To become a dermatologist, you need to complete medical school and residency training. Most dermatologists complete a four-year undergraduate degree prior to medical school and then spend four years in medical school. Dermatology residency typically lasts three years, at which point you will be board certified in the field of dermatology.
After completing your residency, you can practice as an attending physician at a hospital or clinic or work on your own as a private practice physician. You may also choose to pursue further education through fellowships or subspecialty training if you want to focus on a specific area of dermatology such as surgical dermatology or pediatric dermatology.
There are many different paths to becoming a dermatologist.
Some dermatologists go to medical school, then complete an internship and residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in dermatology. Others choose to go through a combined MD-PhD program, which can help them become experts in both clinical medicine and research.
Many dermatologists receive training in cosmetic surgery, which allows them to perform procedures such as face lifts or breast augmentation. Some also choose to specialize in Aesthetic Medicine, which focuses on anti-aging treatments and skin care.
Dermatologist How To Become
If you are considering a career as a Dermatologist, or just looking for up to date information about the Medical specialty of Dermatology, then you are in the right place! As a Medical school with students in Dermatology clinical rotations, we have first hand experience with this subject!
We wrote this article as an introduction to Dermatology, but also to provide a detailed step-by-step guide for future Medical students looking for accurate information about how to become a Dermatologist.
We would like to convey to the reader, the level of dedication necessary to complete a residency in Dermatology, get licensed, and then have a career as a Dermatologist.
Quick Navigation Links to 10 FAQ’s about Dermatology and Dermatologists
How to become a Dermatologist?
What are the subspecialties of Dermatology?
What is a Dermatologist?
What does a Dermatologist do?
How long does it take to become a Dermatologist?
Do Dermatologists do surgery?
Is becoming a Dermatologist worth it?
What major should I have in college to be a Dermatologist?
Dermatologist vs Esthetician – What’s the difference?
How to get started in Dermatology?
Dermatologists education – how to become a Dermatologist?
The education and training path to become a Dermatologist takes 12 years or longer to complete. Obviously, this takes an enormous amount of dedication and sacrifice. Assuming that a high school education or GED has been completed, here are the necessary steps to become a Dermatology specialist:
Step 1: Enroll in a college or University and complete the coursework needed for admission into Medical school
Most medical schools require the following prerequisite courses: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, anatomy, and English. To be competitive, medical admissions specialists suggest earning a B or higher in all classes. In addition to receiving good grades, other experiences such as volunteering, leadership roles, research, and shadowing are definitely taken into account by admissions specialists.
Step 2: Take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for entrance into all US medical schools. The MCAT is an eight hour, computer based examination. However, during the COVID 19 Pandemic, this requirement was waived by many schools.
Scoring well on this test is an essential component of being considered as a medical school applicant. Many Universities use computer algorithms that automatically filter and reject applications immediately if a predetermined MCAT score isn’t met.
Step 3: Get accepted and attend an Allopathic (MD degree) or Osteopathic (DO degree) Medical school
After undergraduate prerequisites are complete, students wanting to become Dermatologists must apply and be accepted to an Allopathic (MD degree) or Osteopathic (DO degree) medical school. Because Medical school admission is highly competitive, high grade point averages and MCAT scores are very important. Most med schools use computer based algorithms to screen applicants, so it’s vital to have good scores in order to even be considered for admission.
Medical school curriculum is broken down into two distinct parts. The first two years are spent doing classwork, where the basic sciences of Medicine are learned. The last two years of Medical school are spent in teaching hospitals where students become familiar with clinical skills and procedures.
During Medical school, all students must pass two national board examinations. For Allopathy students these are the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams. There are similar board examinations for D.O. students, called the COMLEX tests.
During their final year at medical school, students submit applications and interview for various residency programs in their chosen career. Of course for this topic, this includes Dermatology residencies. Following the interview process, Medical school students are matched into residency training programs using a computer algorithm method termed “The Match”. Finally, medical students complete their studies and prepare to begin residency.
dermatologic laser procedure
pediatric skin doctor looking at skin abnormality
Step 4: Begin and complete Internship and Residency
After Medical school is officially complete, graduates now get a limited license to practice and see patients. However, they must do so under supervision. All future Dermatology residents must complete a one year Internship, also known as transitional or preliminary year. During this time, trained students, who now have a M.D. or D.O. degree work in teaching hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments to see patients and learn skills for a broad understanding of medicine. The USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 must also completed during this time.
Dermatology residency is highly competitive three year program. It is during this time, that Residents in Dermatology finally participate in a comprehensive program that focuses entirely upon Dermatologic Medicine. During this time resident physicians practice in many different areas including consulting with inpatient and outpatient dermatological problems, dermatologic surgery, dermatology electives, dermatopathology, and in dermatologic research. Residents also participate in conferences, national and international events, and are encouraged to publish their findings.
Step 5: Board Certification
Although board certification in Dermatology isn’t technically required for obtaining a professional medical license, it is a desirable credential that demonstrates knowledge and exceptional expertise. Nearly every hospital, clinic or educational institution demands board certification for employment.
Certification for Dermatology residents can be obtained through several governing bodies including the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) and the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.
Step 6: Fellowship Training (optional)
Dermatologists have the option to pursue additional training in one of the three to four subspecialties of Dermatology. This isn’t necessary in order to find a job. To learn more about Dermatology subspecialties and fellowship continue to the next section.
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What are the Subspecialties of Dermatology?
There are three recognized subspecialties of Dermatology. These include:
Dermatopathology – 1 year fellowship
Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology – 1 year fellowship
Pediatric dermatology- 1 – 3 year fellowship
Cosmetic dermatology – 1 year program (while this isn’t a recognized subspecialty of Dermatology, it is a popular path that many residents choose to pursue)
More information about Dermatology subspecialties and fellowships can be found here.
dermatologist looking at a skin lesion
cosmetic dermatologist doing an injection
What is a Dermatologist?
A Dermatologist is an Allopathic (MD) or Osteopathic (DO) trained Physician that has completed a 1 year internship followed by a 3 year dermatology residency. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that affect the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes. Dermatologists are commonly known as “skin doctors.” The skin is the largest organ on the human body, so Dermatologists have a high level of education and training to provide patients with the proper medical skin care.
What do Dermatologists do?
Dermatologists are trained to provide medical, surgical and cosmetic services that involve the skin. The types of procedures they choose to provide is dependent upon each individual Dermatologist’s mode of patient practice. Of course, this is influenced by any additional subspecialty training they may have obtained during fellowship. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common reasons why a person would see a Dermatologist include treatments for:
Acne or skin blemishes
Rashes on the skin
Discoloration of the skin
Lesions on the skin
Other common conditions that Dermatologists see patients for include:
Skin cancer
Hair loss
Infections of the skin
Fingernail or Toenail problems
Inflammatory skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis
How long does it take to become a Dermatologist?
On average, it takes at least 12 years of education and training after high school to become a licensed Dermatologist. This includes:
Undergraduate College Education: 4 years
Medical School: 4 years
Internship: 1 year
Residency: 3 years
Fellowship training (optional): 1+ years
Do Dermatologists do surgery?
All Dermatologists are trained to do basic surgery on the skin. Surgeries can be minor, such as doing skin biopsies or removing warts and moles. Dermatologists also perform more advanced surgeries requiring anesthesia and post operative care. Many Dermatologists obtain additional training to perform advanced skin surgery such as Mohs surgery.
Is it worth it to become a Dermatologist?
Dermatology is a wonderful career path in terms of job satisfaction, pay, and future job outlook. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology mentions that nearly fifty percent of their dermatologist members feel more Dermatologists are needed in the field due to the aging population.
Financially, Dermatologists are one of the most highly paid Physician specialties. There are multiple online sources that report pay for Dermatologists. According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report of 2020, $411,000 is the average salary.
Another highly reputable source, AAMC Careers in Medicine, which tracks income for Dermatologists in Academia gives the following estimates:
