No subject given

["M. Hunter-Kilmer" <mhunterk -at- BNA -dot- COM>]

"Cohen, Dan, Sherry, Nathaniel, Brittany" <dcohen -at- ERINET -dot- COM> (okay,
it was really Sherry Cohen) wrote:

>  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.

I'd think you'd be in great shape, but I've never written medical doc,
so I don't know for sure.

>   This leads me to my next question.   The school I attend  only
> offers two year degrees, and there are no reasonable alternatives.

Aren't there any distance-learning alternatives in TW?  I think we've
covered that on this list.  You might want to search the archives.

>   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?

This is a perfect example of why networking is such a good idea.  You
can start with your dept. chair and the STC.  Heck, don't be limited
to them -- network with your kids' teachers, your dentist, your
doctor, your vet, the guys at the pool, whatever.  Expand your circle
until you find employers who see what a wonderful writer and sterling
character you are, and they won't care about your credentials.

When I hired two contract writers, I didn't care what their education
level was.  As it happened, each had a BA, but what I really cared
about was writing ability, prior experience, temperament, curiosity,
work ethic, and stuff like that.  I got a few applicants who didn't
have BAs.  I eliminated them, but not because of education.  This is
holy-war fodder, though, so be prepared for strong opinions on the
other side.

Incidentally, Sherry, my boss's name is Dan Cohen, too!

Melissa Hunter-Kilmer
mhunterk -at- bna -dot- com
(standard disclaimer)