you want to contribute to the industry. Do you specialize in patient education or instructional design for medical professionals? Do you prioritize clarity and accuracy in health communications? Or maybe you’re an expert in a certain disease area? By clearly defining your brand, you’ll attract the right clients and employers who share your values and vision.
Entering the medical education writing industry is a process of growth, learning, and self-reflection. By developing your writing craft, identifying areas for improvement, and building a personal brand that aligns with your goals, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful career.
Step 3: Develop core skills
Becoming a successful medical education writer requires much more than just strong writing skills. While the mechanics of writing—grammar, clarity, and structure—are crucial, the true craft of medical writing goes far beyond that. As a medical education writer, you’ll need to develop a strategic mindset and learn how to communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that resonates with your audience.
Strategic thinking in medical writing
Medical education writing isn’t just about conveying information—it’s about doing so in a way that achieves specific objectives, whether that’s educating healthcare professionals, patients, or the public. This requires strategic thinking. You’ll need to understand the goals of each project, the best format for the material, and how to deliver the content most effectively. This could mean choosing between different types of educational media (for example, e-learning modules vs. printed guides) or deciding how to structure a piece to ensure the audience understands key takeaways.
Audience-centered approach
A core element of medical writing is tailoring content to the specific audience. Whether you’re writing for a healthcare provider, patient, or caregiver, understanding your reader’s needs, preferences, and perspectives is key to creating effective educational materials. Medical writers must prioritize this audience-centered approach to ensure that their content is clear, accessible, and relevant. You’ll learn how to write with empathy, considering not just the facts you’re presenting but also the emotions, concerns, and experiences of the people who will be reading or using the material.
Core concepts in learning theory
Medical education writers must also be familiar with core concepts in learning theory, which emphasizes how people absorb and retain information. Understanding principles like cognitive load, learner motivation, and active learning strategies can help you design content that truly educates, rather than simply informs. Applying these theories means thinking about how to present information in a way that sticks, such as using repetition, practical examples, or interactive elements to reinforce key points.
Step 4: Create and share your portfolio
As an aspiring medical writer, your portfolio is one of the most important tools to showcase your skills and make a strong impression on potential employers or clients. It’s time to create a writing portfolio that highlights your abilities and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
Why you need a strong writing portfolio
A writing portfolio serves as tangible proof of your writing expertise and versatility. A portfolio allows you to show prospective employers the quality of your work and can help set you apart by demonstrating your ability to handle diverse writing styles and formats. It’s a key step in convincing hiring managers that you can effectively communicate complex medical or scientific concepts to various audiences.
How many pieces to include and what types of writing
A balanced portfolio includes a diverse range of writing samples—aim for at least 4 to 6 pieces that represent the variety of your skill set. These can include case studies, patient education materials, blog posts, and more formal writing like clinical summaries or journal articles. The goal is to showcase versatility—your ability to write for different audiences (patients, healthcare professionals, etc.) and in different formats. If you don’t have professional samples yet, consider writing mock projects or reworking existing content to show your style and approach to medical writing.
The power of visual and impactful writing samples
It’s not just about what you write, but how you present it. Thoughtful design can elevate your portfolio and make your writing stand out. Incorporating elements like visuals, clear headings, and structured layouts can make your portfolio more engaging and easier for people to navigate. A well-designed writing sample shows that you’re thinking about the reader’s experience, not just the content. Translating complex information into visually appealing, easy-to-read documents is a skill that will impress potential employers, demonstrating that you understand the power of presentation in medical writing.
Hosting your portfolio online
One of the most effective ways to share your portfolio is by hosting it online. Having a professional website or portfolio page makes it easy for people to access your work. Make sure it’s simple to navigate, and provide clear descriptions of each sample so visitors understand the context and purpose behind the writing. This not only makes it convenient for hiring managers to review your work, but it also shows you’re organized, tech-savvy, and serious about your writing career.
Building a portfolio may feel intimidating at first, but it’s a crucial step in showcasing your talents and establishing yourself as a medical writer. You don’t need to code or build your own website—sites like Clippings.me, Wix, or Squarespace offer user-friendly, free, and/or affordable options. By including diverse, impactful samples and hosting them in an accessible way, you’ll make it easier for potential employers to see the value you bring to the table.
Step 5: Find work
When you’re trying to break into medical writing, your first instinct might be to head straight for job boards and start applying online. And while that’s a good place to begin, it’s only part of the picture. A significant portion of medical writing roles—especially entry-level and freelance opportunities—are never advertised publicly. These “hidden” jobs are filled through referrals, networking, and direct outreach. In fact, a large part of the work I do with clients is helping them access this hidden job market through strategies like cold emailing, leveraging LinkedIn, and tapping into professional networks. In addition to this, your cover letter, resume, and interviewing skills need to be in top-notch shape. The following are a few important places to focus on when looking for work.
Leverage your network
Your professional network can be one of your greatest assets when it comes to finding work as a medical writer. Many opportunities are never publicly advertised and are filled through referrals or connections, so tapping into your network can give you a significant advantage in your job search. Reach out to former colleagues or classmates, join professional associations to build a larger network, and attend industry events and workshops. Let people know that you’re actively looking for medical writing opportunities. To see this in action, click here and scroll down to read Nicolas’ story about how keeping in touch with a recruiter after an unsuccessful first interview landed him a 3-month paid internship.
Writing a compelling cover letter
Many people from clinical backgrounds don’t always have experience writing cover letters and don’t know they’re a requirement for entry into the medical writing field. Cover letters are a must! A compelling cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and express why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Address the company’s specific needs and explain how your background in science or writing makes you an asset. Don’t be afraid to mention transferable skills from past experiences that align with medical writing.
Crafting an impressive resume
Your resume should be clear, concise, and focused on relevant experiences and skills. If you don’t have much medical writing experience, emphasize any related work, such as scientific writing, editing, or content creation. Use action verbs and quantify achievements wherever possible to make a stronger impact.
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
Recruiters will absolutely be looking you up on LinkedIn. Ensure your profile highlights your writing experience, education, and professional interests. Add relevant keywords like “medical writing,” “scientific editing,” or “healthcare communications” to appear in more searches by recruiters. Don’t forget to ask for endorsements and recommendations to strengthen your profile. Depending on your current employment situation, listing yourself as a “medical writer” or even a “medical communicator” can significantly strengthen your application.
Navigating the interview
Interviews can feel daunting, but preparation is key. Research the company, practice common interview questions, and prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information clearly, and show enthusiasm for the role.
By focusing on these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the job market and land your first medical writing role. Approach the process with confidence, persistence, and a growth mindset, and soon you’ll find yourself on the path to success in the medical writing field.
Explore medical writing today
If this sounds exciting and you’re ready to dive in, I’d love to help you get started through my program, MedWriter Career Launch. Want to see the impact this program makes? Explore real case studies from people who landed roles after completing the program. I work with people who are ready to take action and move forward—when you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to support you.
Free masterclass: How to launch your medical writing career
Want to become a medical writer but not sure where to start? This free masterclass walks you through exactly how to break into the field. Whether you’re a science grad, healthcare professional, or just curious about a career change, this is your first step toward doing meaningful work in health and science—without working in a lab or clinic.
Lindsay Ulrich
Lindsay is the creator and educator behind MedWriter Bootcamp and is passionate about helping aspiring medical writers find work they love.
Content transparency: Some of the content on this blog post has been generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While these tools have aided in drafting certain portions of the content, the overall planning, prompting, editing, and finalization of each post have been guided by the author to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with their expertise and personal experience.
