Dermatology nurse practitioner (also known as DNP) is a professional, who works in close proximity with doctors and helps them in clearing the patients’ doubts related to skin issues. The salary for dermatology nurse practitioner depends on several factors such as level of education, experience, type of work and specialization. The career is rewarding and highly lucrative.
The salary for a dermatology nurse practitioner depends on a variety of factors. These include the position you hold, your level of experience and education, and the geographic location where you practice.
The average annual salary for dermatology nurse practitioners is $85,000. This figure represents the median salary reported by all dermatology nurse practitioners in the United States who were employed full-time in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The lowest 10 percent of dermatology nurse practitioners earned less than $66,000 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $109,000 annually.
Salary for dermatology nurse practitioner
What Is a Dermatology Nurse?
Dermatology nurses specialize in the treatment and care of a variety of skin diseases and conditions. Working in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, dermatology clinics and plastic surgeons’ offices, dermatology nurses provide care for patients with psoriasis, skin cancer, burn wounds and acne among many other skin conditions. Dermatology nurses may also specialize in cosmetic dermatology, performing various procedures such as laser treatments and chemical peels.
Becoming a Dermatology Nurse
In order to become a dermatology nurse, students must first complete their Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Registered nurses who want to specialize in dermatology may then work for a minimum of two years in dermatology before sitting for the Dermatology Nursing Certification Examination offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.
A typical job posting for a dermatology nurse position would likely include the following qualifications, among others specific to the type of institution and patient population:
- ADN or BSN-level education, active RN license and Dermatology Nursing Certification preferred
- Prior professional nursing experience in the dermatology and/or cosmetic/aesthetic dermatology fields
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with patients, caregivers and medical teams on an ongoing basis
- Attention to detail required in the performance of skin exams and recording of patient’s medical histories and test results
To search and apply for current dermatology nurse positions, visit our job boards.
What Are the Education Requirements for Dermatology Nurses?
A position as a dermatology nurse requires an ADN or BSN degree in addition to an active RN license. Generally, an advanced degree is not required for dermatology nurses, but those interested in becoming a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner will need to complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree. In addition to an active RN license, dermatology nurses may choose to attain the Dermatology Nursing Certification offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.
Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?
Some dermatology nursing positions require RNs to hold the Dermatology Nursing Certification offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association. While optional for many job openings, RNs who hold this certification will certainly have a competitive edge when applying for dermatology nursing positions. In order to sit for this exam, RNs must have an active RN license, two years nursing experience and 2,000 hours working the dermatology field.
Where Do Dermatology Nurses Work?
There are a number of settings in which dermatology nurses work, including:
- burn units within hospitals
- private clinics
- dermatology practices
- plastic surgeons’ offices
What Does a Dermatology Nurse Do?
Dermatology nurses assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of skin injuries and conditions, including burns, skin cancer, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, acne and impetigo among others. Dermatology nurses assist in the performance of skin exams, assess a patient’s condition and record patients’ medical history and test results. Often, dermatology nurses provide pre-operative and post-operative care for patients who have undergone various treatments and surgical procedures. Patient and caregiver education is also an important aspect of the dermatology nurse’s job description. Dermatology nurses educate patients and their caregivers on how to care for skin conditions and recover from treatments once the patient has returned home. Dermatology nurses may also specialize in cosmetic procedures, such as laser treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
What Are the Roles and Duties of a Dermatology Nurse?
- Assist in the performance of skin exams, and monitor and record a patient’s medical history and test results
- Provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing treatment for a variety of skin conditions and diseases
- Perform various cosmetic dermatology procedures, such as chemical peels
- Assess, monitor and treat skin wounds, including burns
- Educate patients on how to protect their skin and how to care for skin diseases and conditions at home
