High School
While in high school, make sure to develop your skills in the two areas you'll need the most: science and art. Classes in anatomy, chemistry, biology, and nutrition are all helpful science topics. Aside from taking illustration and/or photography, check out classes in visual design, if available. Most medical illustrators and photographers use computers in their artwork, so gain familiarity with digital cameras and computer art, design, and layout programs.
Postsecondary Training
Most medical illustrators obtain a bachelor's degree in either art or biology. After college, they are required to complete an advanced degree program in medical illustration accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The programs, which last from two to three years, are offered by four U.S. schools and one Canadian institution. By the mid-2020s, degree programs often had names other than "medical illustration," including biomedical communications, biomedical visualization, and life science visualization.
Programs usually include training in traditional illustration and design techniques, computer illustration, two-dimensional animation, 3-D modeling and Web design, prosthetics, medical computer graphics, instructional design and technology, photography, motion media production, and pharmaceutical advertising. Course work will also include pharmacology, basic sciences including anatomy and physiology, pathology, histology, embryology, microanatomy, neuroanatomy, embryology, and surgical observation and/or participation.
Most medical illustrators are members of the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI). The AMI works with the CAAHEP to establish accreditation and curriculum standards, offer certification in medical illustration, and provide other educational and support services to members and prospective members of this profession.
Medical photographers must finish a bachelor's or associate's degree that emphasizes art and photography. Very few schools offer graduate programs in medical photography. Completing a postsecondary degree in a photography-related field and taking additional course work in science will prepare you for this career.
Other Education or Training
Medical illustrators and photographers need to continue their education and training while pursuing their careers. You must keep up with the latest innovations in design techniques, computer software, photography equipment, and presentation technology, as well as technological advances in the fields for which you provide illustrations and photos. The Association of Medical Illustrators, BioCommunications Association, Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, and the Society of Illustrators provide a variety of continuing education classes, workshops, webinars, and seminars. Contact these organizations for more information.
- Art Directors
- Art Teachers
- Artists
- Camera Operators
- Cartoonists
- Cinematographers and Directors of Photography
- Comic Book Artists
- Digital Designers
- Exhibit Designers
- Fashion Designers
- Fashion Illustrators
- Fashion Photographers
- Fashion Stylists
- Film and Television Directors
- Food Photographers
- Furniture Designers
- Gallery Owners and Directors
- Graphic Designers
- Greeting Card Designers and Writers
- Illustrators
- Interior Designers and Decorators
- Jewelers and Jewelry Repairers
- Makeup Artists
- Motion Graphics Artists
- Multimedia Artists and Animators
- Non-Fungible Token Artists
- Photo Editors
- Photographers
- Photographic Equipment Technicians
- Photographic Laboratory Workers
- Photography Instructors
- Photojournalists
- Production Designers and Art Directors
- Publicity Photographers
- Sports Photographers
- Tattoo Artists
- Video Game Art Directors
- Visual Interaction Designers