From Novice to Expert: Establishing a Job Level Framework for Medical Writers

Abstract

As part of the AMWA Medical Writing Apprentice Program Framework, the Job Leveling Workstream aims to establish a standardized skill set and competencies for career regulatory medical writers. Based on insight gathered from a survey conducted in September 2023 of 137 medical writing professionals, the workstream proposes 3 broad levels of regulatory medical writers: Level 1 (novice), Level 2 (established), and Level 3 (expert). Each level is defined by the scope and complexity of documents written, the writer’s role in these projects, and their expertise in associated tasks. An approximate number of years needed to achieve proficiency at each level is also proposed. The framework helps to standardize writing levels, aid hiring managers in evaluating applicants, assist medical writing departments in identifying training needs, and ultimately enhance resource usage.