Clinical photography

Life in clinical photography

Based in a studio within a medical illustration department of a hospital or community setting, you’ll work alongside doctors and nurses, healthcare scientists and other healthcare professionals to provide first-class medical images for use in:

• patient care
• medical education
• research
• specialised techniques - for example in ophthalmic imaging, you'll use fluorescein angiography (which is used to delineate retinal blood vessels) and produce images for planning treatment in craniofacial surgery and surgical audit
• visual records of patients and pathological materials, such as showing the progress of orthodontic surgery and treatment. These provide valuable aids in early diagnosis or for confirming the effective treatment of disease

You’ll ensure quality as well as cost effectiveness. In smaller departments you’ll be responsible for: 

• using basic graphic design skills, such as in the production of audio-visual teaching or lecture material, artwork for scientific posters and patient information
• the design and layout of annual reports and other corporate material

How much can I earn?

You’ll be employed on a national pay and conditions system called Agenda for Change (AfC). 

There are nine pay bands and below are examples of the pay band you’ll be on, depending on your role within clinical photography.

• Healthcare science assistant - B2/3
• Healthcare science associate – B4
• Healthcare science practitioner – B5
• Clinical scientist – B6/7/8a
• Consultant clinical scientist – B8a-d

How about the benefits?

• make a difference
• flexible and part-time working
• high income early in your career
• work anywhere in the world
• excellent pension scheme
• good holiday entitlement
• NHS discounts in shops and restaurants

Must-have skills

• an understanding of anatomy
• technical expertise in photography
• good knowledge of photographic software
• be computer literate
• good written and verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept high levels of responsibility
• an understanding of consent and data protection
• a sympathetic and professional attitude when dealing with patients and their families or careers who may feel especially vulnerable
• team working skills
• creativity

Entry requirements

To qualify as a clinical photographer, you’ll need a degree in photography and a postgraduate certificate in clinical photography.

How to become a photographer in clinical photography

You'll need to complete a postgraduate course in clinical photography

What are my chances of starting a career in clinical photography?

Many clinical photography departments offer work placements and the chance to gain experience and boost your CV.

Where a career in clinical photography will take you

As you gain experience, and with further training, you’ll be able to apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research and teaching.