Medical
photographers, also known as biomedical photographers, are those rare
individuals who have both a demonstrated artistic ability and a detailed
knowledge of scientific processes. They use their skills and abilities to
document scientific information that relates to biology, chemistry,
medicine, and other health-related subjects. These photographic
representations of medical and biological subjects are sometimes used in
textbooks, pamphlets, exhibits, instructional films, civil/criminal legal
procedures, and teaching models. They may also document surgical
procedures, record a patient's medical progress over a period of time, or
photograph an autopsy. A major function of the medical photographer is to
assist in education and research. They make prints of charts and graphs,
digitize images, use photomicrography to allow microscopic objects appear
in full detail, and process photographs of many different anatomical areas
in an effort to increase understanding of the human body and the diseases
that affect it. Medical photographers are increasingly using technology to
help them perform their duties. They use the most up-to-date computers and
photographic design software, such as Photo Shop, to clarify a variety of
complicated medical concepts and processes. An individual interested in
this line of work should be detail oriented and also be creative enough to
communicate their ideas visually.
Work Environment:
Medical photographers may be employed in medical schools, hospitals,
research organizations, publishing companies, advertising agencies,
pharmaceutical manufacturers, or health organizations. Many medical
photographers are free-lance artists that contract out for their services,
but some are employed in part-time and full-time positions.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in a career as a medical photographer should take high
school courses in art, biology, chemistry, algebra, photography, drawing
and design, English, history, graphic arts, printing, health
occupations/medical professions education, and computer illustration.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in medical photography must have a high school
diploma or equivalent. Graduation from an associate or bachelor's degree
program, with a great deal of photography experience, is necessary to
become a medical photographer. Certification is offered by the
BioCommunications Association's Board of Registry in order to become a
Registered Biological Photographer (R.B.P.). After all educational
requirements are met, an individual must pass written, practical, and oral
examinations in order to become a R.B.P. Students interested in medical
photography should contact schools for information on admission and course
of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
Medical photography is a relatively small and competitive field.
Employment opportunities for photographers are expected to grow about as
fast as all other professions. There is a projected growth of between 10%
and 25% in this job market through the year 2010. Medical photographers
will continue to be utilized in the educational field. As technology
changes the way we educate our students, photographer will be needed to
produce state-of-the are computer representations of biological processes
in order to help teachers stay on the cutting edge. Anyone who enjoys
science and is an exceptional artist should consider a career in medical
photography.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$36,000
Salary Range
$28,900-$44,700
Professional Organizations:
BioCommunications Association
220 Southwind Lane
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: (919) 245-0906
Web: www.bca.org
Health Sciences Communications Association
One Wedgewood Drive, Suite 28
Jewett City,
CT 06351-2428
Phone: (860) 376-5915
Fax: (860) 376-6621
Web: www.hesca.org
Download our Medical Photographer brochure
here.
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