Introduction to Medical Writing and Editing

This course is intended for people who are considering a career in medical communication and is designed to introduce students to the profession of medical writing and editing, including the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and the variety of settings in which medical writers and editors work.  The goal of this course is to provide a foundation for a career in medical communication. To achieve this goal, the course focuses on readings and exercises to strengthen students’ writing skills with practical application.

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

- Describe the various settings within medical writing and editing
​- ​Access educational resources in medical writing and editing
- ​Identify appropriate word usage in medical writing
- Use appropriate style for medical and scientific documents
- Define various levels of editing
- Discuss ethical issues in medical communication

All reading will be scientific or medical in nature. Specific content to be edited will be exercises from the AMA Manual of Style.  Command of the English language and prior knowledge of medical terminology are essential for this course.  This course will benefit students who are seeking entry-level positions in the writing and editing of scientific and medical materials.

Note:  YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE ACCEPTED INTO MEDICAL WRITING PROGRAM TO ENROLL.
Individuals who are interested in the field of medical writing are welcome to enroll in the first course upon completion the prerequisite courses. In order to receive your certificate, you will need to formally apply to the program and complete all of the required coursework with a B-/80% or higher.

Please visit the Medical Writing Certificate page to apply to the certificate program.

Course Number: FPM-40654
Credit: 1.00 unit(s)