Medical Illustrator

Duties and responsibilities: A medical illustrator must be able to translate complex medical and biological information into captivating images. Medical illustrators must be able to use their skills, knowledge and competencies to create image with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. A career as a medical illustrator is a great fir for those who have a genuine interest in illustration, biology, science and medicine. 

Salary: The median salary for a medical illustrator or medical animator is $62,000 and can range up to $100,000. Those in supervisory and creative director positions earn a median of $85,000 and up to $175,000.

Education: The majority of medical illustrators in the profession have a master's degree from an accredited two-year graduate program in medical illustration. There are currently three programs in the United States and one in Canada that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Each program accepts 16 or fewer students each year, so entrance into the schools is very competitive. Course work varies somewhat from program to program, but all include an advanced course in human anatomy with dissection and may include a combination of other bio-medical science courses such as pathology, micro-anatomy, physiology, embryology, and neuroanatomy, along with specialized applied art courses such as surgical illustration. Other classes may include color theory, instructional design, photography, interactive media development, 3-D modeling and web design, along with traditional drawing and computer applications. Most programs require master's thesis or research projects and may have optional courses available in specialty fields such as advanced computer and video graphics, endoscopic illustration, or patient prosthetic.

Reflection: I would not like to be a medical illustrator because it does not fit what I am looking for in a career. The career I choose that fits me is a culinary artist. This job really isn't for me. The reasons it is not for me is because I don’t know how to draw with great detail, it wouldn't be interesting for me, and I would want to enjoy my job and not be bored. Although, I do know someone who might want to follow this career path. Her name is Selene and she is one of my best friends. She is a very good drawer and could defiantly succeed in this job and win lots money.