Overview of Medical Illustration and Informatics
Medical illustration and informatics is a field of study focused on the creation of innovative medical images and diagrams for educational, research, and healthcare uses. This field utilizes digital technologies and methods such as software applications, databases, modalities, imaging, web development, and simulations, along with practical art skills, to produce visuals that effectively explain medical concepts and illustrate the workings of the human body.
Career Opportunities Associated with Medical Illustration and Informatics
Career opportunities in the field of Medical Illustration and Informatics include instructional design, medical informatics, graphic design, 3D animation, user interface design, interface programming, video production, medical education, medical legal consulting, medical illustration, web development, instructional design and development, medical management, and much more. The possibilities in the field are endless and can lead to fascinating, rewarding career paths.
Internship and Co-Op Opportunities in the Field of Medical Illustration and Informatics
There are numerous co-op and internship opportunities related to medical illustration and informatics. Students may be able to find internships or co-op opportunities through healthcare organizations, museums, software companies, educational institutions, law firms, and other companies working in the medical field. It is important that students research the co-op or internship opportunities available before deciding to pursue a career in this field.
Specialized Tracks or Concentrations in Medical Illustration and Informatics
There are numerous specialized concentrations within the field of Medical Illustration and Informatics, including but not limited to: medical illustration, instructional design and development, user interface design, 3D animation, web development, medical simulation and programming, game design and medical education.
How Medical Illustration and Informatics Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education?
Medical Illustration and Informatics provides students with a strong foundation in the techniques, practices, software tools, and technologies used in the industry. This coursework gives students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of medical visualization, image manipulation, and digital manipulation techniques. Additionally, this field of study provides students with the skills they need to pursue post-graduate study, such as effective communication, project management, and developing complex visuals for research and medical education.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Medical Illustration and Informatics?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical illustration and informatics is helping to revolutionize the field. AI can be used to automate the designing and actual drawing of visuals, allowing medical illustrators to focus on the creative aspects of the job. In addition, AI can be used to capture and analyze data from medical scans and images, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the body and medical conditions. AI technologies will also allow medical professionals to more easily identify abnormalities or diseases in medical scans and images.
The Career Outlook for Medical Illustration and Informatics
The field of medical illustration and informatics is in high demand and is steadily increasing. With advances in technology, the field is constantly evolving and adapting to the new applications and opportunities that arise. Professionals in this field are in demand in a variety of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, software design, engineering, and more. This creates a versatile and rewarding career path with endless opportunities.
Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Medical Illustration and Informatics:
- Western Governors University, Salary: $61,154
- Capella University, Salary: $54,355
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Salary: $37,728
- Montana Technological University, Salary: $34,437
For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Medical Illustration and Informatics.

