Medical Illustrators and Photographers: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview The art and science of medicine is not easy. The human body is very intricate starting from the molecular structure to the cellular structure going to the tissue, organs, systems and the human being as a whole. The processes of our body systems are very numerous and are also complicated. These are being explained with an illustration or a photograph for easier understanding of the concepts. Medical illustrators are the ones who use graphics, drawings or sketches to enable an easier understanding of the concepts in medicine. They provide simple and complex illustration of that biological and anatomical structures as well as the processes involved in the functioning of the human body. Also and equally important are the medical and surgical procedures and techniques illustrated in every chapter of the textbooks. On the other hand, medical photographers are the ones who take photographs for the purpose of communicating relevant and complex medical and scientific information for the use of textbooks, medical journals and other teaching and learning materials.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
If you wish to establish a career in this field, take as may courses in anatomy, chemistry, biology and other sciences as early as high school. Trainings in photography and computer will also increase the degree of foundation needed in fulfilling the duties involved in the future job. The post secondary courses that are recommended include courses in arts or in biological sciences. After acquiring a bachelor's degree, an advanced degree program in medical illustration can be taken for additional credentials.
Skills and Abilities
The skills that are needed are artistic skills and technical skills in using computer and the different programs in creating graphic arts and cameras. Being keen to details is also a requirement and an interest in science specifically medicine will enable a better working relationship with the medical professionals and scientists.
Duties
As medical illustrators and photographers, they work in a specialized area of technical illustration. They are solely tasked to create representations of human anatomy and physiology (body function) and other pertinent biological information by way of drawings and sketches as well as photos.Their outputs are usually found in medical textbooks, teaching tools, journals and magazine as well as in online texts. They work closely and hand in hand with the scientists, physicians, surgeons and biologists to accomplish an intellectual project. Much of the work is done through graphics in the computer and photos through high technology cameras, although traditional drawings and drafting techniques are still needed.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The earnings of a medical illustrator and photographer are dependent on the following factors: the location, the employer, the professional work experiences obtained and whether he is working on a freelance basis or on an employed full time position. The range of salary starts off from 35,000 U.S. dollars to 75,000 U.S. dollars per annum. Others can earn around and over 200,000 U.S. dollars yearly depending on the project to be done and the established rate of the professional per project.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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