Medical Illustrator
Medical illustrators draw parts of the body, organism, surgical procedures, and other medical or biological models for textbooks and exhibits. Medical illustrators also prepare artwork for publications, animation and multimedia such as CD-ROM programs, sculpt models of organs and draw illustrations to represent research. Their work must be precise and accurate.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Medical illustrators may work at medical schools, veterinary and dental schools and hospitals. They may also work on a free-lance basis (independent) for doctors, drug companies, publishers, advertising agencies and lawyers.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended; Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; Three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language. Some training in computer graphics is also helpful.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Medical illustrators are required to have specialized training in art and biology. Many prepare in college with a major in art and a minor emphasis in the sciences, including course work in anatomy. Most training programs offer a master's degree and should be accredited by the American Medical Association. They cover all areas of medical illustration, design and production, with a strong emphasis on computer assisted graphics and design

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
$25,000 - $30,000