Education & CPD

The Institute provides accreditation for courses leading to a professional qualification in medical illustration. Graduates of these courses can apply for professional membership of IMI. The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) also accepts the IMI-accredited qualifications for applications to join the Register of Medical Illustrators.

Application to the AHCS Accredited Register of Medical Illustrators is open to any practising medical illustrator who has one of the IMI-accredited qualifications.

For those who do not have one of these qualifications, but who can demonstrate that they have acquired equivalent knowledge and skills, an application can be made to the Institute of Medical Illustrators for a Certificate of Competence.

The IMI Certificate of Competence is available for those who have been working in medical illustration for many years and can demonstrate that they have gained an equivalent level of knowledge and skills through experience. The IMI Certificate of Competence is accepted as evidence for the purpose of professional membership, and by the AHCS for registration.

Affiliate members who do not hold an IMI accredited qualification, can apply to upgrade to professional membership through the Certificate of Competence route. The IMI membership committee can provide advice and support to members aspiring to achieve professional membership.

All professional medical illustrators should keep themselves up to date by undertaking continuing professional development (CPD). AHCS Registrants are required to maintain a record of their CPD and may be asked to submit evidence of their CPD activities in the Academy’s annual CPD Audit.

The Institute provides a mentorship scheme which aims to pair more senior IMI members with newer (non-student) members following a ‘reciprocal’ mentorship model. Members are encouraged to take part at whatever stage in their career they may be at.