Medical illustrator
Medical illustrators produce photographs, videos and graphical images for use in healthcare treatment and training.
Also known as: Clinical photographer, medical videographer, medical graphic designer, medical artist
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£42,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a medical illustrator, you could:
- record a patient's condition using a digital camera or video
- take photographs to monitor the effectiveness of operations and treatments
- capture 3D, infrared and ultraviolet images using specialist equipment
- produce anatomically correct drawings and illustrations
- work closely with different departments, such as dermatology, dental or ophthalmics
- photograph non-accidental injuries in forensic photography
- provide bereavement photography services for grieving families
- maintain accurate work records
- create resources for teaching and research purposes
- produce images and artwork for printed and online publicity materials
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a photographic studio.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a medical illustrator
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
University
To work in any branch of medical illustration, you normally 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 take a postgraduate qualification to specialise in:
- 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
Work
You can apply to do a postgraduate qualification in medical illustration and art if you're already working in healthcare and you have a relevant degree.
You might also start off as a medical photography assistant. You'll usually need a qualification in photography, which is equivalent to A level standard or higher, and be skilled in using image processing and editing software.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior or lead medical illustrator, or move into management. With further study, you could work in research or teaching.
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.
Registration
- you could register with the Academy for Healthcare Science to demonstrate your professional skills and competence
Guides for this industry
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