Have you ever heard of CME writing? If not, you’re not alone. As Dr. Alexandra Howson puts it, continuing medical education (CME) is a “subterranean field.” Most people—even clinicians—don’t know how these educational programs are created, much less that there’s a niche writing specialty behind them.
But if you’re an academic, clinician, or PhD ready to pivot into freelance work, CME writing could be your next career move. And you don’t need decades of experience to get started.
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In this episode, Dr. Nonterah chats with Dr. Alex Howson, an expert in continuing medical education (CME), what it is, and how to get started with it.
Find all of Dr. Howson’s resources at AlexHowson.com
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What is CME Writing, Anyway?
CME stands for continuing medical education, and it refers to accredited learning activities that help physicians and other healthcare professionals stay current with best practices. These activities often count toward maintaining a license or certification.
As a CME writer, you’re helping build the content behind these programs. That might include needs assessments, patient case studies, or even interactive learning modules. You don’t need to be a scientist to do it—but you do need to know how to write clearly, follow strict compliance standards, and understand how clinicians think and work.
The Misconception: “It’s All Promotional”
One major misconception is that CME writing is the same as medical marketing. It’s not. In fact, accredited CME must be completely free of promotional language. As Dr. Howson explains, there are strict rules in place to ensure educational content is fair, balanced, and independent of pharmaceutical influence.
That said, non-accredited medical education does exist and may still be valuable—but it won’t count toward continuing education credits.
So How Do You Get Started?
Here’s what Dr. Howson recommends if you’re new and curious about CME:
- Inventory Your Skills
Before you dive in, pause and identify the skills you already have. Many academics and clinicians underestimate their value when leaving traditional roles. Tools like a SWOT analysis or the CME Competency Scorecard can help you name and own your strengths. - Learn the Field
CME has its own language, calendar rhythm, and set of players. Spend time learning about the ecosystem—who the education providers are, what kinds of deliverables they create, and who hires freelance writers. (Pro tip: Start with the ACCME list of accredited providers.) - Understand Adult Learning
You don’t need to be an instructional designer, but you do need to write for busy, overwhelmed clinicians. White space, bullet points, and clear language matter. So does understanding how outcomes are measured in continuing education. - Build Relationships
This is a small, close-knit field. Most opportunities come through relationships, not job boards. Use LinkedIn intentionally and engage with thought leaders in the space.
From Academia to CME Writing
Dr. Howson’s journey into CME didn’t follow a traditional path. After working as a trauma nurse and academic, she found herself burned out and uncertain of what came next. She took stock of her skills, found the American Medical Writers Association, and eventually built a thriving freelance business focused on CME content.
Her advice? “Choose your hard. Everything is hard—just choose the version that works for you.” Whether you’re leaving academia, healthcare, or another professional path, freelance CME writing offers meaningful, flexible work that contributes to patient safety and education.
Want to Learn More?
Dr. Howson offers a training program called Write CME Pro, where she helps writers build CME-specific skills, create portfolio samples, and connect with industry experts. Her podcast, Write Medicine, is also a leading resource in the field.