To become a medical photographer, one must take photography and science classes in high school, pursue a college degree in medical photography, and gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteering. Certification is optional, and potential employers include medical schools, clinics, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, publishers, and research groups.
An individual interested in photography and medical sciences may decide that they want to become a medical photographer, also known as a biomedical photographer. To pursue this career, a student must take photography and science classes in high school to prepare well for college. While studying for his or her degree, a student must take classes focused on medical photography in addition to classes in biology, chemistry, and math. Hands-on experience is essential to becoming a medical photographer as well.
Already in the high school years, some students are torn between a love of photography and an interest in the biological sciences. If a student maintains a full CV filled with both areas of interest, however, he or she may choose to pursue both subjects and become a medical photographer. Specific courses that are useful in the field include photography, fine art, chemistry and biology. Other courses that are helpful include language and communication courses as they help people to clearly articulate their thoughts, both on paper and in speech.
After high school, someone who wants to become a medical photographer must go on to receive a college degree. In most cases, a person attends a two- or four-year college and takes courses that will help him or her specialize in medical photography. Courses may include medical photography, scientific photography, digital photography, and biomedical visual aids. In some cases, a student may attend a school that has a full degree specializing in medical photography.
After graduating from college, students can also choose to pursue certification. To earn certification, students show they have studied the required subject by passing an exam in topics such as light and color theory, optics, motion media, medical terminology, and photochemistry. Many medical photographers specialize in just one small area of medical photography; therefore, an all-inclusive certification is not always required.
A person who wants to become a medical photographer must also have a lot of hands-on experience. This can be achieved by interning or working for an established photographer. In some cases, the individual can volunteer their time and take on unpaid assignments from universities or hospitals as well.
When looking for a job, a person who wants to become a medical photographer has a wide range of potential employers. For example, he or she might work at a university medical school, medical clinic or hospital. Additionally, many pharmaceutical companies, publishers, and research groups hire medical photographers. Another option is to work as a freelance photographer, taking on client projects as needed.
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