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medical illustrator
Medical illustrators produce photographs and other graphical images for use in the healthcare sector.
The work can vary according to the size of the employer, but will generally involve:
- clinical photography - using digital cameras and video to record patients' conditions
- capturing images for use in monitoring the effectiveness of operations and treatments over a period of time
- using specialist equipment and techniques, for example, to capture 3-D images of structures like the eye, and for recording specific procedures.
Other areas of work include:
- forensic photography (photographing non-accidental injuries)
- bereavement photography for grieving parents (taking photographs of babies they have lost)
- copying evidence from slides and x-rays
- using software to produce presentations
- creating overhead transparencies and other audio-visual materials for teaching and research purposes.
Medical illustrators use graphic design, editing and artistic skills together with knowledge of desktop publishing software to produce materials and resources for lectures and conferences, and artwork for educational posters and leaflets. They may also work on the design and layout of publicity and corporate materials, annual reports, staff newspapers and websites.
There is extensive contact with both health professionals and patients in a range of settings around hospitals and university departments.
Hours and Environment
Medical illustrators work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with the possibility of on-call duties and occasional overtime. Job-sharing and part-time work may be possible.
The work is carried out in clinical settings such as hospital wards, clinics and operating theatres and in photographic studios, laboratories and offices. There may be some travel to different sites within a hospital trust. Much of the time is spent working with computers.
The work can occasionally be unpleasant or upsetting.
Skills and Interests
To be a medical illustrator, you should:
- be interested in photography and other media and have artistic skills
- have an understanding of biology, anatomy and physiology
- have some knowledge of diseases and their treatment
- be able to work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals
- have a sympathetic and sensitive attitude for dealing with vulnerable patients
- have experience of graphic design and desktop publishing software
- have good written and verbal communication skills
- be comfortable with tasks requiring considerable responsibility
- be reasonably fit, as there will be some lifting and carrying of equipment.
Entry
It may be possible to enter the profession without formal qualifications, however, many employers prefer you to have one of the following:
- a BTEC HND (or degree) in a subject such as photography, graphic design, or video, plus a portfolio of images - courses with a technical or scientific base and a strong digital imaging component provide the best preparation for this work; or
- a foundation degree in Medical Illustration - provided by Newcastle-Under-Lyme college, this course will also provide a good introduction to this field of work.
However, please read the 'Note' below.
Entry requirements for a HND or foundation degree usually include four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus at least one A level/H grade. Degree courses require five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/H grades. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
With a BTEC HND or foundation degree, you can seek relevant employment and continue to study whilst working (see Training). Alternatively you can top-up your qualification by doing a one-year full-time BSc in Medical Illustration; this course is offered by Glasgow Caledonian University, in conjunction with the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI), and includes work placements.
Your job prospects will be improved if you have some relevant work experience, as well as an appropriate qualification. Experience may be gained either as part of a course, or by arranging a placement yourself with your local medical photography department.
Note: It is anticipated that during 2006 all practising medical illustrators will:
- be required to join the State Register for Clinical Photographers, monitored by the Health Professions Council (HPC)
- need to hold an approved degree or postgraduate qualification in Medical Illustration in order to be eligible for state registration.
At present, the Committee for the Accreditation of Medical Illustration Practitioners (CAMIP) maintain a voluntary register which is open to former members, and those with a BSc in Medical Illustration. It is expected that individuals already registered with CAMIP, the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) or IMI, will automatically be accepted on to the State Register when this opens.
Training
As a trainee medical illustrator you will usually have three years' on-the-job training with your employer, combined with further academic study, which is available part-time or by distance learning.
If you have a HND, you can work towards either a BSc in Medical Illustration (leading to professional membership of the IMI) or a medical photography qualification awarded by the BIPP. Successfully achieving either qualification will enable you to join the CAMIP voluntary register.
If you already hold a degree in graphic design, graphic art, media studies or photography, and have some relevant experience, it may be possible to do the IMI Post Experience Certificate which entitles you to full membership of the IMI. This is a one year, distance learning course; check the IMI website for details.
For practising medical illustrators, there are postgraduate certificate/diploma and MSc programmes available in medical illustration on a full- or part-time basis with the University of Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff. The IMI also offers a programme of continuing professional development courses.
If you are interested in using traditional artistic media you can follow the Postgraduate Training in Medical Art programme delivered by the Medical Artists' Education Trust.
Opportunities
Around half of all medical illustrators are employed by hospital trusts with the remainder working for university medical schools. Larger departments are usually in universities particularly in London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Oxford, Cardiff and Glasgow. Hospital departments tend to employ fewer staff.
A small number of illustrators work in research establishments and for pharmaceutical companies. There are a few opportunities in the private medical sector, and freelance work may be possible.
Promotion prospects may be limited for those working in small departments, and relocation may be necessary to progress further. Opportunities for specialisation and for promotion tend to be greater in universities. Senior positions will involve more technically complex duties and possibly some managerial responsibility.
Medical artists are rarely employed by medical illustration departments and are usually self-employed, with most of their work being commissioned by medical book publishers and model-makers.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
New entrants can earn between £15,000 and £18,000 a year.
Senior medical illustrators can earn up to around £31,000.
A head of department in a university teaching hospital could earn up to £40,000.
Further information
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
Nottingham
NG1 4JA
2 Amwell End
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9HN
Tel: 01920 464011
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice