Entry Level Medical Writer Jobs: Kickstart Your Career in Medical Writing
Introduction
The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are rapidly expanding, and alongside that growth comes an increasing demand for skilled communicators to simplify complex medical concepts. If you’ve considered combining your love of writing and science, entry level medical writer jobs are the perfect opportunity to get started in this dynamic field.
Whether you’re passionate about educating patients, creating technical documents, or supporting healthcare professionals, medical writing offers a fulfilling career filled with growth potential. Even with no prior experience, entry-level opportunities can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
If you’re wondering how to land your first role, this article will guide you through medical writing jobs at entry level, the skills needed, and how to start building a career from scratch.
What Are Entry Level Medical Writer Jobs?
Understanding Entry Level Medical Writer Jobs
An entry level medical writer primarily assists experienced writers and teams with producing scientifically accurate, clear, and engaging content designed for both professional and public audiences. These positions exist across sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and communications agencies.
Common Tasks for Entry-Level Medical Writers
Here’s what you can expect when starting out in this role:
- Researching and Summarizing Studies:
You’ll gather data from journals, clinical trials, or published research to create digestible overviews. - Writing Patient Education Materials:
Simplify medical jargon to help patients understand health conditions or treatment plans. - Assisting with Regulatory Documents:
Provide support for documentation such as clinical trial protocols or compliance submissions for new drugs.
The responsibilities of entry-level writers focus on tasks that hone technical skills and expose them to industry standards, laying a solid foundation for career growth.
Why Pursue a Career in Medical Writing?
Benefits of Starting as an Entry Level Medical Writer
1. High Demand
There’s a growing need for medical communicators who can bridge the gap between researchers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. With a rising focus on wellness and global healthcare advancements, opportunities for medical writers are expanding rapidly.
2. Diverse Career Paths
Your starting point may be as a junior writer, but medical writing exposes you to multiple specialties such as regulatory roles, medical content creation, or technical writing. With time, you can transition into niches like pharmaceutical writing or editorial leadership.
3. Competitive Pay
While roles are entry-level, the salary range for entry level medical writer opportunities is still impressive compared to other starting roles in communication or journalism. Even beginners can earn well above average salaries due to the technical and specialized nature of the work.
See how a Degree in Healthcare Writing can help you secure your first role.
Essential Skills for Entry Level Medical Writers
What Does It Take to Succeed?
1. Writing Skills
A strong ability to write clearly and concisely is essential. Medical writers must translate complex medical terminology into simplified and engaging formats for their intended audiences.
2. Research Proficiency
Medical writing requires digging into credible sources like PubMed or professional journals to extract accurate information. Attention to source credibility is crucial.
3. Attention to Detail
From ensuring medical terms are used correctly to double-checking dosage information, entry-level writers need impeccable focus on accuracy and details.
Bonus Skills:
- Familiarity with Medical Software: Tools like EndNote or Mendeley for citation management can give you an edge.
- Basic SEO Knowledge: For those looking to write for digital platforms, understanding search engine optimization can boost your content’s visibility.
To excel in entry level medical writing jobs, mastering these core competencies will make you a strong candidate in a competitive field.
How to Get Entry Level Medical Writer Jobs
Steps to Land Your First Medical Writing Job
1. Build a Portfolio
To demonstrate your ability, create sample pieces. This could include writing healthcare blog posts, summarizing medical research papers, or crafting patient education materials. Even mock projects can highlight your potential to employers.
2. Take Online Courses
Enhancing your knowledge boosts your resume. Platforms like Coursera or AMWA offer beginner-friendly courses on medical writing basics, covering topics like compliance and technical accuracy.
3. Apply on Job Boards
Leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to find postings. For freelance roles, try Upwork or Fiverr. Target “medical writing jobs entry level” for the best results.
4. Networking
Join organizations like AMWA to connect with established professionals. Attend webinars or conferences to stay visible and informed. LinkedIn is also a great platform for messaging professionals in the medical writing industry.
Persistence and preparation can help you break into professional medical writing—even without prior experience.
Learn how to navigate the early stages of your career with our Complete Guide to Medical Writing.
Top Platforms for Entry Level Medical Writing Opportunities
Where to Look for Jobs
1. General Job Boards:
- Indeed – Search for “entry level medical writer” roles in your area.
- LinkedIn – Use keywords to filter remote or location-based opportunities.
2. Freelance Platforms:
- Upwork: Create a profile targeting healthcare content writing.
- Fiverr: Offer entry-level writing services for healthcare blogs and projects.
3. Specialized Platforms:
- AMWA Job Board: A resource for medical writers, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
- Health Writer Hub: Offers job postings and educational resources dedicated to writers in the healthcare space.
These resources make it easier for newcomers to find entry level opportunities and build their resumes.
Consider branching into Health and Wellness Writing for more diverse opportunities.
Salary Expectations for Entry Level Medical Writers
What Can You Earn?
Entry-Level Salary Ranges:
- Salaried Positions: $45,000–$65,000 annually.
- Freelance Beginners: $20–$40/hour depending on projects and clients.
Factors Affecting Pay:
- Industry: Work in pharmaceuticals or biotech tends to pay higher compared to general healthcare writing.
- Location & Remote Roles: Writers in major cities or freelance positions for international clients may earn more.
Platforms like Payscale or Glassdoor are helpful tools for benchmarking your expected earnings.
Overcoming Challenges as a Beginner in Medical Writing
Common Hurdles and How to Solve Them
1. Lack of Experience:
If you’re new to medical writing, building credibility is often the hardest step.
Solution: Volunteer for nonprofits or write summaries of medical articles to showcase skill.
2. Complex Medical Terminology:
Medical jargon can take time to master.
Solution: Regularly read articles in medical journals like The Lancet or textbooks to improve understanding.
3. Portfolio Gaps:
Not having a solid portfolio can hinder job applications.
Solution: Take on unpaid internships or create mock projects to demonstrate relevant skills.
With extra effort, beginners can turn challenges into learning experiences.
Career Growth for Entry Level Medical Writers
What’s Next After Entry Level?
Potential Career Paths:
- Senior Medical Writer: Work on regulatory documentation with greater responsibilities.
- Regulatory Writer: Specialize in FDA submission packages or clinical project management.
- Medical Content Strategist: Oversee a team of writers creating educational and promotional materials.
The Role of Certifications
Certifications like the ones offered by AMWA can help bolster your resume and open doors to higher-paying roles.
A clear career trajectory ensures that medical writers continue learning and thriving in this rewarding field.
Conclusion
Breaking into the healthcare communication sector is more accessible than you might think. With the growth of remote opportunities and increasing digital content needs, entry level medical writer jobs offer a solid entry point for anyone passionate about combining writing and science.
By building a portfolio, learning core skills, and networking effectively, you can start an exciting career filled with opportunities for growth and specialization.
Start your medical writing career today! Explore job boards, boost your skills with online courses, and join professional communities to take the first step toward a fulfilling future in medical writing.
