Medical IllustratorBy Kristen Holtan

What do Medical Illustrators do?

They use computer graphics programs to design illustrations for…› scientific journals› instructional videos› Presentations› Exhibits

Draw illustrations of human anatomy and surgical procedures

Continued… Medical Illustrators use a variety of mediums

including…› pen and ink› Watercolor› Plaster› Wax› Plastics› photographic equipment

They are increasingly utilizing computer graphic software packages to create illustrations

Work 40 hours a week

Working Conditions

Wide range of settings Many work for medical schools or large academic

health center Others work in…

› hospitals› Clinics› medical legal firms› publishing companies› research institutions› veterinary schools› medical education companies

Some work by themselves Some work with a team

Education

Many complete a Bachelor’s Degree program in anatomy or instructional design prior to pursuing a graduate degree

A 4-year Bachelor’s Degree combining Art with…› drawing› life drawing› painting › design› color theory› photography and layout is preferred

Followed by a Master’s Degree in Medical Illustration

Method Of Entry

Medical and Scientific Illustrators must have a Master’s Degree in Medical Illustration to be certified by the Association of Medical Illustrators

Many complete a Bachelor’s Degree program in anatomy or instructional design prior to pursuing a graduate degree

Salary Range

$61,000 to $150,000 Number Employed in 2008 was 300

Advancements

Medical Illustrators may become directors or assistant directors of media services units

Some become Freelance Illustrators and may independently contract their services

Desirable Characteristics

The ability to visualize their illustration Create a winning portfolio with your

work Creative Previous drawing and experience

Where Can Schooling Be Attained?

Most Wisconsin colleges, universities, or technical colleges will offer an Art major.

Wisconsin currently does not offer a Master's Degree Program in Medical Illustration› Currently there are 4 accredited graduate

programs in the nation and 1 in Toronto

Why I Chose This Career

I chose to research the position of Medical Illustrator because I have an interest in graphic design and screen printing

Bibliography

http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/87/Medical_Illustrator

http://www.ami.org/medical-illustration/education.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_illustrator