Medical Technical Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the focus on medical technical writers has never been more critical.

As medical technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can articulate, elaborate, and protect our healthcare information landscape grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a medical technical writer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of medical technical writing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable medical technical writer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Medical Technical Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Technical Writers are professionals who utilize their deep understanding of medical terminologies and procedures, along with their strong writing skills, to create clear and informative documents that can be easily comprehended by both medical professionals and the general public.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and understanding medical concepts and terminologies to accurately create content
• Developing and editing documents related to medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or health and safety procedures
• Writing, editing, and proofreading medical literature, user manuals, and educational materials for healthcare professionals or patients
• Ensuring that all documents are compliant with regulatory standards
• Collaborating with medical professionals to understand and interpret complex medical information
• Translating complex medical information into simplified terms for non-medical professionals or the general public
• Maintaining document version control and archive documentation as per regulatory requirements
• Conducting extensive fact-checking to ensure that all medical information provided is accurate and up-to-date

 

Medical Technical Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a proficient Medical Technical Writer to join our team.

The Medical Technical Writer will be responsible for creating clear, concise and accurate documentation that includes technical materials, instructional guides, and other materials as needed.

This role requires a combination of deep understanding in the medical field and writing skills to translate complex information into user-friendly content.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, revise, and maintain technical documents, including software and systems overviews, guidelines, and instructions
• Work with medical professionals to understand their procedures and translate them into well-structured, easily understood technical content
• Collaborate with technical staff to ensure accuracy of product descriptions
• Create user-friendly guides and documents to explain complex medical concepts and procedures
• Revise documents as new issues arise
• Ensure documentation meets the compliance requirements of regulatory agencies
• Develop diagrams, charts and graphs that increase users’ understanding
• Standardize content across platforms and media

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Technical Writer, Medical Writer or similar role
• Knowledge of medical terminologies and principles
• Familiarity with various documentation tools and methodologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines
• Ability to easily understand and interpret medical information
• Ability to translate complex medical information into layman’s terms
• BSc degree in Medical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Medical Technical Writer
• Work Environment: Office setting with the option for remote work. Some travel may be required for collaboration with medical professionals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Medical Writer or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Medical Technical Writer Do?

Medical Technical Writers are specialized professionals who work within the healthcare industry, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.

Their primary role is to create, edit, and revise various types of technical documents related to healthcare, such as instruction manuals, patient guides, medical research reports, white papers, and regulatory submissions.

They work closely with medical researchers, doctors, engineers, and other subject matter experts to gather and understand complex medical information.

Using this information, they create clear, concise, and accurate documents that are easily understood by their target audience, which may include medical professionals, patients, regulatory bodies, or the general public.

Medical Technical Writers are also responsible for ensuring that their documents comply with all relevant regulations, guidelines, and standards.

They may also be involved in the development and implementation of document templates and style guides.

In addition to their writing duties, Medical Technical Writers may also review and proofread documents created by others, provide feedback and suggestions for improvement, and ensure that all documents are kept up to date with the latest medical research and regulations.

They must stay informed about the latest advancements in medicine and technology to ensure the accuracy and relevance of their documents.

In some cases, they may also be involved in training others on how to create and manage medical documents.

 

Medical Technical Writer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Medical Technical Writer should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong research skills to gather information about medical topics, procedures, or technologies and simplify complex medical information into easy-to-understand language.
• Proficient in medical terminology and able to accurately use it in writing.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills to create clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and multitask within tight schedules.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and consistency of medical information in all documents.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with healthcare professionals, medical researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Proficient in using various technical writing tools and software.
• Knowledge of the ethical and regulatory guidelines related to medical writing.
• Ability to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Relevant degree in a medical or scientific field, and usually a certification or experience in medical writing.

 

Medical Technical Writer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Medical Technical Writers typically require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in a similar role or through internships in relevant fields such as medical research, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare.

This experience often includes creating scientific content, medical literature, or technical reports.

Knowledge of medical terminology and understanding of regulatory guidelines are prerequisites in this role.

Candidates with around 3 years of experience would generally have spent time in similar roles in the healthcare or pharmaceutical sectors, developing their understanding of medical concepts and their technical writing skills.

They would have experience in producing detailed medical documents, following regulatory standards, and adapting to evolving healthcare trends.

Medical Technical Writers with over 5 years of experience are expected to have a strong portfolio of technical documentation created in the medical field.

They would have extensive knowledge of healthcare regulations and proficiency in various documentation tools.

They may also have experience leading projects or coordinating with teams, and are often well-prepared for senior or managerial roles in technical writing.

Continual learning is important in this role due to the ever-evolving nature of medical science.

Therefore, ongoing professional development through industry-specific certifications or advanced degrees is highly beneficial for career progression.

 

Medical Technical Writer Education and Training Requirements

Medical Technical Writers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as English, Communications, or Journalism.

Given the specialized nature of the work, many employers prefer candidates with a background in science or medicine, so a degree in a field such as biology, chemistry, or healthcare can be advantageous.

In addition to this, a Medical Technical Writer should also have a solid understanding of medical terminology and procedures.

This can be obtained through coursework, internships, or on-the-job experience in a healthcare setting.

Technical skills are also crucial for this role.

Medical Technical Writers should be proficient in using word-processing software and other tools used in writing, editing, and document design.

Some positions may require Medical Technical Writers to have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a scientific field, especially those involving complex medical research or pharmaceuticals.

Certifications, while not always necessary, can demonstrate a writer’s competence and dedication to the field.

For instance, a certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) can be a significant advantage.

Continued education is important in this field as it ensures that the Medical Technical Writer remains up-to-date with the latest medical research, regulations, and writing standards.

 

Medical Technical Writer Salary Expectations

A Medical Technical Writer can expect to earn an average salary of $72,850 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary greatly depending on experience, level of education, specialized knowledge, location, and the company for which they work.

 

Medical Technical Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Medical Technical Writer need?

A Medical Technical Writer needs to have superior writing and research skills.

They should have a good understanding of medical and scientific terminologies and concepts.

They must be able to simplify complex information and present it in a clear, understandable manner.

Proficiency in using writing tools and software, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines are also crucial.

 

Do Medical Technical Writers need a degree?

Most Medical Technical Writers need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as English, Communications, Journalism, or Science.

Some roles may require a degree in medicine, biotechnology or a related field.

Some employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or a certification in technical writing.

 

What should you look for in a Medical Technical Writer’s resume?

In a Medical Technical Writer’s resume, look for a strong educational background in a relevant field, and experience in writing, editing, and proofreading medical or scientific documents.

Knowledge of medical and scientific terminologies, proficiency in writing software, and project management skills are also important.

Samples of past work can showcase their writing skills and understanding of the medical field.

 

What qualities make a good Medical Technical Writer?

A good Medical Technical Writer needs to have strong attention to detail and should be able to work independently or as part of a team.

They should be capable of managing multiple projects at once and working under tight deadlines.

Excellent research skills, flexibility, and the ability to grasp and simplify complex scientific information are key qualities as well.

 

Is it difficult to hire Medical Technical Writers?

Hiring Medical Technical Writers can be challenging, as the role requires a unique combination of skills in both science and writing.

In addition to a strong educational background, they need extensive experience and the ability to translate complex medical information into clear, understandable content.

It’s important to offer competitive benefits and opportunities for professional development to attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated what it truly means to be a medical technical writer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about penning down medical jargon.

It’s about shaping healthcare communication, one piece of information at a time.

Armed with our handy medical technical writer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting spot-on job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of written information is a part of the larger healthcare narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.

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