Medical Illustrators and Photographers

Certification or Licensing

The Association of Medical Illustrators offers the designation certified medical illustrator. To be eligible, applicants must graduate from an accredited program that includes a course in human gross anatomy with hands on dissection or have at least five years' experience and complete the aforementioned gross anatomy course. Applicants must also pass a written examination and have their portfolio reviewed. The certification must be renewed every five years by meeting continuing education requirements.

Upon successfully passing a written exam, a practical exam-image set, and demonstrating competency, a medical photographer can receive certification in total body mapping from the Bio-Communications Association. Applicants must assemble an extensive portfolio of their medical photography to complete the practical portion of the certification process. Additionally, the Professional Photographic Certification Commission offers a certification program for general photographers. Visit https://www.ppa.com/benefits/certification for more information. Licensing is not required in either field.