Medical Illustration Master of Fine Arts Degree

In RIT’s medical illustration degree you’ll become a highly skilled medical illustrator who can transform complex medical information into visual images that are used in education, research, patient care, public relations, legal cases, and health care marketing.


100%

Outcome Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree


Overview for Medical Illustration MFA

A medical illustrator is a professional artist with advanced education in the biomedical sciences, cutting edge digital media, and the principles of visual communication. RIT’s medical illustration degree is one of only five such programs in North America and the only program in the northeast. It combines training in human anatomy (with illustration students observing complete cadaver dissection in RIT’s Cadaver Lab), immunology, histology (the cellular structure of organs), and pathophysiology (the study of disease) with extensive training in 2D and 3D digital graphics, interactive media, and animation.

What is a Medical Illustrator?

Collaborating with scientists, physicians, and other health care professionals, medical illustrators translate complex scientific information into visual images that support medical education, science research, patient care, advertising, and litigation. Illustration projects are designed for use in print, projection, broadcast media, and distribution via the web and mobile devices.

RIT's Medical Illustration Degree

This is a two-year, graduate-level medical illustration degree where you’ll earn a master of fine arts (MFA). The program emphasizes visual problem solving to determine the best approach to communicate a difficult concept. Students also gain real world experience by collaborating with medical researchers and observing live surgery in operating rooms. The program culminates with the production of a thesis project, which requires extensive background research and an original body of artwork on a complex medical topic.

Becoming a Medical Illustrator

Successful medical illustrators must possess exceptional illustration skills and artistic ability while also having in depth knowledge of the biological sciences in order to fully understand and effectively communicate complex medical information. In the MFA in medical illustration degree, you'll accomplish the following outcomes:

Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge in the biomedical sciences

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of human anatomy, molecular biology, physiology, and related biomedical sciences

Visualize scientific structures, processes, and concepts

  • Visualize and accurately render anatomic, tissue, cellular, and molecular structures
  • Illustrate physiological processes and abstract scientific concepts through visual storytelling

List instructional objectives to communicate biomedical content to a variety of target learners

  • Identify the target learners (audience) for each set of instructional illustrations
  • Describe the level of scientific literacy of each group of target learners
  • Create a set of instructional objectives for each instructional illustration

Solve complex communication problems with appropriate application of verbal and visual content, realism, symbolism, graphic conventions, and motion or interactive media.

  • Select the most appropriate medium for delivery of content to target learners
  • Select appropriate level of realism, symbolism, and graphic conventions for optimal delivery of instructional objectives to target learners

Utilize a variety of media and production techniques in appropriate applications and understand production processes sufficiently to communicate with pre-press companies, art directors, etc.

  • Create artwork in a variety of media
  • Select the appropriate dimensions, color space, resolution, file format, and other criteria for delivery to client
  • Use industry standard terminology when discussing production and output processes

Communicate effectively with clients, subject matter experts, co-workers, supervisors, and vendors in oral and written form

  • Use correct anatomic and medical terminology when discussing scientific content

Demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical conduct

  • Describe HIPAA regulations regarding the use of patient information
  • Follow operating room protocols at affiliated hospitals
  • Describe US and international copyright laws and how they apply to the use of reference materials
  • Describe copyright infringement and the criteria for determining Fair Use

Demonstrate awareness of established business and management practices

  • Describe standard employment practices in the profession  
  • Describe business models and taxation of independent illustrator
  • Describe pricing strategies and calculate prices for illustration projects
  • Create a personal identity package and marketing materials
  • Generate sample contracts, licensing agreements, and invoices

Demonstrate competency in the academic research process through a graduate research project or thesis

  • Conduct background research on a proposed biomedical topic
  • Develop a set of instructional objectives to deliver the topic to a specific group of target learners
  • Create a body of artwork to meet the instructional objectives
  • Exhibit the body of work during one of the thesis shows or at a screening of digital media productions
  • Complete a written thesis paper summarizing the project

Medical Illustrator Jobs

Graduates of RIT's medical illustration degree find employment with hospitals, medical schools, research centers, museums, medical publishers, advertising agencies, web design firms, animation studios, law firms, and a variety of other creative agencies. Since the MFA is considered the terminal degree in the arts, graduates may also teach in academic institutions or in a wide range of computer graphics, scientific illustration, or art programs. Organizations that employ our graduates include:

  • Science magazine (American Association for the Advancement of Science)
  • Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester Medical Center
  • New England Journal of Medicine
  • Roswell Park Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
  • MIT Center for Biomedical Innovation
  • Cell Press (publishers of Cell and other scientific journals)
  • Nucleus Global (medical communications)
  • Custom Learning Designs (pharmaceutical advertising)
  • The Presentation Group (courtroom graphics)
  • Bryan Christie Design (pharmaceutical advertising)
  • Emmi Solutions (web and interactive media)
  • Cleveland Institute of Art (scientific illustration program)
  • Illustrated Verdict (courtroom graphics)
  • National Capital Area Medical Simulation Lab, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (developing virtual surgical simulators)
  • Visible Body/Argosy Medical Publishing (medical publishing and interactive media)
  • Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  • Springer Healthcare Communications (medical publishing)
  • Legal Art Works (courtroom graphics)
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Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

Medical Illustrator Medical Animator
Scientific Illustrator Visual Information Specialist
VR/AR Designer UI/UX Designer

Cooperative Education and Internships

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

In the College of Art and Design experiential learning includes cooperative education and internships, international experiences, multidisciplinary projects, industry partnerships, and more. Participating in these opportunities is not only possible at RIT, but passionately encouraged.

Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in medical illustration.

Featured Work

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Medical Illustration MFA

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Medical Illustration, MFA degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ILLM-601
Human Gross Anatomy
This course provides an in-depth study of the structure of the human body. Emphasis is on understanding the relationships between anatomical structures as well as their form, texture, and color. Dissection of a human cadaver is supplemented with lectures on the structure and function of the major organ systems. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Lab 9, Lecture 3 (Fall).
6
ILLM-602
Anatomic Studies
Through independent research and acquired understanding of human gross anatomy, students create illustrations designed to support medical or graduate level instruction of Human Gross Anatomy. Course requires students to cognitively illustrate their subjects, rather than creating literal interpretations of their observations. Work is intended for full color print media. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Studio 5 (Fall).
3
ILLM-603
3D Modeling of Biomedical Forms
This course introduces strategies to create polygonal models of biomedical subjects. Students will use contemporary research to accurately define structure and suggest function. Instruction will also focus on lighting and "shader" systems that emphasize form and are consistent with tissue characteristics. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Studio 6 (Fall).
3
ILLM-606
3D Animation of Biomedical Forms
This course explores animating biomedical subjects and processes. Students will be asked to research contemporary theory defining their subjects' anatomy and create animations consistent with their findings. Frame by frame animation, blend shapes, non-linear deformers, and rigging systems will be introduced to permit students to choose the most effective method for creating motion and transformation. (Prerequisites: ILLM-603 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
3
ILLM-607
Computer Applications in Medical Illustration
Students will learn to use industry-standard raster and vector illustration software to create images based on independent research of medical topics. Students will also use page layout applications to combine digital images with text and other graphic elements. Coursework emphasizes creation of illustrations to support medical education and publishing. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Lecture 2, Studio 3 (Spring).
3
ILLM-608
Scientific Visualization
Emerging technologies enable scientists to visualize structures that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. For example, molecular visualization software allows us to construct highly accurate molecular models from x-ray crystallography and other structural data. Cryo-EM and confocal microscopy are revealing the previously unknown structure of cellular organelles. Medical imaging systems allow us to reconstruct the human body in three dimensions from actual patient data (CT scans, MRI, etc.). This course explores the use of these technologies to provide references for traditional artwork and to export models for digital rendering and animation. (Prerequisites: ILLM-601 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
3
ILLM-890
Thesis
Students conduct background research and create a body of artwork on a contemporary medical topic. The artwork is exhibited during one of several graduate thesis shows or during a screening of digital animation and interactive works. The thesis culminates with the production of a written thesis paper that documents the process of creating the work. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Thesis (Fall, Spring).
1
MEDS-615
Medical Pathophysiology
This course is designed as a graduate-level course in pathophysiology, the study of disease and its consequences to human health. It covers mechanisms of cell injury, the homeostatic responses of cells and tissues, and the clinical manifestations of disease, concentrating on the disease states that are most frequently encountered in clinical practice, including infection, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The course follows a medical school model by using a clinical case-based approach that promotes active, team-based learning and professional written communication. Students will conduct independent research to create and illustrate a clinical case study. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
MEDS-630
Human Immunology
This graduate course in the Medical Illustration (MFA) program will provide an introduction to the fundamental facts and concepts on immunology to include: innate and adaptive immunity; cells, molecules, tissues and organs of the immune "system"; cell communication and interaction; antibody structure and function; and the application of these concepts to infectious diseases, vaccine design, autoimmune diseases, cancer, transplantation, regulation of the immune response, allergic reactions and immunosuppression. Students will gain an understanding of immunological principles and techniques, and their application to contemporary research, with results from instructor’s research laboratory. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
 
Studio Elective
3
Second Year
ILLM-612
Surgical Illustration
Students observe and sketch live surgical procedures at a local hospital. After further background research, students translate their sketches into finished illustrations that are used in medical training, patient education, and litigation. Demonstrations of sketching and rendering techniques are supplemented with lectures on general surgical principles and common procedures. (Prerequisites: ILLM-601 and ILLM-607 or equivalent courses.) Studio 6 (Fall).
3
ILLM-615
Interactive Media I
This course is an introduction to two dimensional computer illustration, animation, and interactive media as they apply to contemporary methods of instruction in medicine and allied health. Students will research a current topic in health care and develop interactive lessons that match the instructional objectives of their topic. Students will organize these lessons as a web site. (Prerequisites: ILLM-607 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall).
3
ILLM-616
Interactive Media II
This course continues the development of student web sites designed for allied health instruction. Advanced topics in two dimensional computer illustration, animation, and interactive media will be presented. Students will research current topics in health care and continue the development of the interactive lesson begun in the previous class. (Prerequisites: ILLM-615 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
3
ILLM-617
Portfolio and Business Practices
This course helps prepare students to enter the workforce in full-time positions or as freelance illustrators. Students create a traditional portfolio, personal identity package, and marketing materials. The course also introduces important business concepts such as copyright, licensing, pricing, contracts, taxation, and formation of a proper business. (Prerequisites: ILLM-612 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).
3
ILLM-890
Thesis
Students conduct background research and create a body of artwork on a contemporary medical topic. The artwork is exhibited during one of several graduate thesis shows or during a screening of digital animation and interactive works. The thesis culminates with the production of a written thesis paper that documents the process of creating the work. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Thesis (Fall, Spring).
9
MEDS-620
Histology and Histopathology
This graduate course in the Medical Illustration (MFA) program combines lecture and laboratory sessions to introduce students to the microscopic anatomy of both normal and pathologic human tissues and organs, with special emphasis given to the relationships between cellular architecture and normal versus altered physiologic function. Students will created illustrations and annotated digital images, and complete a final project designed to teach the etiology and pathogenesis of a chosen disease state to students at a graduate level. (One year of General Biology with lab) (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall).
4
 
Studio Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours
59

Studio Electives

Course
HCIN-610
Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction
Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a field of study concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them. This course surveys the scope of issues and foundations of the HCI field: cognitive psychology, human factors, interaction styles, user analysis, task analysis, interaction design methods and techniques, and evaluation. This course will focus on the users and their tasks. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
HCIN-620
Information and Interaction Design
Designing meaningful relationships among people and the products they use is both an art and a science. This course will focus on the unique design practice of: representing and organizing information in such a way as to facilitate perception and understanding (information architecture); and, specifying the appropriate mechanisms for accessing and manipulating task information (interaction design). This course will also explore the various design patterns (design solutions to particular problems) that are appropriate for the HCI professional. Students will need prior knowledge of an interface prototyping tool. (Prerequisite: ISTE-200 or equivalent course. Co-requisite: HCIN-610 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
HCIN-660
Fundamentals of Instructional Technology
Instructional Technology encompasses the basic processes for developing and delivering instruction. Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is a well-established methodology for describing knowledge and skills and developing instructional systems to effectively conveying knowledge. This course enables the student to be able to plan, organize, and systematically develop instructional materials. The course uses an ISD model to analyze, design, deliver, and evaluate instruction. Lecture 3 (Fall).
ILLM-618
Eye Ear and Nose Prosthetics
This course provides an introduction to the field of anaplastology, a branch of medicine dealing with the prosthetic replacement or correction of an absent, disfigured, or malformed anatomic structure, usually on the face or limbs. Focusing on maxillofacial prosthetics and ocular prosthetics (artificial eyes), students learn the basic technical skills needed for an internship or apprenticeship in this field. **Fee: There is a $45 fee for this course** (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA students who have successfully completed ILLM-601 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2, Studio 3 (Spring).
ILLM-627
Advanced Digital Technology for Medical Instruction
Students will work with 3D modeling and animation software along with gaming engines to create interactive learning modules for medical and scientific applications that can be experienced through virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality. Studio 6 (Spring).
ILLM-628
Medical and Scientific Animation
Students will work with 2 dimensional, 3 dimensional and editing software in order to develop a complete animation on the topic of their choice. Studio 6 (Fall).
ILLM-689
Special Topics
This course is an upper division course on a topic of special interest that is not part of a formal curriculum. The course design may differ by topic or faculty member but will include prerequisites, contact hours, and examination/assessment procedures. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study. (This course is restricted to ILLM-MFA Major students.) Lec/Lab (Fall, Spring).
ILLM-799
Independent Study
Medical Illustration Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty advisor will propose a course of study. Medical Illustration Independent Study students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 
Any graduate studio course offered in the College of Art and Design

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full‑time Fall February 1 priority deadline, rolling thereafter No
Part‑time Fall Rolling No

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Medical Illustration MFA program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL IELTS PTE Academic
79 6.5 56

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

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Additional Information

Prerequisites

Applicants must have one year of general or introductory biology (for biology majors), and a minimum of three advanced biology courses, such as vertebrate anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, developmental biology, or pathology.

Facilities

  • Cadaver lab with 6 tables
    Cadaver Lab

    Human gross anatomy is taught in the fall (for medical illustration majors) and in the spring (for physician assistant and biomedical sciences majors) with the use of cadaver specimens acquired from the University of Rochester's School of Medicine.  

  • Student sits in lab with models of brain, heart and human skeleton
    Anatomy and Physiology Lab

    Students in Anatomy and Physiology learn the structure and function of the body’s organ systems (digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, etc.).

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