A dermatology nurse practitioner works in a nursing specialty addressing conditions and diseases involving the skin. By understanding the education path and requirements of this position, you can decide if this role is the right one for you.
Dermatology is a diverse field that touches on everyone’s health. Diseases affecting the skin can quickly become very serious, so regular screenings and early detection are vital. From common acne problems to complex conditions and diseases, dermatology nurse practitioners (NPs) study to recognize symptoms and create care plans to address this area of health.
Dermatology nurses and nurse practitioners help patients feel safe, confident and comfortable. Through Marquette University’s Second Degree Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, you will be able to confidently begin your nursing career more quickly and make a difference for patients. After gaining experience as a nurse, you can then pursue the additional education needed to become a dermatology nurse practitioner.
By further exploring the role of dermatology NP and seeing each step on the path to this nursing career, you can decide if it’s the right option for you.
What is a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner?
Dermatology nurse practitioners specialize in the treatment of diseases and conditions of the skin. As the largest organ in the body, conditions affecting the skin can range from purely cosmetic to potentially deadly.
The Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Standards of Care lists the scope of service and standards for Dermatology NPs. The most general expectations for these NPs include the following:
- Assess, diagnose, treat, and manage dermatology illnesses
- Order tests and interpret them to prescribe medications and therapies related to the dermatological concerns of their patients
- Educate patients on their dermatological concerns
- Refer patients to specialists as needed
- Work collaboratively with all care team members in providing comprehensive care to patients
Specific responsibilities may change depending on your specialty or if you work in a more supervisory role, but the basics of the field remain the same regardless of specialty.
Dermatology Nurse vs. Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
Dermatology nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with a wide variety of skin conditions. These professionals work with dermatologists or dermatology nurse practitioners in a range of clinical environments, from hospitals to private practices.
Both roles provide valuable care to patients, but dermatology nurse practitioners can practice with greater autonomy. These professionals have:
- Attained a graduate-level degree
- Gained nursing experience
- Completed a post-master’s certificate program
- Earned board certification as an NP
- Specialized within dermatology
Curious about other specialties that nurse practitioners pursue? Explore the many areas you can specialize in.
How to Become a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
Dermatology NPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have furthered their education and narrowed their scope of practice. A pathway to becoming a dermatology nurse practitioner might look like the following.
1. Complete Your Pre-Licensure Nursing Education
As a first step toward a dermatology nurse practitioner role, you will need to earn a pre-licensure nursing degree. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the most common degree for new nurses, but if you are targeting a nurse practitioner career then an MSN degree will most likely be necessary.
An MSN degree, as well as factors like nursing experience, is required to enroll in most post-master’s certificate programs. Completion of a nursing post-master’s certificate program then qualifies you to apply for NP licensure.
Traditionally, an MSN would require first earning a BSN over four years and then completing an additional few years of study. Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN program enables qualified students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to enroll without first earning a BSN.
Earning an MSN degree through our program offers a more direct path to pursuing an advanced nursing position, with a curriculum that can be completed in five or eight semesters. Students learn through:
- Coursework completed online or in-person (depending on enrollment location)
- Nursing skills labs and clinical simulations that build practice-ready skills, technique and clinical judgment
- Clinical courses at top area healthcare facilities, where students under supervision administer to patients
After completing this intensive curriculum and graduating, you will be ready to continue the process via gaining licensure as an RN.
2. Attain RN Licensure
The NCLEX-RN is an examination that you must pass to attain licensure and practice as an RN. This is required of all nurses, regardless of if they decide to pursue further education.
After earning an MSN degree through Marquette, with industry thought leaders as professors and a wealth of available resources, you will be well prepared to take the exam. If you pass, you can apply to your state nursing board for licensure.
Keep the Nurse Licensure Compact in mind regarding the state in which you earn your degree and apply for licensure. If you apply in an NLC state like Wisconsin, your nursing license will allow you to practice across most U.S. states.
3. Gain Nursing Experience
Once you’ve obtained your RN license, you can begin working in a hospital or other medical facility to gain relevant experience in a chosen area. If you’re passionate about pursuing dermatology as an NP, you can use this time to gain experience in that practice area as an RN.
4. Return for a Nurse Practitioner Education
Becoming a nurse practitioner of any type is not attainable through an MSN degree alone. Nurse practitioner education is completed through a post-master’s certificate program, which sees you completing additional courses to become academically eligible for certification in an advanced practice or leadership specialty.
Marquette offers a range of these post-master’s certificate programs, but earning your MSN degree through our direct entry program does not automatically qualify you for enrollment. The number of credits for each certificate varies, as does the coursework you will complete for each.
5. Complete Board Certification as a Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioner certification is required for all NPs, assessing your clinical knowledge and judgment against a high standard. If you become board certified, you will have nearly reached the end of this process.
6. Specialize in Dermatology
Once you’ve earned NP certification, you can begin looking for new opportunities in dermatology nursing. You may have already gained experience in the field as an RN, so leverage your experience and network to search for positions that suit your goals.
You might also be well-advised to become certified as a dermatology NP through a certification board. This is not necessary to work within this practice area, but can showcase your continuing education and dedication to the field.
Which nursing path is the one for you? Find out the key differences in two of the most popular degrees.
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Salary and Job Outlook
Nurse practitioners earn one of the highest wages in the nursing field and are in high demand. U.S. News & World Report lists their median annual salary as $126,260, with a 40% increase in job outlook by 2033, as predicted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Because of the high demand for advanced nursing roles, dermatology nurse practitioner positions are highly valued. At the same time, you’ll be positively impacting patients as you educate and treat their dermatological concerns.
FAQs About Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
If you have more questions about the day-to-day reality of dermatology NPs, the answers to some frequently asked questions might reveal more information.
Can a dermatology NP perform surgery?
Dermatology nurse practitioners can perform minor procedures like biopsies, excising benign lesions, and suturing wounds, but specialized surgeons typically perform larger-scale complex surgeries.
Where do dermatology NPs work?
These medical professionals work in various settings, including:
- Dermatology clinics
- Private practices
- Hospitals and outpatient centers
- Cosmetic dermatology offices
- Academic settings
How long does it take to become one?
Depending on the path you take to study for this specialty, becoming a dermatology NP could take anywhere from five to eight years.
Even after earning an MSN degree in five or eight semesters through Marquette, entering this specialty practice area requires hard work and dedication. You will need to gain experience as a practicing nurse and then go back to school for a post-master’s certificate before applying for board certification as an NP.
Start Your Nursing Journey with Marquette
On your nursing journey, the education you take on should cater to your desired career path. Whether you’re looking to enter the nursing field and work toward a dermatology nurse practitioner role, or if you want a master’s-level education to keep your future options open, Marquette can help. Through our accredited second-degree direct entry MSN program, you’ll be able to earn your MSN on a faster timeline.
If you’re ready to take the first step or have questions about our program, contact us today and one of our admissions advisors will walk you through the next steps.