
Other companies, like Hybrid Medical Animations, develop high-end, 3-D medical and scientific animations and illustrations. There are many companies and organizations, like Lifelearn, that specialize in multimedia learning tools. Jobs available to medical illustrators are diverse and geographically widespread.

Where do medical illustrators work and how much do they make? “Experience at a graduate level also provides you with better knowledge of how to do that research,” she added. Ballance, who obtained a master’s degree in animal science at the University of Manitoba before beginning her training as a medical illustrator. She is now a medical illustrator working for Lifelearn in Guelph, Ontario, a company that produces continuing education and reference programs in interactive multimedia formats for veterinary science.Ī science background “provides you with the scientific understanding necessary to give your projects context, and helps to set a reference point from which to start researching your subjects,” explained Ms. Desmond Ballance is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s Biomedical Communications Program.

Medical illustrators have traditionally done this through illustrations, graphics and diagrams, so learning basic artistic techniques is a requirement of the job.īut medical illustrators are increasingly using new technologies - such as flash programming, web design, layout applications and animation software - to convey their art in multimedia.Īlthough not required, previous science training is a definite asset for a medical illustrator. Medical illustration is about helping people visualize medicine and science in a way that is simple to understand, interactive and interesting.

If not, click here to learn about another science career path. If you’re the type of person who keeps a sketchpad and charcoal pencil stuffed between the lab reports in your carry-on luggage, you might want to consider a career in medical illustration.ĭo you enjoy creative work that lets you interact with a variety of people? Are you an extroverted, detail-oriented person? If so, a career in medical illustration may be just what you’ve been looking for.
