Learn How To Become A Dermatologist – Requirements & Expected Salary
Last Updated: June 14th, 2022 by
How to Become a Dermatologist
There is a growing need for dermatologists across the country. The median salary has increased by seven percent on average to entice more professionals to choose dermatology as a career. With a high demand by patients, the job outlook is promising for those who are considering becoming a dermatologist.
Top 5 Jobs By Growth Within Dermatology for 2021
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has given dermatology as a career an A- rating, which is good news for anyone looking at it as a career choice. It is estimated that by 2026, the United States will need an additional 43,400 dermatologists to meet patients’ growing demands. These numbers also account for the professionals retiring in the next few years.
Where dermatologists are needed varies by region. Not surprisingly, California and New York have the highest number of dermatologists while the northwestern states like Idaho and Montana have less than 1,000.
Dermatology is divided into specialized fields, with some growing faster than others. Some fields are also more competitive than others, like pediatric dermatology where job applicants are usually selected based on their test scores. Only the highest scores are considered for a position in this sector of dermatology.
Dermatopathology is less competitive, but the field is growing—however not as quickly as cosmetic dermatology, which is expected to see a growth rate of around 11.4% by 2026.
Two other sub-fields also seeing job growth are teledermatology, partially due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic and continuously fueled by the ease of which patients can get a second opinion without leaving their homes. Mohs Surgery continues to be a growing field, especially as people have begun paying more attention to their skin’s health.
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Top 5 Most Popular Job Paths
Dermatologists have multiple career options, each focusing on a different type of skin problem.
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Pediatric Dermatology
Specializing in children and teens, dermatologists following this career path can expect to deal with genetic skin diseases, along with warts, acne, and birthmarks. The American Academy of Dermatology states pediatric dermatologists must complete residencies in pediatrics and dermatology. A post-residency fellowship may also be required.
Dermatopathology
Focusing on the pathology of the skin, a dermatopathologist is a medical professional studying the causes of skin diseases and their effects on patients. The majority of work is done in a lab where skin tissue samples are carefully studied. Along with the required medical training, dermatopathologists spend an additional year in a specialized fellowship.
Teledermatology
Teledermatology is a relatively new career path that requires a dermatology residency, along with technology courses. Dermatologists use various media outlets in this field to provide patients with a second opinion on their initial diagnosis. Teledermatology focuses on skin, hair, and nail conditions and allows patients to see a professional without making an office visit.
Mohs Surgery
It is a specific field that deals with the surgical removal of skin cancer. The surgery is named for technique founder Frederic E. Mohs. Dermatologists assess the growths and carefully remove them with as minimal damage as possible to the surrounding skin tissue. To specialize in Mohs surgery, practitioners must become proficient in pathology and surgery during their residency. They can also participate in a Mohs Surgery fellowship.
Cosmetic Dermatology
A subspecialty of dermatology, cosmetic dermatology concentrates on improving the appearance of hair, skin, and nails. Most procedures performed are for aesthetic purposes with minimally invasive surgery, if any. Botox, fillers, laser surgery, skin resurfacing, and liposuction are common procedures a cosmetic dermatologist can expect to perform. A specialized fellowship is required before performing any cosmetic procedures.
How to Become a Dermatologist (Step by Step)
Interested in becoming a dermatologist? Here are the steps you need to take to get started on the career path.
Step: 1 Get a bachelor’s degree.
Most aspiring dermatologists get their bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or as part of a pre-med program.
Step 2: Take and pass the MCAT.
Step 3: Complete medical school.
Step 4: Complete a one-year internship.
Step 5: Complete a Dermatology Residency Program.
Step 6: Get board-certified in Dermatology.
Step 7: Practice dermatology.
Step 8: Complete a fellowship specialty.
The length of the fellowship is around one to two years for most specialty dermatologists, but it can vary by school or program.
| Subspecialty | Length |
| Pediatric Dermatology | One year |
| Dermatopathology | One year |
| Teledermatology | One year |
| Mohs Surgery | One to two years |
| Cosmetic Dermatology | One year |
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dermatologist – What Is the Training Process Like?
You can expect to spend around ten years, including medical school, training to become a dermatologist. It is not a quick and easy four-year degree.
It starts with getting your bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or a medical related field. Some dermatologists get their degree in psychology since they will be dealing with patients regularly.
After finishing four years in medical school, the next step is a 12-month internship, and then there is more training to complete. A three-year residency is required where you are guided by a licensed dermatologist. During the residency, you can expect to assist in diagnosing skin problems, perform biopsies, remove skin cancer, and prescribe medicines designed to treat skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.
Dermatologists are also able to administer skin treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy if your career path is geared towards cosmetic dermatology.
Preventative measures are another part of a dermatology residency, especially for those going into Mohs surgery and dermatopathology. It can include teaching skin cancer patients about the importance of sunscreen and protective outdoor clothing.
Not all dermatologists are required to go through a three-year residency. Some, like cosmetic dermatologists and those interested in teledermatology, can substitute their residencies for a specialty fellowship. Even if a residency is required for licensing, a fellowship can provide additional certification opening up the potential job market.
Fellowships typically last between one to three years, depending on the specialty. A Mohs Surgical fellowship will last longer than one geared for teledermatology. The difference is in the skills needed to perform the job safely and effectively.
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What Is a Dermatology Internship Like?
A bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary to start an internship. In fact, it can be done as part of an undergraduate program. During the internship, you are under the supervision of a licensed and board-certified dermatologist. You get hands-on experience with patients and their care.
Those focusing on a career in dermatopathology will not see patients; instead, their internship focuses on research and data entry.
To meet the qualifications for an undergraduate internship, college students must be majoring in life or healthcare sciences. These include biology, psychology, and pre-med.
Not all internships accept undergrads; some do require a four-year college degree, while others have grade-point baseline applicants must meet.
Every program is different, depending on the school and the dermatology sub-field. It’s recommended that students interested in pursuing a career in dermatology find out what internships are available by their sophomore or junior year. It gives them time to meet the requirements for an undergraduate or graduate internship program.
What Is a Dermatology Fellowship Like?
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the sciences and completing an internship, the next step towards a career in dermatology is the fellowship. A fellowship lasts anywhere from one to two years, depending on the sub-field.
Fellowships are offered in pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, and cosmetic dermatology, along with teledermatology and Mohs surgery.
Most fellowships for Mohs surgery and dermatopathology are two years, though some are only one, due to the complexity of the profession.
The fellowship is similar to the internship program, except you are given more responsibilities. You are still under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist but have the freedom to examine patients and provide a diagnosis under supervision.
You are not able to write prescriptions for skin cancer patients or perform Mohs surgery, but you can observe the procedures and even lend an assisting hand.
Don’t Forget About the USMLE
College grads planning on a career in dermatology are required to take a three-part test throughout their education.
The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam) starts in medical school, and the last part must be passed after residency. Without passing the exam, you will not be licensed or certified. It also prevents you from completing your fellowship.
The first part of the exam is taken during the initial year of medical school. The second part is administered before the start of the final year. Students must not only pass the first two parts of the exam but also achieve high scores to be considered and accepted into a dermatology residency.
The third and final part of USMLE is taken at the end of the residency. Passing the exam is mandatory to begin a career in dermatology in the United States.
Get Licensed
After completing graduation, completing a residency, and scoring high marks on all three parts of the USMLE, the final step is becoming a licensed dermatologist.
Each state has different requirements for medical licensing. It’s important to go through the checklist for the state you plan on practicing in. The length of time it takes for your application to be approved also varies. You can find the information at the state’s government website.
Your medical license also expires; it is similar to a driver’s license. You will need to reapply every few years. Don’t worry—you don’t have to retake tests or school classes. In most cases, it is simply filling out a few forms.
Another step you may want to take to advance your career is to become board-certified.
Consider Board-Certification
Board certification isn’t a requirement of dermatology, but it can increase income potential. You need a few qualifications with most acquired in your previous studies and training.
- You need to have a medical doctorate (MD) from a licensed medical school.
- Your dermatology license is valid and up-to-date.
- Score a passing grade on the American Board of Dermatology (ABOD) exam.
- If you haven’t completed a fellowship, you will need to apply for one before becoming a board-certified dermatologist. Most fellowships run from one to two years.
Like your license, you also have to renew your board certification. It is usually once every ten years. You do not need to apply for another fellowship to keep the certification current, only fill out and send the required documents.
Becoming a Dermatologist Without Medical School
It’s nice to think you don’t need both a bachelor’s degree and a graduate from medical school, but it is necessary if you want to be a licensed dermatologist. This doesn’t include the internship and residency, along with a fellowship if you want to become board certified.
Skipping medical school is possible if you don’t mind limiting your career options to a spa or salon. You will not be a cosmetic dermatologist, only a technician, which is reflected in your salary.
Cosmetic technicians can use laser therapy on patients, along with injectables like Botox, but that is the limit of the procedures you are allowed to legally perform.
It can take ten years and longer to become a licensed dermatologist, but it is worth it when you consider the salary increase. It also affects what procedures you are allowed to perform and where you can apply for a job.
What Does a Typical Day as a Dermatologist Look Like
Before deciding on a career in dermatology is the right decision, it helps to know what a typical workday is like. If the workload or hours are too demanding or not suited to your personality, it’s best to know before you dedicate yourself to ten years or more of school.
The first thing to know is dermatologists are busy. Expect eight to ten hour workdays throughout the week. You may even find yourself working weekends. It depends on where you are employed.
Depending on your area of expertise, you can be a clinical or academic dermatologist. Each has a different schedule, and one may be more appealing than the other.
Clinical Dermatologist’s Day
Clinical dermatologists can expect to spend their days seeing patients. Your area of expertise will limit the types of skin conditions you see but expect to be busy throughout the day. Remember, there is a shortage of dermatologists. Some dermatologists average 50 patients a day, averaging over 1,000 per month.
Don’t forget about administrative duties. There is paperwork to fill out on every patient. Even with assistants, it can still add another five to ten hours to your weekly workload.
Depending on the type of dermatology you specialize in, biopsies and skin treatment procedures may also be mixed in with patient consultations and diagnosis.
Academic Dermatologist’s Day
Academic dermatologists are often university-based, though some also work out of a hospital or private lab. Most of their days are dedicated to research, with some patient interaction. Teaching and writing articles are other parts of an academic dermatologist’s day.
The hours are similar to a clinical dermatologist, around eight to ten a day. The stress may be less. There is less running around to see patients and deliver a prompt diagnosis.
Even though some of the stress is lightened, it may be heavier in other areas. As an academic, pay is lower, and this can affect research and writing time. Academic dermatologists are often partially or mostly dependent on grants and funding for their research and occasionally living expenses.
What Is the Average Salary for a Dermatologist?
How much income potential there is for a career in dermatology is a deciding factor for many considering a career in skin health and care.
Your area of expertise will affect the pay scale, along with your qualifications. Board-certified dermatologists command a higher fee than those merely licensed to practice in the state. The state you practice in also determines the average salary for a dermatologist.
Most dermatologists, regardless of their area of expertise, can expect to make over $300,000 per year. Salaries are highest in California, New York, and New Hampshire and lowest in Missouri and North Carolina. It is important to note that these are average salaries for dermatologists that do not account for specifications in the field. For example, a Mohs surgeon may demand a higher salary due to the medical procedures involved in the treatment.
Conclusion
Deciding to become a dermatologist isn’t something to take lightly. It is a career choice requiring years of school, both university and medical. It is also not an inexpensive career to follow, even with grants and scholarships. You are looking at a minimum of around ten years of studies that might not all be covered by scholarships.
Scoring high on exams and choosing the right courses in college may help mitigate some of the costs. However, you should still be prepared for the debt that comes with graduating from medical school. On the bright side, choosing a career as a dermatologist also comes with an above-average living wage.
Clinical dermatologists do command higher salaries, but they also have more stress at work. As an academic, you are losing out on income, but you have more freedom for writing and research.
Whichever career path you chose, you won’t have a problem finding a position as a respected dermatologist.
