Online technical communication degree prepares graduates for health care communication careers
Arizona State University offers a new online Bachelor of Science in technical communication – medical and health, designed for students interested in health care careers outside of clinical practice. Launched in fall 2025 by the School of Applied Professional Studies in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, the program focuses on preparing students to communicate complex medical and scientific information clearly and responsibly.
Health care systems rely on clear communication. Patients, communities and professionals depend on accurate information to make informed decisions, yet the science behind that information is often complex. Technical communication professionals work to ensure that critical health information is understandable and usable across a range of settings.
“We’re training a new generation of health communicators who go beyond traditional health care roles and change how patients, families and communities understand and act on critical health information,” said Professor Sean Williams, director of the School of Applied Professional Studies.
A degree aligned with workforce demand
The program prepares students for roles in a rapidly evolving sector. Health systems, digital health companies, government agencies and medical device organizations rely on professionals who can interpret research, data and policies, and present them in ways that support informed decision-making.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, labor projections indicate steady growth in communication and health-related occupations, including:
- Web developers and digital designers: projected to grow 7%, with median salaries of about $95,380.
- Editors: median salaries of about $75,260.
- Health information technologists and medical registrars: projected 15% growth, with median pay of about $67,310 per year.
- Certified health education specialists: projected to grow 4.5%, with median salaries near $63,000.
- Medical records specialists: projected 7% growth, with median pay of about $50,250 per year.
- Technical writers: median annual salaries of approximately $91,670.
Curriculum emphasizes applied skills
Coursework combines communication theory, health literacy, information design and medical writing. Students complete hands-on projects designed to reflect workplace needs and develop a professional portfolio. Areas of focus include:
- Creating digital content for health care platforms.
- Developing accessible patient education materials.
- Producing public health campaigns.
- Translating scientific and medical data for non-experts.
- Writing regulatory and compliance documents.
Students also gain experience with industry-standard tools, including design software, content management systems and documentation platforms. By graduation, they produce a professional portfolio and a final document synthesizing their undergraduate experience.
Designed for a range of learners
The degree is intended for strong communicators interested in medicine, public health or health care systems who prefer nonclinical roles. The field requires precision, clarity and attention to detail, along with an interest in supporting public understanding of health information.
The program also serves career changers and professionals working in health-related environments who want to expand their expertise or move into communication-focused roles.
Clear, ethical and accessible communication plays a central role in health care delivery. Graduates of the program pursue positions across health systems, biotechnology firms, regulatory environments and digital health organizations.
“Our graduates use health communication to change how people understand health, access care and experience better outcomes,” Williams said.