Are you interested in becoming a medical writer? It’s a really good career with lots of rewards – and it’s easy to get into.
Becoming a medical writer is an increasingly popular career choice for people interested in healthcare. Medical scribes are essential for assisting healthcare providers with many tasks.
Below, we discuss everything you need to know before becoming a medical writer.
What is a medical writer?
A medical writer is a specialized job; a trained professional who will work alongside doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers to document patient encounters in real time. You can get part-time jobs as a medical writer or full-time. Writers help document medical histories, physical exams, treatment plans, and other clinical information in electronic health records (EHRs). And everything is electronic now.
It reduces the documentation burden for professionals – writers allow healthcare providers to focus more on patient care and communication.
Job Responsibilities of a Medical Writer
The primary responsibility of a medical scribe is to accurately document patient encounters. Writers transcribe verbal information provided by healthcare providers during patient visits. And sometimes it’s difficult. If you’ve ever tried to follow a patient’s story as he drives 100 miles per hour, you’ll understand how difficult it can be.
Scribes can also help with other administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and preparing medical reports. The role is very varied and there is an opportunity to move between departments to make it more interesting.
In addition to documentation, medical scribes also play a crucial role in facilitating communication between healthcare providers and other members of the healthcare team.
Training and education requirements
You don’t need any formal education requirements to become a medical scribe, just the same ones you need for standard jobs. You must also have a criminal record check carried out.
Still, most employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Completing a medical scribe training program can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the role. These training programs cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, EHR systems and documentation standards. Without training it is not all easy to understand, we can promise you that.
Certification and identification
Certification is not required for medical scribes, but obtaining certification from recognized organizations such as the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) or the American College of Medical Scribe Specialists (ACMSS) increases credibility.
Certification exams typically assess writers’ knowledge of medical terminology, HIPAA regulations, and EHR proficiency. They aren’t easy, but they are good to have. But be careful: the regulations can be complex. Depending on where you train, you should learn about it anyway.
Career prospects and growth opportunities
The demand for medical writers is growing – healthcare pressures and growing patient demands require this. Healthcare workers have countless administrative and writing tasks that can save hours of work. If you’ve worked in healthcare, you know that not all documentation is accurate because professionals simply don’t have the time and make mistakes. Scribes can help.
And healthcare is diverse. Writers can explore different specialties and gain valuable insights into different aspects of patient care. For example, writers in primary care clinics may focus on chronic disease management and preventative care. Those in the emergency room can assist with acute care interventions and trauma cases.
Challenges and rewards of the profession
There are challenges to every role in healthcare – some feel them more than others. And yes, the role of a medical writer can be demanding, but there are countless opportunities for development and growth. You could easily move into other areas of medicine. Writers gain valuable experience working with healthcare providers and learning about medical terminology, procedures and patient care. They have the knowledge to move between different departments.
Despite the challenges, such as fast-paced work environments and the need to maintain accuracy under pressure, writers love their work. If you like high intensity rolling, this is perfect for you. You will definitely be in the middle of it. Many scribes use their experience to pursue further education and training in healthcare. It is excellent to prepare a resume before entering medical school. Or it will make you realize that remote writing is best for you.
Now you know most of what there is to know about becoming a medical writer; you will learn the rest as you fulfill this role.
Becoming a medical writer is an excellent career choice, especially if you would like to work in the medical field. Even if you’re not, it’s a great career with many rewards. With the best training, education and dedication, medical scribes can have rewarding career paths with ample opportunities for advancement. You will definitely learn a lot about medicine.