Are you passionate about health and wellness? Do you have a knack for translating complex medical information into clear, engaging content?

Are you… me? Ha, just kidding!

BUT if these questions ring true, a career in health and medical writing might be the perfect fit for you.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to transition into a new field or someone just starting out, health writing can be extremely rewarding. But where do you begin? How do you become a health and medical writer?

In this post, we’ll explore the first steps to get you well on your way to becoming a health writer, focusing on the training, qualifications, and key decisions that will shape your journey.

Health vs. Medical Writing: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing whether to become a health writer or a medical writer is a crucial first step in your new career.

The terms “health writer” and “medical writer” are often used interchangeably, and both revolve around creating health-related content. However, they cater to different audiences and serve different purposes.

Health Writing

Health writing focuses on creating content for patients, caregivers, and the general public. A health writer might craft blog posts, magazine articles, and patient education materials. The goal is to inform, educate, and inspire positive health behaviours.

Medical Writing

Medical writing is aimed at healthcare professionals, researchers, and regulatory bodies. It involves creating technical content such as research papers, clinical trial reports, and pharmaceutical documentation that must meet strict scientific and regulatory standards.

• If you enjoy making complex information accessible and want to write for a broader audience, health writing might be your calling.

• If you have a background in science or medicine and are comfortable with technical language, medical writing could be a better fit.

Torn? Don’t feel like you have to choose one or the other. Some writers cross over into both, depending on their skills and interests—the choice is yours.

For more information, check out my health vs medical writing blog.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

When it comes to becoming a health or medical writer, there’s no one-size-fits-all educational path.

Writers in this field often come from diverse backgrounds, with two common routes into the industry:

• Healthcare into Health Writing: Many medical writers start their careers as healthcare professionals, researchers, pharmacists, or similar roles. They often hold degrees in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or related fields, and some even have advanced degrees.

• Journalism into Health Writing: Some health writers come from journalism or copywriting backgrounds. They may have degrees in journalism, marketing, or communications, and their expertise is crafting engaging narratives and simplifying complex information.

The truth is, there are no strict educational requirements to become a health and medical writer.

While most employers prefer degree-educated candidates—especially for regulatory medical writing roles that may require advanced degrees—the key to success in this field is often a strong portfolio and excellent communication skills.

If you’re considering freelancing, formal qualifications are even less essential. While having a degree can give you an edge in attracting clients, what truly matters is your ability to deliver clear, accurate, and compelling health content.

Are There Health & Medical Writing Courses?

Specialised courses can be a great option if you want to enter health and medical writing but feel that you lack some skills.

Courses can boost your credibility, whether you’re applying for health writing jobs or attracting freelance clients.

They can also help bridge skill gaps and learn more about the health writing industry before fully committing. This allows you to see if this career path is the right fit for you and your skillset.

There are several types of health and medical writing training you might consider:

Professional Certifications

Courses offered by medical writing associations like EMWA and AMWA are considered professional certifications.

• EMWA’s Professional Development Programme (EPDP) offers certificates through in-person workshops.

• AMWA’s Essential Skills (ES) Certificate Program provides a series of self-study workbooks designed to build your foundational skills.

Health Writer Hub Courses

Another excellent resource is Health Writer Hub, which offers a variety of health writing courses. These come with CPD certificates, although they aren’t official qualifications from industry associations.

I’ve personally completed several of these courses, and they’re fantastic for covering everything from healthcare copywriting to freelancing as a health writer.

University Programs

Some universities offer specialised degrees in medical communications. While these formal qualifications aren’t essential, they could be a good option if you’re planning to pursue this field and haven’t yet completed your higher education.

These all-encompassing courses teach you all about the health communications industry and help develop your writing skills.

Online Learning Platforms

Lastly, non-certificate courses on platforms like Coursera and FutureLearn can help you expand your skills as a health writer.

While they may not add much credibility in terms of certification, they’re great for understanding scientific concepts, improving your health writing, and filling specific knowledge gaps. These courses are generally short, making them a quick way to enhance your expertise.

Freelancing vs. Employment: What’s the Best Fit?

One key decision you’ll need to make is whether to work as a freelance health writer or seek employment with a company.

Freelancing as a Health Writer

I’m an advocate for freelancing—I love the freedom it brings. Other advantages of being a self-employed health writer include:

• Flexibility: You can set your own working hours and schedule, choose the projects and sectors that interest you most, and work with clients you like. You’re also location-independent, meaning you can work from anywhere.

• Diverse Projects: Freelancers often work with various clients—I’ve worked with health clinics, online pharmacies, fitness coaches, medical software providers, and more. This can keep things exciting and help you build a broad portfolio.

• Higher Earning Potential: Depending on your experience and niche, freelancing can offer higher earning potential compared to salaried positions.

However, freelancers often experience fluctuations in workload and income, especially when starting out. You can use tactics to stabilise your freelance income, but it’s not as secure as employment.

You’ll also need to handle your own taxes, marketing, and client management, which can be time-consuming. Plus, working from home can be isolating, especially if you’re used to a busy healthcare environment or bustling office.

Employment as a Health Writer

If working for an employer, you’ll likely have set working hours and may need to follow specific company guidelines. You may also get put on projects you’re not interested in or work for clients you don’t get along with.

However, there are several benefits to working as an employee:

• Steady Income: A regular paycheck provides financial stability and peace of mind from day one. Knowing exactly what you’re taking home each month makes budgeting more easily.

• Employment Benefits: Many full-time positions offer benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. These are unavailable when self-employed.

• Team Collaboration: Working with a team can provide support and endless opportunities for professional development. You’re surrounded by people to learn from and have access to many brains to pick at with all your questions.

If you value stability and enjoy working as part of a team, an employed position might be the best choice. It’s also an excellent choice for newbies who can learn from a whole team of professionals.

However, freelancing could be a more rewarding option if you crave flexibility and have an entrepreneurial spirit. This is especially true if you already have some experience as a health writer and connections in the industry, which will make finding your first clients easier. 

Start Your Journey into Health Writing Today

Becoming a health writer is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to make a real impact—and understanding the landscape is the first step toward success.

By choosing the right niche, gaining relevant qualifications, and deciding whether to freelance or seek employment, you're setting the stage for a thriving health and medical writing career.

But remember, these foundational decisions are just the beginning.

As an experienced health writer, I’m here to help guide you through your journey, whether you're looking for tips on breaking into the industry or need professional health content crafted to perfection.

Contact me today to learn more about how we bring your health writing projects to life!