Medical Illustrator

Medical illustration is art used in medicine. A visual or graphic image is created from a scientific process or procedure. Medical illustrators are highly trained artists who choose medicine as their subject matter. The art created can be very realistic and anatomically correct or a model that represents a concept. Medical illustrators use everything from pencil and paper to the latest in computer software technology to create their art. Their work can be used for instructional purposes as well as research. Medical illustration is technically demanding.

Work Environment
Medical illustrators are employed by medical schools, hospitals, clinics, advertising agencies, publishing companies, and pharmaceutical companies. Some work independently and contract their services to agencies.

Job Outlook
The outlook for this career is good, though the field is small and very competitive.

Length of Training/
Requirements
The majority of medical illustrators in the United States have a master's degree from a program accredited by the Association of Medical Illustrators and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP). Students interested in pursuing medical illustration as a career should take as many science and art classes as possible.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $23,000 - $62,000+.

Educational Programs
Master's Degree
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Professional Associations
Association of Medical Illustrators
1819 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 560
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/350-7900

Biological Photographic Association
1819 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 620
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/351-6300

Health Sciences Communications Association
One Wedgewood Dr., Ste. 28
Jewett City, CT 06351-2428
860/376-5915

Medical Illustrators' Home Page
175 59th Ave. NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703-2429
813/521-1143
Fax: 813/522-5022