The process involved in becoming a dermatologist is going to require a fairly drawn out educational road. This means that you can expect a learning experience that will last a lifetime. Most students who decide to become dermatologists begin the process with a Bachelor of Science degree. These students will enter into medical school from that point. However, students who have earned Bachelor of Arts degrees may still be able to get into medical school. These students, however, must be willing to put a little bit of extra effort into the application process.
Dermatology
Training Requirements To Obtain A Dermatology License
Generally, training for dermatology requires twelve years of
undergraduate and post-graduate education in the field of medicine,
as well as specialization in surgery. Dermatologists complete their
internship as a physician and then become eligible to apply for a
dermatology residency at a hospital. Once residency is complete,
dermatologists may practice dermatology in hospitals, clinics, or in
private practice.
Cosmetic dermatology is also becoming increasingly popular.
Therefore, training programs include training in dermabrasion,
collagen filling, “Botox” injections, laser rejuvenation procedures,
and chemical peeling. These procedures are typically performed by
dermasurgeons, who also perform Mohs skin cancer
surgery and
liposucion. Dermasurgeons must receive certification from the
American Society for Dermatologic
Surgery, in addition to the ABD,
requiring dermasurgones to support and promote the ethical standards
of dermatologists to provide services that are in the best interest
of the patient.
At a minimum, dermatology technicians must have a high school
diploma or equivalent. Most companies prefer candidates who have
completed certificate or associate's degree program in medical
assisting. Some also request clinical or laboratory work experience
which applicants can secure through educational programs.
Dermatology technicians must have strong communication skills since
they work closely with those seeking medical care and other
healthcare professionals. They also must possess patience and the
ability to multitask.
Dermatologist
Schools
and Degree Programs
Training to become a dermatology
technician is most commonly found in medical assisting programs.
Community colleges and universities offer certificate and
associate's degree programs in medical assisting accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
(ABHES). Most programs offer internships and hands-on lab work in
addition to traditional coursework. Employers may accept comparable
military medical training in lieu of formal college education.
Dermatologists are eligible for certification after completion of
hospital residency, and passing written and oral examinations
administered by the ABD. Dermatologists then receive the title of
Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. A Diplomate may then
apply for fellowship status at the American Society of Dermatology,
or for dermasurgeons, in the American Society fro Dermatologic
Surgery.
The requirements for licensure for dermatologists are set forth by
the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). The board requires that
graduates from medical school complete a three year hospital
residency in dermatology. Dermatology residencies are extremely
competitive in terms of requirements, so it is important that
physicians pursuing a residency in dermatology are highly qualified
and prepared. Physicians going into dermasurgery must complete 5
years of surgical training before beginning a dermatology residency.
Training in a dermatology residency includes intense medical and
surgical training, schooling in rheumatology,
immunology,
neurology,
and infectious diseases. Dermatologists are trained in many fields
because more serious conditions manifest symptoms within the skin.
Dermatologists also receive training in venereology, the treatment
of sexually transmitted diseases, and phlebology, a specialty which
deals with problems of the veins.
Continue (Dermatology Continuing Education)
