As technology and innovations hubs grow across the country, so does the need for skilled technical writers. More so, the ability to provide clear explanations about complex subjects is one of the most in-demand skill sets a communications professional can have today. This 100% online course will help you master technical writing and build a robust portfolio that showcases this highly marketable skill.
Some technical writer positions require a degree, but many writers scan get started in the profession with a certificate. Beyond this, a professional certificate in technical writing proves a writer’s craft and expertise.
To succeed as a technical writer, you will need advanced grammar skills, research methods and practices, a clear and informative writing style and the ability to create various technical documents including reports, memos, white papers, instruction manuals, analyses, executive summaries, and scripts for audio or video.
$35.03
Median Hourly Pay
$71,850
Median Annual Salary
Technical writers help keep our technology-driven economy in motion. They provide clear explanations and precise detail about often-complicated subjects to help consumers understand and use products and services around us. More specifically, technical writers may prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, articles, or white papers and other documentation that explains technical information.
According to the Society for Technical Communication, technical communication is any form of messaging that:
- Provides information about complex or specialized topics
- Facilitates or assists communication that uses technology such as web pages, graphics, or computer files
- Provides instruction about anything, whether the topic is technical or not
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that jobs for technical writers will grow 11% through 2026, which equates to 5,700 additional jobs.
While entry-level technical writers start out around $45,000 per year, the BLS reports that the median annual salary in this profession was $71,850.
Similarly, Payscale estimates $70,616 with the highest paying jobs located in San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. The top earners in this profession take home up to $115,000 and upwards annually.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics
There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course.
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Defining technical writing, the technical communication triangle and the seven principles of effective writing
YOUR ROLE AS A TECHNICAL WRITER
Introduction to ethics and codes of conduct for technical writers
THE COMMUNICATION TRIANGLE
Principles of communication, establishing common ground and the Communication Triangle
TYPES OF TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE
Writing emails, memorandums, and letters; instructional writing and memos; various reporting methods
SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF GOOD WRITING
Techniques in grammar, structure and syntax; mechanical conventions of strong writing
WRITING AS A PROCESS
The stages of writing: pre-writing, outline, rough draft, editing and revision
PREPARATION
Applying the Communication Triangle to the pre-writing process; analyzing the rhetorical situation
RESEARCH
The research process; using primary and secondary data; documentation and plagiarism
ORGANIZATION
Common organization and writing patterns; factors of the thesis and claims
ROUGH DRAFT
Writing the introduction, body and conclusion; voice and tone
REVISING AND EDITING
The revision process and developing a revision statement; editing and self-check
CONCLUSION
Course Conclusion and summary of lessons
FINAL
Final essay writing assignment
Course Objectives
Develop any type of communication used to explain complex technical processes. This includes executive summaries, reports, briefs, press releases, and emails. As long as a piece is designed to help others understand technical information, a technical writer is needed. Our technical writing course will teach you how to:
- Develop effective research methods
- Consider the needs and abilities of the audience
- Know how to incorporate clarity and utility
- Create memos, analyses, and reports
Lynn Atkinson
Lynn Atkinson earned a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 1993 and an M.A. in English with an emphasis in rhetoric in 1996. A published writer and editor, including contributions to college textbooks, she considers her greatest accomplishment educating thousands of students at UTA, DeVry, Tarrant County College, Southeast Career Institute, and Everest College. She has also been nominated for and awarded "Outstanding Teacher" at several of these institutions. Lynn has developed or co-developed several writing curriculums, won writing contests, and conducted over 10,000 hours of tutoring.
Questions?
Contact us here or at (708) 974-5735.
