Student's Questions

["Cohen, Dan, Sherry, Nathaniel, Brittany" <dcohen -at- ERINET -dot- COM>]

Hi all,
  I have been lurking on the list as part of a school project. I need
some information, and I hope one (or more) of you can answer my
questions.

  I will give you a little background first.  I am attending a Technical
and Community College that gives AS degrees in Technical Writing and
Editing. (TWE) I am specializing (minoring) in Medical Documentation.  I
hope to write documentation explaining how to use your new MRI machine
or Hospital Training Manuals.  Things like that.

  I have been monitoring the "Non Technical, Technical Writer" thread
very closely.  Can I write manuals about medical subjects without being
a doctor or nurse?  I am very interested in the subject, read lots of
medical  journals, understand the terminology, know biology and
chemistry, have an extensive knowledge of pharmacology,  and just
generally love everything to do with the subject.  I also love
research.  Your remarks though,  have me worried about my future
qualifications for employment.

  This leads me to my next question.   The school I attend  only offers
two year degrees, and there are no reasonable alternatives.  The only
college offering a four year degree in Professional Writing close enough
to reach by commuting is a private, Christian college, requiring a
testimonial from some religious person attesting to the applicants faith
and active involvement in a church. That let's me out! I must commute,
because I am a woman, who has two children at home, and a husband that
travels Monday through Friday every week.  No others offer four year
degrees, although some  offer graduate work, but I'd need a BS first.
(Right?).

  Now, I know my program is well thought of in professional circles.
The dept. chair is VERY active with the local STC, but...where is my AS
going to get me?  Every employment add I see wants a BS in some subject.
Am I going to be employable? Or am I wasting my time here?

  I would appreciate hearing from anyone and  everyone who wishes to
advise or comment.

Sherry Cohen
dcohen -at- erinet -dot- com