University of Findlay

What you'll study

This programme blends traditional medical illustration skills with informatics and digital visualisation. Core study areas typically include human anatomy and physiology for visualisers, visual communication principles, medical and scientific illustration techniques, and digital media workflows such as vector and raster illustration, 3D modelling and animation.

• Anatomy & Physiology for Visual Communication — detailed gross and surface anatomy, systems-based approaches to inform visual decisions.
• Medical Illustration Techniques — surgical illustration, microanatomy rendering, clinical diagramming and editorial illustration practices.
• Digital Imaging & 3D Visualisation — modelling, texturing, rigging and animation for biomedical applications; use of industry-standard software.
• Medical Informatics & Health Data — fundamentals of clinical data systems, electronic health records, interoperability basics, and standards such as SNOMED and ICD.
• Data Visualisation & Human–Computer Interaction — visual analytics, dashboard design, patient-facing interfaces and usability testing for clinical contexts.
• Imaging Modalities & Image Processing — overview of radiology, microscopy and 3D imaging techniques and practical image manipulation for illustration purposes.
• Ethics, Communication & Legal Issues — informed consent, patient confidentiality, copyright and publishing ethics in medical illustration.
• Research Project or Capstone — an extended applied project or thesis that applies illustration and informatics methods to a real-world healthcare problem; often undertaken with clinical or industry partners.

Most students follow a mix of studio-based practical modules and coursework in informatics, finishing with a substantial independent project or practicum in a clinical, publishing or industry setting.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as fine art, illustration, graphic design, biomedical sciences, health sciences, or a related discipline. Admissions typically consider the following:

• A strong undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience.
• A portfolio demonstrating drawing ability, visual storytelling and an aptitude for scientific or anatomical subjects; digital work is helpful.
• A personal statement outlining interest in the intersection of medical illustration and informatics and proposed areas of study.
• Academic transcripts and references. Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or complete a short skills task.

Applicants without a formal art background may be asked to complete preparatory modules in drawing and visual fundamentals. International applicants should demonstrate required English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates combine artistic and technical skills sought after in a range of roles across healthcare, education and industry. Typical career paths include:

• Medical illustrator for hospitals, medical schools, publishers and museums.
• 3D biomedical modeller and animator for surgical planning, simulation and patient education.
• Health informatics visualisation specialist creating dashboards, clinical decision-support graphics and patient-facing information tools.
• Instructional designer for health professions education, producing curriculum visuals, e-learning modules and assessment media.
• Clinical communications specialist in medical device companies or biotech firms, translating complex data into regulatory and marketing materials.
• Academic or research roles combining visualisation and informatics in applied projects or teaching.

Students often complete placements or collaborate with local clinical partners during their capstone, building professional networks that support employment in both the creative and health sectors.

Why study at University of Findlay

The University of Findlay is known for small cohort sizes and close faculty mentorship, which benefit practice-based, studio-focused programmes. Students on this programme benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that links art and health sciences, with access to laboratory and imaging resources and opportunities to collaborate with clinical and allied health departments.

• Hands-on, portfolio-driven training with access to digital studios and imaging facilities.
• Interdisciplinary teaching that draws on expertise in anatomy, healthcare and digital media.
• Opportunities for practical placements and applied capstone projects with clinical or industry partners.
• Career support and guidance tailored to roles in medical illustration, biomedical visualisation and health informatics.

This combination of studio practice, informatics training and clinical engagement prepares graduates to produce medically accurate visuals and data-driven communication tools used across healthcare, education and industry.