How to Become a Health Writer [in 2024]

Healthcare communication is a rapidly growing field, with a considerable demand for experienced writers. Whether you’re a nurse, physician, medical researcher, or a writer with an interest in health topics, you can leverage your expertise and knowledge to become a successful health writer.

Health writers play a vital role in the healthcare industry. In this article, we’ll guide you through what a health writer does, how to get started, how to build your portfolio, how to find work, and how to improve your skills as a writer.

What is Health Writing?

Health writing is the practice of communicating health and wellness information to a general audience or health professionals through printed or digital content.

This can include becoming a medical writer, creating peer-reviewed articles, writing blog posts, creating social media content, writing educational materials for healthcare organizations, becoming a medical journal editor, and writing grant proposals for new research.

Health writers generally focus on content that’s less science-heavy. For example, health writers don’t deal with clinical trials or clinical trial protocols like regulatory-focused medical writers often do.

With health and medical advancements being made daily and constantly changing, writers are important for accurately communicating the new advancements, research, devices, products, and medications to professionals and the general public.

What Does a Health Writer Do?

Health writing is a broad term that encompasses all types of writing related to healthcare communication. It includes everything from medical editing, medical writing, writing blog posts, articles, and newsletters, to social media posts, press releases, and marketing materials.

Health writers create content that is informative, evidence-based, and accessible to a general audience. They translate complex medical information into an easy-to-understand language known as “layman’s terms”, ensuring that the public receives accurate and trustworthy health-related information.

Getting Started as a Health Writer

To become a health writer, it helps to have a solid foundation in healthcare. This means gaining knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, health conditions, and the healthcare system. It’s also a good idea to research medical communication topics so you know more about the field.

Where to start: gaining knowledge in healthcare

Starting your journey as a health writer begins with building a strong knowledge base in healthcare. This can be achieved through various routes.

If you’re new to the field, consider taking relevant courses or pursuing a degree in health sciences, or journalism with a focus on health, or public health.

For more practical insights, volunteering or interning at healthcare organizations can provide firsthand experience of the healthcare environment. Regularly reading medical journals, health blogs, research papers, and books written by health professionals can also deepen your understanding.

Importance of having a strong foundation in science

A solid foundation in science is crucial to understanding complex medical topics. Consider taking courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. These will give you knowledge about the human body and will help you decipher and understand complex medical concepts and language.

Courses and training programs for health writers

As a health writer, it’s essential to continually hone your skills and expand your knowledge. Courses and training programs can be a fantastic way to do this.

For example, the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) offers a variety of educational programs, including webinars, online courses, and workshops.

Universities and colleges may also offer relevant courses in health communication, medical journalism, or scientific writing.

Online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy have courses on health and wellness writing too.

It can be beneficial to take courses in specific health topics you’re interested in, such as nutrition, mental health, or epidemiology. These educational opportunities not only enhance your writing skills but also deepen your understanding of health topics, making your work more accurate, engaging, and impactful.

Building Your Health Writing Portfolio

Having a portfolio is essential to showcasing your writing skills and experience. Be sure to have a solid foundation in the principles of writing. You can write articles for local healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers. Ensure that your writing is well-researched and accurate. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to creating a portfolio.

How to start building a portfolio even without professional experience

Starting to build a portfolio as a health writer without professional experience might seem challenging, but it’s entirely doable! Begin by creating samples of your work. You could write about recent health news, create a detailed article on a specific health topic, or even break down complex medical studies into layman’s terms.

Starting a blog is another excellent way to showcase your writing skills and knowledge. It allows you to explore various health topics and helps establish an online presence.

Consider contributing to health-related websites, or local newspapers as a guest writer – while these opportunities may not always be paid, they can add valuable pieces to your portfolio.

Volunteering to write for a non-profit organization in the health sector, a newsletter for a healthcare organization, or public-facing content for a pharmaceutical company could also provide practical experience.

Remember, the aim is to demonstrate your ability to write well-researched, informative, and engaging health content, so focus on quality over quantity.

Tips for creating compelling health content

Creating compelling health content as a writer requires a blend of research skills, empathy, and a clear understanding of your audience. Start by thoroughly researching your topic using reliable sources like academic journals, government health agencies, or reputable health news websites.

Always ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date. Knowing your audience is crucial – use language that is appropriate for their level of understanding and cater to their interests and concerns. Remember, health topics can be complex and sensitive, so it’s vital to present information in a clear, concise manner, avoiding jargon whenever possible.

Use storytelling techniques to make your writing more engaging and relatable. Including real-life examples or case studies can help bring abstract concepts to life.

Finding freelance health writing jobs to build experience

Finding freelance health writing jobs can be an excellent way to build experience and establish your career. Start by identifying online job boards and websites that focus on freelance writing gigs. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and ProBlogger often have postings for health writing and medical writing jobs.

Joining professional networks such as LinkedIn can also open up opportunities. Make sure your profile highlights your skills and interests in health writing.

Don’t shy away from pitching directly to health magazines, blogs, or websites that you admire – they might not have a job posted but could be open to freelance contributions.

Consider joining professional organizations like AMWA, which can offer job listings, networking opportunities, and valuable resources for health and medical writing.

Finding Work as a Health Writer

Finding health writer jobs can be a rewarding journey that combines your passion for writing and healthcare. There are numerous avenues to explore.

Websites like Indeed, Journalism Jobs, Media Bistro, Freelance Job Openings, and Contena often post health writing jobs. Make sure to use appropriate search terms like “health writer” or “medical writer” to get the most relevant results.

Networking is also crucial – join online communities, forums, and social media platforms where you can discuss medical writing and connect with potential employers or clients. Consider starting as a freelance health or medical writer, which can offer flexibility and diverse writing opportunities in the medical industry. Ultimately, decide what type of schedule and environment will work best for your situation.

How to pitch to health publications

Pitching to health publications as a health writer can be an exciting prospect, but it requires careful planning and a strategic approach.

Start by thoroughly researching the publication you’re targeting. Understand their content style, audience, and the topics they typically cover. This will help you tailor your pitch to their needs.

Your pitch should be concise and engaging, and clearly outline what your article will cover and why it’s relevant to their readers.

Make sure to include a catchy headline and a brief outline of your proposed piece. Indicate any unique sources or interviews you plan to include. Personalize your pitch by addressing the editor by their name if possible, and explain why you’re uniquely qualified to write the piece.

Remember, follow-up is key. If you don’t hear back after a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Don’t get discouraged by rejections – they’re part of the process and every ‘no’ brings you one step closer to a ‘yes’.

Networking in the healthcare industry

Networking is another important aspect of finding work as a health writer. Attend conferences, seminars, and events related to healthcare communication and connect with industry professionals.

As a health writer, networking in the healthcare industry is paramount to staying informed and connected.

It opens avenues for collaboration with industry professionals like doctors, researchers, and healthcare administrators, who can provide valuable insights and expert perspectives that enhance the accuracy and depth of your writing.

Networking also allows you to stay updated on the latest medical research, treatment breakthroughs, and policy changes, which are essential for producing relevant and timely content. Moreover, it can lead to opportunities such as guest blogging, speaking engagements, and even book deals.

By fostering strong relationships within the healthcare industry, a health writer or medical writer can not only elevate their work but also contribute more effectively to important discussions around health and wellness.

Job boards and websites for health writing jobs

Navigating the job market as a health writer can be a bit overwhelming, but luckily, there are several job boards and websites that can help streamline the process. Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor often list opportunities for health writers, ranging from freelance gigs to full-time positions.

Also, consider subscribing to newsletters of health publications or companies you’re interested in – they often announce job vacancies to their subscribers first. Remember, persistence pays off, so keep searching and applying, and you’re bound to land a health writing job.

Improving Your Skills

Improving your skills will make you more valuable and can expand the types of work that you can take on.

Improving your skills as a health writer requires a combination of continuous learning, practice, and engagement with your audience. Start by staying abreast of the latest medical research and health news.

This not only keeps your knowledge up to date but also provides you with fresh topics to write about. Regularly reading other health-related content can also help you understand the current trends in health writing and learn from the best in the industry.

Practice is key – the more you write, the better you get at crafting compelling, clear, and concise health content. Don’t shy away from seeking feedback on your work. Constructive criticism can help you identify and work on your weak areas.

Finally, engage with your readers. Understand their concerns, answer their queries, and keep their needs and interests at the forefront of your writing. This will ensure your work remains relevant, relatable, and impactful.

Staying updated with the latest health news and research

As a health writer, staying updated with the latest health news and research is crucial. It’s like being a surfer who needs to know when and where the waves are coming.

Subscribing to medical journals, following health-related blogs, and monitoring news outlets can keep you informed about the most recent studies, breakthroughs, and trends in the field.

Attending health conferences or webinars is another great way to learn about cutting-edge research and connect with industry experts.

Remember, your readers count on you to deliver timely and accurate health information, so keeping your finger on the pulse of the health sector is essential.

Continuing education for health writers

Continuing education is a vital part of any health writer’s career. It not only enhances your knowledge and skills but also keeps you updated with the latest trends and advances in the healthcare industry. There are several ways to pursue continuing education.

You can take up specialized courses or certifications like the Essential Skills Certificate offered by AMWA. Attending workshops, webinars, and conferences related to health writing can also provide valuable insights and learning opportunities.

Medical journals, online health articles, and research papers can help you stay informed about current health topics. Joining professional associations or online communities for health writers can offer networking opportunities and access to resources for skill development.

Professional organizations and resources

Professional organizations and resources can be invaluable for health writers looking to enhance their skills, network with industry professionals, and stay updated on the latest developments in the field.

Organizations such as the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) offer opportunities for professional development, networking, and access to a wealth of resources like webinars, workshops, and conferences.

Resources like PubMed and MedlinePlus can provide you with reliable, up-to-date medical information for your writing. Subscribing to health-related newsletters and podcasts can also keep you informed about trending topics and new research.

Tools like Grammarly can help you improve your writing by checking for grammar, punctuation, and style errors.

Conclusion

Becoming a health writer is an exciting and rewarding career choice for healthcare professionals and writers who have an interest in health topics. Success as a health writer requires a strong dedication to learning, writing, and networking to build a robust writing presence and portfolio.

By following the steps we’ve discussed in this article, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled and successful health writer in the health and medical community. Keep learning, stay curious, and never stop writing!