Public Health Writer

Writing and communicating are core elements in healthcare. They help to build understanding, educate, and prevent disease. Public health writers use their communication skills to create materials that promotes healthy behaviors and informs the public about health issues.

Job Description

Public health writers work for state and local health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and hospitals. They write materials for a variety of audiences, including the general public, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Education and Training

A bachelor’s degree in public health, communications, or a related field is typically required for entry-level positions. Education in fields such as English, technical writing, or journalism are helpful. Many public health writers also hold a master’s degree in public health or a related field.

Entry-level public health writers typically have one to three years of experience in writing and editing. They may also have experience in public health or a related field.

Skills and Knowledge

Public health writers need to have strong writing and editing skills. They also need to be able to understand and interpret public health data and research. Other important skills for public health writers include:

• Ability to write for a variety of audiences
• Knowledge of public health issues
• Understanding of health promotion and disease prevention
• Strong research skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Public health writers often use software such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite, and web content management systems.

Career Growth

Public health writers can advance to positions such as senior writer, editor, or director of communications. They may also move into management positions in public health or related fields.

Transferable Skills

The skills that public health writers develop can be transferred to a variety of other careers, including:

• Technical writing
• Copywriting
• Health education
• Public relations
• Marketing

Day-to-Day

A typical day for a public health writer may include:

• Writing and editing health-related materials
• Researching health topics
• Meeting with clients and stakeholders
• Attending conferences and workshops
• Developing and implementing communication campaigns

Challenges

Public health writers face a number of challenges, including:

• Tight deadlines
• Complex topics
• Sensitive subject matter
• Limited resources
• Competing priorities

Projects

Public health writers may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Health promotion campaigns
• Disease prevention materials
• Patient education materials
• Web content
• Social media campaigns

Personal Growth

Public health writers have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. They can help to improve public health and prevent disease. They can also play a role in shaping public policy and educating the public about health issues.

Personality Traits and Interests

Public health writers are typically:

• Good communicators
• Curious and eager to learn
• Passionate about public health
• Organized and efficient
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a public health writer.

• Start a blog or website about a public health topic.
• Volunteer for a local health organization.
• Conduct research on a public health issue.
• Write and submit articles to public health journals.
• Attend public health conferences and workshops.

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn the skills needed for a career as a public health writer. Online courses can provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Online courses can teach students about:

• Public health principles
• Health communication
• Writing and editing
• Research methods
• Project management

Online courses typically use a variety of learning methods, such as:

• Lecture videos
• Projects
• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Discussions
• Interactive labs

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn the skills needed for a career as a public health writer. However, online courses alone are not enough to prepare for this career. Students should also gain experience in writing and editing, as well as public health.