Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

This programme blends courses in medical visualisation, clinical imaging and informatics theory with studio-based production and applied research. Core topics typically include human anatomy for visualisation, medical and scientific imaging modalities, 3D modelling and animation for healthcare, interactive visualisation and user-centred design, and foundational health informatics such as electronic health records, clinical data standards and data privacy.

• Anatomy and Physiology for Visualisers: systematic study of human structure with an emphasis on visual interpretation for illustration and animation.
• Medical Imaging Technologies: principles and practical use of modalities such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and microscopy for image acquisition and processing.
• 3D Modelling and Animation: digital sculpting, rigging and animation workflows for accurate biomedical representation and surgical simulation.
• Health Informatics Foundations: clinical data formats, interoperability (including standards like DICOM and HL7), database design and basic scripting for data manipulation.
• Interactive Systems and UX for Healthcare: design and evaluation of web and mobile interfaces, visual analytics dashboards and AR/VR applications for education and clinical use.
• Research Methods and Ethics: research design, statistics, user testing and ethical considerations when working with patient data and clinical content.
• Capstone/Thesis Project: a substantial applied project or research thesis that integrates medical illustration practices with informatics solutions, often developed in collaboration with clinical partners or industry.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as fine art, medical illustration, biomedical or life sciences, computer science, information science, or a closely related field. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a combination of technical and visual skills.

• Academic transcripts: undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Portfolio: a portfolio of visual work is usually required, showing drawing and/or digital visualisation skills, ideally including anatomical or scientific imagery where available.
• Supporting documents: academic references, a personal statement outlining interests and goals in medical illustration and informatics, and a CV.
• Technical preparation: some experience with digital imaging, 3D software or programming is advantageous; bridging coursework may be suggested for applicants from non-technical backgrounds.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose prior education was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles that combine visual communication and health information technologies. Typical career destinations include:

• Medical illustrator or biomedical visualisation specialist for hospitals, medical schools and publishers
• Clinical informatics visualisation developer, creating dashboards and visual analytics for healthcare systems
• Visual content developer for medical device and pharmaceutical companies, producing procedural animation and training materials
• Interactive and XR developer for surgical simulation, patient education and clinical training
• Academic or research roles in health communication, visualisation research labs or interdisciplinary centres
• Freelance scientific illustrator or consultant working with agencies, museums and public health organisations

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT is known for its applied, career-focused approach and strong emphasis on technology-driven art and design. The institution provides access to specialised facilities and labs for imaging, 3D fabrication and immersive media, alongside opportunities to collaborate with clinical partners and industry. Students benefit from interdisciplinary faculty with backgrounds in art, biomedical science and computer science, and from a curriculum that emphasises hands-on projects, portfolio development and real-world problem solving. The programme’s proximity to regional hospitals, research centres and a network of alumni working in medical visualisation supports professional placement and collaborative projects.