Freelance Health Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the demand for freelance health writers is at its peak.

With healthcare advancements and growing health awareness, the need for skilled individuals who can articulate, engage, and influence public health discourse has become paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a freelance health writer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect job specification,
• Or simply curious about the realm of health writing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable freelance health writer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Freelance Health Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Freelance Health Writers are responsible for creating content related to health and wellness topics.

They write for various media including websites, magazines, blogs, and more.

Their role requires a strong understanding of health-related topics, excellent research skills, and the ability to present information in a clear and engaging way.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and writing engaging content on a variety of health-related topics
• Verifying accuracy and reliability of information sources
• Ensuring content is written in a manner that is accessible to the target audience
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest health and wellness trends and research
• Working closely with clients to understand their content needs and deliver within stipulated timelines
• Editing and revising content based on feedback
• Adhering to all ethical guidelines and standards in health writing
• Creating content that complies with SEO best practices
• Developing pitches for potential new articles or content opportunities
• Consulting with health professionals when necessary to ensure accuracy of information

 

Freelance Health Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated Freelance Health Writer to generate engaging, insightful, and relevant content on various health topics.

As a Freelance Health Writer, you will research topics and write thought-provoking articles to educate and inform our audience.

Your responsibilities will include understanding the needs of our audience, creating content that offers answers to their health inquiries, and ensuring the scientific accuracy of your information.

Our ideal candidate is someone with excellent research skills, a strong understanding of the health and wellness industry, and a passion for creating content that makes a difference.

 

Responsibilities

• Research and write engaging and informative health articles.
• Translate complex health topics into accessible, relatable, and actionable content.
• Ensure accuracy and credibility of the health content produced.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest health and medical advancements.
• Assist with the creation of the content calendar and adhere to deadlines.
• Proofread, edit, and improve content when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards pertaining to health writing.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a health writer or similar role.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English.
• Ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with a team.
• Strong research and fact-checking skills.
• A degree in Health Science, Journalism, Communications or related field.
• Experience writing for web and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of SEO and industry best practices.
• A strong understanding of the health and wellness industry.

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work on a variety of health topics
• Exposure and networking within the health and wellness industry

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Freelance Health Writer
• Work Environment: Remote work with occasional meetings as required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Content Manager.
• Pay: Based on experience and qualifications. Usually a rate per article or hourly rate.
• Location: Remote
• Employment Type: Freelance/Contractor
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio or samples of your health-related writing to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Freelance Health Writer Do?

Freelance Health Writers are self-employed professionals who create content related to the field of health and wellness.

They can be hired by various clients such as health and wellness websites, magazines, blogs, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.

They research, write, and edit articles, blogs, newsletters, and other forms of written material on topics such as diet, fitness, mental health, disease prevention, medical advancements, and more.

Their job is to take complex medical terms and concepts and translate them into clear, understandable language for the general audience.

They need to ensure the information they provide is accurate, up-to-date, and based on reliable sources or scientific research.

Freelance Health Writers may also be responsible for creating content for marketing and promotional purposes, such as product descriptions, press releases, or social media posts for health-related businesses or products.

They typically work from home or any location of their choice, meeting deadlines set by their clients.

They may also communicate with health professionals, like doctors or nutritionists, for expert insights or interviews.

In addition to writing, their job might involve proofreading and editing content, fact-checking information, and staying current with trends and advancements in the healthcare industry.

 

Freelance Health Writer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Freelance Health Writer should have the skills and qualifications that align with this job role, including:

• Strong research skills to gather information from reliable sources about complex health topics and present it in an easily understandable way.
• Excellent writing skills to produce engaging, informative, and accurate articles on a variety of health topics.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines and manage time effectively, often juggling multiple assignments at once.
• Exceptional communication skills to understand the needs of various clients and to convey complex health information in a clear, concise manner.
• Basic understanding of medical terms and concepts, including anatomy, physiology, and health-related research studies.
• Detail-oriented approach to fact-checking and proofreading, ensuring that all information provided is correct and up-to-date.
• SEO knowledge to maximize the online visibility of their content on various search engines.
• Ability to adapt writing style and tone to fit different audiences, ranging from general public to health professionals.
• Professionalism in maintaining client confidentiality and respecting ethical guidelines in health reporting.

 

Freelance Health Writer Experience Requirements

Freelance Health Writers ideally should have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in writing, editing, or journalism.

This experience could be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or contributions to college publications.

A background in health-related topics is highly beneficial and often required.

Writers with a focus on health should have a strong understanding of medical terminology and concepts.

This knowledge can be obtained through coursework in health sciences or a related field, or through professional experience in a healthcare setting.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a portfolio demonstrating a range of health-related topics.

They may have specialized experience in areas such as mental health, nutrition, fitness, or medical research.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have established relationships with health and wellness publications and may have authored or co-authored books or lengthy reports on health topics.

They might have experience managing large-scale writing projects, and are able to mentor less experienced writers.

Continuing education in both health topics and writing trends is important for all Freelance Health Writers, regardless of their level of experience.

 

Freelance Health Writer Education and Training Requirements

Freelance Health Writers typically have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field.

They may also have a degree in a health-related discipline such as biology, public health, or nursing.

In addition to general writing skills, Freelance Health Writers must have a strong understanding of medical terminology and concepts.

This can be gained through formal education or experience working in a healthcare setting.

Some freelance health writers may choose to complete a master’s degree or postgraduate certificate in health communication or medical journalism.

This can provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of the healthcare industry and enhance writing skills in this specialized field.

Although not required, a certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) or similar professional bodies can demonstrate a freelance health writer’s commitment to their craft and provide potential clients with reassurance about their skills and experience.

Practical experience in writing, either through previous employment, internships, or a portfolio of published work, is also important.

This experience can help writers understand the different styles of writing required for various media platforms and audiences.

Continual learning and staying updated with the latest health and medical news, research, and trends is essential for a Freelance Health Writer.

Many participate in webinars, conferences, workshops, and courses to keep their knowledge up-to-date.

 

Freelance Health Writer Salary Expectations

A Freelance Health Writer can expect to earn an average of $58,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary greatly based on experience, the number of projects undertaken, and the depth of subject matter expertise.

Additional factors such as geographical location and the client’s budget can also significantly impact earnings.

 

Freelance Health Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Freelance Health Writer need?

Freelance Health Writers should have excellent writing and research skills, allowing them to explain complex health topics in a way that’s easy to understand.

They should also possess knowledge about health and medicine, be able to maintain accuracy in their writing, and keep updated with the latest health news and research.

Excellent time management skills are also essential for meeting deadlines.

 

Do Freelance Health Writers need a degree?

Freelance Health Writers often have a degree in a health-related field, journalism, or English.

However, a degree isn’t mandatory.

What’s more important is their understanding and knowledge of health and wellness topics, as well as their ability to write well.

Certification courses in health writing can also be helpful.

 

What should you look for in a Freelance Health Writer’s portfolio?

Look for samples that demonstrate the writer’s ability to explain complex health topics in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.

The portfolio should include a variety of work, such as articles, blog posts, and reports, showcasing the writer’s versatility.

Also, consider the writer’s experience in writing for different platforms and audiences.

 

What qualities make a good Freelance Health Writer?

A good Freelance Health Writer is passionate about health and wellness and is able to translate that passion into their writing.

They should be curious, always looking to learn about the latest research and health trends.

Good Freelance Health Writers are also reliable, meeting deadlines and delivering quality work consistently.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Freelance Health Writer?

Finding a good Freelance Health Writer can be challenging, as it requires someone with a unique combination of health knowledge and writing skills.

You’ll also want to find someone who understands your specific audience and can write in a tone and style that resonates with them.

However, with a clear job description and a thorough evaluation of applicants’ portfolios, you can find the right fit for your needs.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled what it truly means to be a freelance health writer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about writing articles.

It’s about shaping the health narrative, one carefully crafted article at a time.

With our go-to freelance health writer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all prepared to embark on your career.

But why end here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating accurate job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every article you write contributes to a healthier world.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.

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