Career Benefits

The value of health communications has become clear in the last few years. There is a critical need for skilled writing practitioners who can help the public better understand and access reliable medical information. An aging population and the growth in chronic lifestyle diseases is driving the expansion of medical organizations and the wellness industry—and everyone involved needs professional health communicators. Gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this growing field with a Healthcare Communications certificate from UChicago Professional Education and experience the benefits of continued education at an elite university.

Why work in medical communications

In the dynamic and evolving landscape of healthcare, professionals in medical communications play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between complex medical information and diverse audiences. From conveying breakthroughs in medical research to facilitating effective communication within the healthcare industry, a career in health communications offers a unique and rewarding experience. Here are compelling reasons why individuals may choose to work in this dynamic field:

Drawing on resources and talent from one of the world’s top-ranked universities, our professional development certificate in Healthcare Communications provides exceptional opportunities for those seeking to advance in their medical writing careers while growing their professional network. As industries evolve, so do our certificates. Our instructors continually optimize our curriculum so our students stay current with technology and best practices. There are many additional benefits of pursuing a professional certificate, including:

• Smaller Commitment, Higher Pay: Postbaccalaureate certificates are becoming increasingly desirable for students seeking to boost their skillset quickly. Forbes referenced data from the Institute for College Access and Success revealing the number of people who hold graduate certificates has increased by more than 50 percent since 2005—and expected to grow rapidly during the next few years.
• Advancement Opportunities: In addition to the coursework, our programs offer instructional expertise, networking events, resume reviews, career advising sessions, and an extensive alumni community. If you find a career that you enjoy, deepening your understanding of your field by acquiring professional certificates can grant you the opportunity to advance your skills and fast-track your career.
• Competitive UChicago Edge: Competition in your industry can be fierce, which is why our medical communications courses are designed to boost your skills quickly—in as little as nine months, part-time. You will gain the skills to help you edge out your competition for a new job or promotion.
• Flexible Formats, Competitive Costs: With enrollments accepted throughout the year, and flexible online course formats, the University of Chicago’s Healthcare Communications certificate works around your schedule. Graduates of our certificate programs also have the opportunity to take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship Program.

Don’t miss this professional development opportunity in healthcare writing. UChicago’s flexible, online Healthcare Communications certificate builds your skills and network within this growing field and is stackable with our other medical technical writing certificates. This specialized program was designed for a variety of careers including healthcare professionals; medical writers; public relations and marketing professionals; health educators; healthcare administrators; journalists and media professionals; pharmaceutical and medical device representatives; students and aspiring professionals; and researchers and academics.

These titles cover a range of roles in health communication, from creating content and managing social media to analyzing data and advocating for patients. Depending on the organization and its specific needs, job titles may vary, but these are common positions in the field.

Health communications is a growing industry with many in-demand professional skills requiring special training. UChicago has built stackable medical writing certificate options to provide you with more extensive and accessible education. This unique opportunity offers a comprehensive portfolio of certificates composed of separate, field-recognized segments. This system addresses a demand for professional development with stackable knowledge blocks that meet the educational needs of a diverse segment of learners with varied levels of professional experience. Get started on your medical communications journey at a prestigious university. 

The health communications job market indicated a wage increase of 200 percent over a one-year period from May 2022 to May 2023. This demonstrates an unsaturated space for healthcare professionals interested in upskilling opportunities in medical writing.