Medical writing courses can help you learn how to create clinical trial documents, regulatory submissions, and scientific publications. You can build skills in writing clear and concise protocols, understanding statistical analysis, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Many courses introduce tools like reference management software, statistical analysis programs, and content management systems, that support organizing research data and streamlining the writing process.

Stanford University
Skills you'll gain: Grant Writing, Peer Review, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Writing, Scientific Methods, Journals, Editing, Grammar, Research, Proofreading, Healthcare Ethics, Media and Communications
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Medical History Documentation, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Electronic Medical Record System, Medical Records, Endocrinology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Orthopedics, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Neurology, Gynecology, Urology, Hematology, Anatomy, Immunology, Diagnostic Tests, Patient Treatment, Physiology, Communication
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Research Design, Medical Science and Research, Statistical Methods, Descriptive Statistics, Data Literacy, Scientific Methods, Clinical Research, Research, Biostatistics, Data Collection, Sampling (Statistics), Medical Terminology, Correlation Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Board Infinity
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Software Documentation, Technical Communication, Professional Networking, Writing and Editing, Writing, Collaborative Software, Graphic and Visual Design, Portfolio Management, Target Audience, Visual Design, Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Data Ethics, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Multimedia, Content Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

École Polytechnique
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Journals, Scientific Methods, Research, Research Design, Proofreading, Research Methodologies, Editing, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data Management
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Billing and Coding, Denial Management, Patient Registration, Care Management, Revenue Cycle Management, Practice Management, Organizational Change, Change Management, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Performance Review, Data Management, ICD Coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), Medical Terminology, Human Resource Policies, Payment Processing and Collection, Recruitment, Medical Billing, Patient Safety, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Data Analysis
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Pittsburgh
Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Testing, Diagnostic Tests, Medical Terminology, Vital Signs, Clinical Practices, Clinical Experience, Patient Communication, Hospital Medicine, Patient Safety, Medication Administration, Intravenous Therapy, Anatomy, English Language
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Pathology, Medical Records, Physiology, Cell Biology, Biology, Vital Signs, Nutrition and Diet
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Revenue Cycle Management, Healthcare Ethics, Medical Billing, Medical Billing and Coding, Conflict Management, Patient Communication, Anatomy, Pathology, Medical Coding, Cultural Responsiveness, Patient-centered Care, Electronic Medical Record, Professionalism, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Professional Development, Medical Records, Physiology, Payment Processing
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Concision, Grant Writing, Sample Size Determination, Grant Applications, Proposal Writing, Biostatistics, Writing, Clinical Research Ethics, Editing, Statistical Analysis, Healthcare Ethics, Data Analysis, Clinical Research, Statistical Methods, Statistical Reporting, Medical Science and Research, Research Design, Literacy, Planning, Science and Research
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Medical Privacy, Medical Records, Healthcare Ethics, Medical Office Procedures, Conflict Management, Health Information Management, Patient Communication, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Electronic Medical Record, Cultural Responsiveness, Patient Registration, Medical History Documentation, Care Coordination, Patient-centered Care, Professionalism, Professional Development, Verbal Communication Skills, Time Management, Emotional Intelligence, Teamwork
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Presentations, Peer Review, Infographics, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Business Correspondence, Public Speaking, Business Communication, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Verbal Communication Skills, Design, Visual Design, Storytelling, Writing, Organizational Skills, Project Design, Data Presentation, Concision, Microsoft PowerPoint
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Medical writing is a specialized field that involves creating documents related to healthcare and medical research. This includes writing clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, and educational materials for healthcare professionals and patients. The importance of medical writing lies in its role in communicating complex medical information clearly and accurately. Effective medical writing ensures that research findings are accessible and understandable, which is crucial for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.
A career in medical writing can lead to various job opportunities, including positions such as medical writer, regulatory writer, clinical research associate, and medical communications specialist. These roles are often found in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, and contract research organizations. Additionally, medical writers may work as freelancers or consultants, providing their expertise to multiple clients in the healthcare sector.
To succeed in medical writing, you need a blend of technical and soft skills. Key skills include a strong understanding of medical terminology, proficiency in writing and editing, and the ability to interpret and summarize complex scientific data. Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences are also essential. Additionally, skills in project management and attention to detail can enhance your effectiveness in this field.
There are several online courses that can help you develop your medical writing skills. Look for programs that cover topics such as clinical research, regulatory writing, and scientific communication. Some notable options include the Grant Writing for Health Researchers Specialization and the Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation Specialization. These courses provide valuable insights and practical skills for aspiring medical writers.
Yes. You can start learning medical writing on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in medical writing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn medical writing, start by enrolling in relevant online courses that focus on writing skills, medical terminology, and regulatory guidelines. Practice writing different types of medical documents, such as clinical study reports and patient education materials. Joining professional organizations or forums can also provide networking opportunities and resources. Additionally, seeking feedback from experienced medical writers can help you refine your skills and gain insights into industry standards.
Medical writing courses typically cover a range of topics, including the fundamentals of clinical research, regulatory requirements, writing styles for different audiences, and the ethical considerations in medical writing. You may also learn about specific document types, such as protocols, informed consent forms, and manuscripts for publication. Practical exercises and case studies are often included to help you apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
For training and upskilling employees in medical writing, consider courses that focus on both foundational skills and advanced topics. The Clinical Medical Assistant Fundamentals Specialization can provide essential knowledge for those in healthcare settings. Additionally, the Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals Specialization can enhance understanding of medical language, which is crucial for effective writing in this field.