How to become a dermatology nurse? Like any nursing specialty, dermatology nurses must pursue their BSN and pass the NCLEX to earn their nursing license, but within the field of dermatology, there are different responsibilities and career opportunities that set it apart from other specialties.
Health issues that affect the skin can range from surface level to serious, and dermatology nurses fulfill a potentially lifesaving role on the front lines of skin care. As the body’s largest organ, skin is our first line of defense against sicknesses. It is vital to keep a close eye on any skin issues that emerge, and the field of dermatology does just that.
A good dermatology nurse will make patients feel safe, confident, and comfortable while examining or administering treatment. Mercer University’s Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track is a generalist nursing degree, which equips students with a comprehensive foundation in nursing and prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings and specialties, including pursuing dermatology nursing.
By understanding the process of how to become a dermatology nurse after nursing school, you can consider whether this is the right practice area for you.
Dermatology Nursing Education Requirements
Pursuing a career in dermatology nursing requires becoming a registered nurse (RN) and seeking an opportunity within this practice area, but you can still pursue additional education for career advancement and advanced clinical practice opportunities beyond that point.
Earn Your Nursing Degree
Dermatology RNs, like other RNs, must earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing school and pass the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. The type of nursing degree you pursue depends on your qualifications and future career plans. If you plan to pursue further nursing education, for instance, many graduate nursing schools require applicants to have a BSN degree as an admission requirement.
Which degree is right for you? Learn the key differences between BSN and ADN degrees.
Looking at the big picture, you might wonder how long it takes to become a dermatology nurse. Pursuing a BSN typically requires four years, but an ABSN track like Mercer’s can take as few as 12 months once you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses.
As you work through our comprehensive curriculum as a student, you will complete:
- Online accelerated nursing coursework designed to accommodate a range of learning styles
- Nursing simulation and skills labs in a supervised mock clinical environment, which will prepare you for patient care
- Clinical rotations, where you will deliver care to patients at top healthcare facilities in Metro Atlanta
Take the NCLEX-RN and Attain Licensure
Once you have earned your degree, you will sit for the NCLEX-RN, which is a required examination to attain nursing licensure. As a Mercer ABSN student, you will have access to study resources throughout your time in the program, and with hard work you can confidently sit for the exam.
Once you pass and earn licensure, you can begin looking for opportunities in your desired practice area. If you are interested in dermatology nursing, you can begin exploring this career path in a hospital or healthcare facility.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
Certification is not required to work in dermatology, but you can pursue a certificate to advance your knowledge of techniques and treatments in the field. Being certified can boost your value to potential employers when applying for jobs, while also improving your professional skillset.
Most licenses or certifications require you to have a certain amount of experience in the field before applying. The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) is a great resource to pursue certification at RN or nurse practitioner (NP) level.
What Does a Dermatology Nurse Do?
What do the day-to-day responsibilities of a dermatology RN look like? These nurses work with dermatologists and assist as needed for patient care. Responsibilities in this role can include smaller and larger tasks like:
- Allergy tests
- Suture removal
- Wart or cyst removal
- Wound care
Each person’s skin is unique, so a dermatology nurse needs to take a personalized approach. A crucial aspect of this role is education: advising patients on how to maintain healthy skin through their daily routines.
Where Do Dermatology Nurses Work?
Dermatology nurses primarily work in dermatology offices or outpatient surgery centers, though they may also find opportunities in plastic surgery. As the healthcare field expands and changes, the scope of this role may expand as well.
Dermatology Nurse Salary and Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates an average nursing salary of $93,600 per year, with various practice areas within the field earning more or less. Dermatology is an in-demand role with growing career opportunities, so you can expect competitive pay and a welcoming job market.
If you decide to become an NP who practices dermatology, you will need to earn a graduate degree in nursing then pursue board certification. Some employers may require additional certification(s) for a dermatology NP position. The median salary of NPs is $126,260 per year with an estimated 40% growth by 2033. With higher requirements in education and experience, advanced-level nursing jobs are a great way to further your career and knowledge of the healthcare field.
Dermatology is only one of the many specialties you can pursue in nursing. Learn more about some of the most popular ones.
Start Your Journey with Mercer
If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, then Mercer’s ABSN track can accelerate your path to becoming a nurse in a variety of specialties. Through our online coursework, hands-on experience in simulation labs, and clinical rotations, you will learn all the necessary skills to provide the best care for patients.
Contact a Mercer enrollment counselor today to learn how you can earn a nursing degree on an accelerated timeline.