Medical illustrator
Medical illustrators produce photographs, videos and graphical images for use in healthcare.
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
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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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.