Do I have to be an RN to be a Medical Writer?

[EquinoxSolstice92]

I've always wanted to become a writer but I took nursing instead. I thought, "why not become a medical writer?" The problem is, I'm only an LVN. I'm going to pursue my RN but for now, I'm working at a long term care facility in order to gain some experience. I'm going to stick with it until I can't take it anymore. Today is my third month working at an LTC facility.

The question is: do I need to finish a Bachelor's Degree in nursing in order to be a medical writer? Do I have to get a Ph.D and/or a Master's Degree? Can't LVNs be a medical writer? I know it's going to take a while but I'm willing to pursue my dream of becoming a writer.

The reason I prefer to be a writer because while I'm book smart, I'm bad at hands on training.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Starting a blog is super easy. Really you don't need any qualifications at all to write and self publish on the Internet and it's a great way to get started writing. I started a blog in December and I enjoy it, PM me if you want more info.

[EquinoxSolstice92]

FWIW, you either get a Bachelor degree in nursing, or an Associate degree in nursing. There is no such thing as an RN degree. You can also become an RN without any degree at all, by going the diploma school route!

What I meant was that yes, I wanted to pursue an Associate's Degree in nursing. I meant I wanted to get my two-year degree. Is that enough to become a medical writer or do I need to get a four-year degree.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

An associates degree in nursing is not an education that is going to open doors to a career as a medical writer.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

What I meant was that yes, I wanted to pursue an Associate's Degree in nursing. I meant I wanted to get my two-year degree. Is that enough to become a medical writer or do I need to get a four-year degree.

Medical Writer is not an occupation that is clearly defined. Nor is it a well-known field, as evidenced by all the questions as to "what is a medical writer?" Therefore no one can answer your ADN vs. BSN question with any certitude.

What is very clear to any of us is that you must have on-the-ground experience (not just textbook learning) in order to write authoritatively on anything medical.