Thursday, January 10, 2008

MS in Biomedical Writing: The Experience of an Online Student

By Jennifer Withers (Guest blogger)

A degree in medical writing is an efficient way to gain the knowledge needed to become a professional medical writer. In my experience as a student in the Master of Science program in Biomedical Writing at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP), everything I've learned in every course I’ve taken has been directly applicable to my career target. And the fact that the degree can be completed online has made it possible for me to stay where I live, keep my job, and avoid uprooting my family. However, to succeed in the online classroom, those of us who are used to a traditional “brick-and-mortar” setting may need to adjust several aspects of how we learn:

Self-discipline. In the often solitary online learning environment, you may need to be somewhat more self-disciplined and self-motivated than you would in a traditional classroom. You’ll need to do more than just complete the assignments: expect to do some self-directed learning if you want to make the most of your Biomedical Writing courses.

Technology. Online learners need to be comfortable with trying new technology—a characteristic necessary to succeed in medical writing anyway. You can expect USP faculty and staff to choose user-friendly online tools (for example, ANGEL, GoToMeeting, Skype) and answer questions about them, but not to provide formal training in the use of these tools. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the applications, be proactive about making sure you can access the online information for your courses each semester, and seek assistance when necessary.

Time. Although the time requirements for course work in the program at USP are, in my experience, about the same as those in traditional graduate courses, the program has greater schedule flexibility. In courses that have prearranged teleconferences or online meeting times, you may be offered a choice of several times and dates, and you won’t have as many mandatory meeting times as in a traditional course. Some courses have flexible assignment deadlines. And you won’t waste precious hours commuting. On the flip side, the loose schedule makes it easy to fall behind unless you religiously set aside study time each week.

Human contact. USP’s virtual classrooms offer ways to develop relationships with instructors and other students, but it’s up to the student to reach out and take advantage of these opportunities. My instructors have been at least as willing and available as traditional-setting instructors to be contacted by e-mail, by phone, or in person for one-on-one time—and even to provide advice after graduation. Also, some courses in the program offer the choice for local students (and those willing to travel) to attend classes on-site, while remote students attend via teleconference.

You can learn more about the Biomedical Writing program at USP here.

Jennifer Withers is a freelance medical writer and editor in Dallas, Texas. She expects to complete her Biomedical Writing degree in May.

8 comments:

Writer & Editor said...

I am curently considering applying to the program. I've been a medical journalist for 9 years, but to take my career to the next level I think a grad degree is a good idea. Right now I only have a degree in English.

Do you think this degree will make a significant difference in career prospects? I have a young family and I need the flexibility of an online course, and ultimately, a telecommute career.

Thanks!

Jennifer Withers said...

Deeannafc,

I had only a bachelor's degree in liberal arts before starting my biomedical writing degree at USP, and judging from the amount of interest I've gotten from recruiters and potential employers as a result of my affiliation with the program, I do think the degree would make a significant difference in your career prospects. Location is a big factor, too. Most of the job leads I've gotten so far have been from companies around Philadelphia, so if you aren't in that area, your willingness to telecommute will help you. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions about the program, and good luck!

Jennifer Withers (jwithers@mail.usp.edu)

Anonymous said...

hI Jenny, I am student at USP currently and am graduating with a BS in Health Science in May 09. I don't have the greatest gpa and am trying to bring it up but I just discovered this field of Biomedical writing at USP and am very interested in it. I don't have any experience in biomedical writing but I am very much interested in the field. Do you think I would be eligible for the MS program or even the certificate prgm. U can also email back at jvarughese718@mail.usp.edu
Thanks Jeena

Anonymous said...

hi jenny i am masters in life science and i am interested to make a career in medical writting.i have no idea how to do that and i want to do online certificate course from philadelphia university.would you guide me about this and what is eligibility for certificate programme and what is duration for this course.

Writing a Research Paper said...

Many institutions limit access to their online information. Making this information available will be an asset to all.

Unknown said...

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