Medical illustrator

Medical illustrators produce photographs, videos and graphical images for use in healthcare.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your tasks will depend on your specialism. As part of your day-to-day tasks, you may:

  • record a patient's condition using a digital camera or video
  • take photographs to monitor the effectiveness of operations and treatments
  • use specialist equipment and techniques to capture 3D images of structures like the eye, and to record specific procedures
  • work closely with doctors, nurses and patients in hospitals and university medical departments.
  • photograph non-accidental injuries, in forensic photography
  • provide bereavement photography for grieving parents
  • copy evidence from slides and x-rays
  • use software to produce presentations
  • create visual materials for teaching and research purposes
  • produce photography and artwork for publicity materials, annual reports, staff newspapers and websites

Working environment

You could work in a photographic studio or in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to a management role. With further study, you could also move into research or teaching.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Most relevant

  • Art and Design - Medical illustrators create graphical images, artwork, and visual materials for healthcare settings. Strong skills in drawing, composition, colour, and visual communication are essential for producing clear and accurate illustrations of anatomy, medical conditions, and surgical procedures.
  • Design and Technology - Medical illustrators use design processes to plan and produce visual materials for teaching, research, and publicity. Understanding how to take a brief, develop concepts, and create finished products using both physical and digital tools is central to their work.
  • Biology - Medical illustrators need a detailed understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions to accurately depict what they photograph or illustrate. Whether capturing images of a patient's condition or creating diagrams for teaching, knowing how the body works is essential.

Also relevant

  • Computer Science - Medical illustrators work with specialist software to produce 3D images, edit photographs, and create digital illustrations and presentations. Understanding how software and digital systems work helps them use these tools effectively and troubleshoot technical issues.
  • Physics - Medical illustrators use specialist imaging equipment and techniques, including 3D capture and digital photography. Understanding optics, lighting, and how imaging technology works helps them produce high-quality clinical photographs and recordings.
  • Psychology - Medical illustrators work closely with patients in sensitive situations, such as photographing injuries or providing bereavement photography for grieving parents. Understanding human emotions and how to communicate with empathy is important for building trust in these difficult moments.
  • English Language - Medical illustrators write captions, labels, and descriptions for their visual materials, and communicate with doctors, nurses, and researchers about what is needed. Being able to convey complex medical information clearly in writing helps ensure their work is accurate and useful.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role

To get into any of the branches of medical illustration you'll need a degree in a relevant subject like:

  • photography
  • graphic design
  • illustration
  • art and design
  • film or video production

You can apply for a trainee position as a medical illustrator in a healthcare setting once you finish your degree.

As a trainee you could gain a postgraduate qualification in specialisms like:

  • clinical photography
  • graphic design for healthcare
  • medical art

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

You can apply to do a postgraduate qualification if you're already working in healthcare and you have a relevant degree.

Career tips

Medical illustration is a small and specialised field, and there's a lot of competition for vacancies. You'll improve your job prospects if you also have relevant work experience.

Contact your local university hospital or NHS trust's medical photography department to arrange a visit or some work shadowing.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institute of Medical Illustrators for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You'll find more advice on careers and training in medical illustration through the Institute of Medical Illustrators and Health Careers.

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