Pharmacists have a problem.

We spend years—six, eight, even ten—earning a doctorate, grinding through rotations, studying complex drug interactions, and mastering clinical guidelines. And yet, we box ourselves into a career that often leaves us overworked, undervalued, and searching for a way out.

What if there was a path that let you use everything you already know—your drug expertise, your ability to break down complex information, your clinical experience—without the stress of retail metrics, hospital demands, or 12-hour shifts? That path exists, and it’s called medical writing.

Most pharmacists hesitate when they hear this. But I’m not a writer. I don’t have a portfolio. What if I make a mistake?

Here’s the truth: If you can explain to a patient why they shouldn’t take their calcium supplement with their thyroid medication, you can be a medical writer. You’ve already spent years interpreting clinical trials, simplifying medical jargon, and documenting patient cases in a clear and structured way. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re simply redirecting your skills into a new format.

I’ve coached pharmacists through this transition, and I keep seeing the same lightbulb moment. One pharmacist I worked with was terrified of getting started. She worried about being wrong. So I told her: Just write something. She put together a comparison chart of weight-loss medications and shared it in our community. The response? People loved it. They thanked her. They asked for more. That’s when she realized—she was already a writer.

There are two ways to make this transition. The fast way and the slow way. The fast way is what most people try: apply to medical writing jobs, tweak the résumé, highlight pharmacy knowledge, and hope for the best. Can it work? Sure. But when you’re up against experienced writers with portfolios, the odds aren’t great.

The slow way—the method I recommend—works better and often leads to faster results. Instead of applying blindly, take these steps.

Step 1: Start Writing—Right Now

The biggest mistake pharmacists make when transitioning into medical writing? Waiting until they feel “ready.” The best way to get started is to start.

Pick topics you already explain every day. Maybe you’re always answering questions about GLP-1 agonists or warfarin interactions. Turn those into LinkedIn posts, short articles, or infographics. Share your knowledge publicly. You’re already educating people on a small scale—why not scale it up?

Step 2: Get Paid While You Build Experience

Once you have a few pieces under your belt, look for ways to get paid while you build experience.

Continuing education (CE) programs offer stipends.

State pharmacy associations need writers for newsletters.

Pharmacy schools need help with publications.

Job boards like Upwork have listings for medical content writers.

Some pharmacists start with freelance projects, writing an article or two on weekends while keeping their full-time job. One pharmacist I worked with built her portfolio this way, writing just one piece a month. Within six months, she had enough work to confidently reduce her pharmacy hours and take on more writing.

Step 3: Network Like a Medical Writer

Medical writing is a small world, and connections can open doors.

Join online groups, connect with other pharmacist-turned-medical-writers, and start conversations. When you reach out, don’t ask for a job—ask about their journey. “I saw you transitioned from pharmacy to medical writing. What was your experience like?” Simple. Effective.

Step 4: Skip the Certifications (Unless You Really Want One)

Here’s the part that surprises most people: you don’t need another certification.

Companies care more about your ability to write clearly than any extra letters after your name. Sure, you can take a course if it helps you feel more confident, but the best way to learn is by doing the work. Writing. Getting feedback. Improving.

Step 5: Find the Right Kind of Writing for You

Most pharmacists who start medical writing begin with patient education materials or medical education content. As they gain experience, they move into regulatory documents, clinical trial protocols, or even grant writing.

The highest-paying roles are in regulatory submissions and clinical study reports, but you don’t have to start there. You can begin with what feels comfortable and build your way up.

Step 6: Apply for Jobs When You’re Ready (Not Desperate)

I know some people reading this are wondering: Can I just apply to a job now?

Technically, yes. But without a portfolio or experience, you’re making it harder for yourself. Imagine you need to hire a plumber. Your entire house is flooding. Who are you calling—the plumber who’s helped fix ten different homes, or the one who just graduated from plumbing school?

This transition doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s possible. I’ve seen pharmacists go from having zero writing experience to landing full-time medical writing jobs in under a year. And the best part? No more exhausting shifts. No more impossible metrics. Just the chance to do meaningful work that actually values your expertise.

Pharmacy doesn’t have to be a dead-end career. There are options. You just have to take the first step.