Idaho State University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree blends studio-based medical illustration with core informatics and health science subjects. You will study human anatomy and physiology, pathology and medical terminology to build a strong foundation in biomedical content. Art and illustration modules cover observational drawing, visual storytelling, digital imaging, 3D modelling and animation, and specialised techniques for depicting surgical and microscopic structures.

• Biomedical foundations: human anatomy, physiology, histology and clinical terminology.
• Illustration and visualisation: life drawing, technical illustration, medical illustration techniques, digital painting, vector graphics and 3D modelling.
• Informatics and computing: introduction to health informatics, databases for health data, programming fundamentals (commonly Python or similar), data visualisation and standards for medical imaging (DICOM).
• Design and communication: visual rhetoric, interactive multimedia, user-centred design and accessibility for health communication.
• Professional practice: ethics and legal issues in medical imagery, copyright and patient confidentiality, portfolio development and client communication.
• Capstone and practicum: a senior project or practicum placement with a medical facility, research lab or industry partner that integrates illustration and informatics skills.

Courses are typically delivered through studio classes, laboratory sessions, lectures and supervised clinical or industry placements. Assessment methods include practical portfolios, written assignments, project work and presentations.

Entry requirements

Applicants ordinarily need a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admission looks for evidence of strong science literacy and visual arts ability. Typical preparation includes high-school coursework in biology, chemistry or another science, mathematics, and art or design studies.

• Submission of a creative portfolio demonstrating observational drawing and digital work is commonly required for the illustration component.
• Completion of foundational science classes and demonstration of adequate quantitative skills are expected for the informatics elements.
• Successful applicants may be interviewed by programme faculty; prior experience with digital imaging, 3D tools or basic programming is helpful but not always mandatory.
• International applicants must meet university-wide English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles that combine visual communication and health data skills. Typical career paths include medical illustrator for hospitals, publishing and education; visual designer for healthcare technology and medical device companies; clinical or consumer health data visualisation specialist; and roles in medical communications and patient education.

• Medical and scientific illustrator for textbooks, journals, museums and online resources
• Information designer or data visualisation specialist in healthcare organisations
• User-experience (UX) or interface designer for health apps and medical devices
• Clinical informatics technician, health data analyst or documentation specialist
• Further study at postgraduate level in medical illustration, biomedical informatics, public health or related fields

Why study at Idaho State University

Idaho State University offers this programme within a health-focused campus environment where students can work alongside clinicians, researchers and allied health professionals. The university emphasises hands-on learning, providing access to anatomy and imaging labs, digital media studios and clinical placement opportunities with regional hospitals and health systems.

Students benefit from a small-programme atmosphere that supports close mentorship from faculty with combined expertise in biomedical science and visual communication. The curriculum is designed to produce practical, portfolio-ready graduates with experience in both traditional illustration and contemporary informatics tools, preparing them for employment across healthcare, education, publishing and technology sectors.