Non-Credit Certificate Program in Medical Writing and Editing

Medical writing and communications are essential skills that meet the needs of the changing healthcare landscape. UChicago's certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on teaching strong writing, editing, data reporting, and analytic skills. You will benefit from expert instructors within an innovative curriculum that is interactive and flexible, as well as networking opportunities with fellow students and industry leaders. Fine-tune your focus and build core competencies that will increase your expertise and open doors to advance your career.

Fast facts:

Medical writers and editors are able to present an accurate interpretation of data and technical details in an understandable and informative manner to their target audience. By mastering the core principles and best practices of this profession, you will be prepared to excel in diverse settings— ranging from corporate and agency environments to your own freelance services. This rewarding, multi-faceted field is looking for skilled professionals. 

Train with experts in the rewarding field of healthcare communications

UChicago’s Medical Writing certificate covers the fundamentals and best practices of crisp, clear, and sophisticated medical communications. Courses are taught by active industry experts. The comprehensive curriculum ensures training in the industry standard of the AMA Manual of Style. Courses use realworld medical manuscripts and publications to teach you the skills needed to enter the profession and to succeed as a skilled medical communicator.

Choose a Career In Medical Writing

A career in medical writing and editing offers a unique opportunity to combine a passion for science with the art of communication. As a medical writer, you'll play a critical role in translating complex medical research into clear, accessible content that can impact patient care, advance scientific knowledge, and support healthcare innovation. With a growing demand for professionals who can effectively communicate medical information across diverse platforms—from scientific journals to patient education materials—this field provides a dynamic and rewarding career path with significant opportunities for growth and specialization.

Build core competencies and your expertise in a growing field

For those drawn to the fusion of science and communication, our program offers a skill boost to excel in this thriving field. In as little as nine months of part-time study, you can gain the essential skills needed to thrive in medical communications. The program’s interactive curriculum, led by industry experts like Barbara Gastel—the 2024 recipient of the American Medical Writers Association President’s Award—covers technical writing, editing, data reporting, and analysis, while also providing networking opportunities and career support.

Open Doors to Exciting Career Paths

Program completers from the Medical Writing certificate are well-positioned for various roles within the medical and scientific community. This online certificate opens doors to career opportunities such as:

• Medical Writer: Work with pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or healthcare agencies to produce high-quality, regulatory-compliant documents.
• Scientific Writer or Editor: Collaborate with researchers to publish journal articles, white papers, and other scientific literature.
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Focus on the development of regulatory documents required for drug approvals and clinical trials.
• Medical Communications Specialist: Create educational content for healthcare providers, patients, and the public.
• Freelance Medical Writer: Build a flexible, independent career providing medical writing services to a range of clients in the healthcare sector.