Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

Last Updated On Oct 1, 2024

Expert Verified: Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC, LNC

9 Min Read

What Is a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner?

A dermatology nurse practitioner (also known as a dermatology certified nurse practitioner, or DCNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in the dermatological field. In general, they work to screen and treat skin cancer, monitor skin conditions, and educate their patients on proper skin care. Some DCNPs may also further specialize in cosmetic dermatology, providing services such as Botox injections, fillers, or laser hair removal.

Overview of DCNP Careers

All dermatology nurse practitioners must complete a graduate-level nursing degree and go through rigorous training before they are able to become licensed and certified. Here’s what to expect:

Educational Aspect	Details
Requirements	Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Certification	Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP)
Licensing	Must hold both a valid RN and APRN license
Continuing Education	Required to maintain certification and stay current with medical advancements and best practices.

After completing your education and getting certified and licensed, a dermatology nurse practitioner will be eligible to look for work. Here’s a window into the position:

Work Aspect	Details
Role Description	An APRN who specializes in conditions of the skin, skincare, and in some cases cosmetic dermatology
Work Settings	Dermatology clinics, hospitals, medical facilities, spas, research institutions
Average Salary	$94,957-$128,291
Job Outlook	Expected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, driven by an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services.
Key Responsibilities	Screening for skin cancer, treating skin conditions, cosmetic and surgical procedures involving skin
Skills Required	Diagnostic skills, critical thinking, understanding of skin conditions

Learn more about Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nursing careers.

Why Are Dermatology Nurse Practitioners So Important?

Compared to other types of nurse practitioners and even some types of physicians, dermatology nurse practitioners simply understand skin conditions better. Their advanced training allows them to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of dermatological issues, from common concerns like acne and eczema to more complex conditions such as skin cancer.

Dermatology NPs are essential in delivering timely and accessible care, often serving as the first point of contact for patients seeking treatment for skin concerns. Their ability to perform procedures, prescribe medications, and offer expert advice makes them invaluable in promoting skin health and preventing severe dermatological diseases.

Becoming a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

There is only one way to become a dermatology nurse practitioner — get a graduate degree in nursing followed by proper licensure and certification. However, there are a few options when it comes to how you obtain these.

Step 1: DCNP Education Requirements and Training

If you’re just starting out and you have no nursing experience or licensure, the first step will be to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). This will take about four years. However, if you already have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and an RN license, you may be eligible for enrollment in an RN to BSN bridge program, which would shorten this timeline to two years or less.

After graduation from a BSN program, you’ll need to get your Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. While many nurse practitioner specializations are available, pathways specific to dermatology aren’t currently offered. However, you can pursue an internship/fellowship or complete your required clinical hours in a dermatology setting to gain applicable experience.

Educational Prerequisites

Your specific prerequisites will depend on where in the educational pathway you’re entering. If you’re starting with your BSN, you’ll need:

Minimum GPA: Usually 3.0 or higher.
Prerequisite Courses: Completion of courses like statistics, anatomy, and physiology.
Letters of Recommendation: From nursing supervisors or faculty.
Clinical Nursing Experience: 1-2 years of experience, often in a relevant field.

Step 2: DCNP Examination, Licensure, and Certification

Dermatology nurse practitioners undergo a challenging process of examination, licensure, and certification. First, aspiring DNPs must complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a focus on dermatology or related fields. After completing their advanced education, they must pass the national certification exam, such as the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination (DCNP), offered by the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board. This exam evaluates their knowledge and skills specific to dermatology, ensuring they are well-prepared for the specialized field.

In addition, DNPs must obtain APRN licensure in the state where they plan to practice. This process involves meeting the state’s specific requirements, which typically include proof of education, passing the certification exam, and sometimes additional background checks or continuing education. Maintaining certification and licensure often requires ongoing education and periodic re-certification to ensure that DNPs stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in dermatology care. This comprehensive process ensures that DNPs are highly qualified to provide specialized care in dermatology. Additional details on dermatology NP certification and education can be found through the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA).

As nurse practitioner licensing guidelines can differ between states, it’s imperative to check your state’s specific requirements for licensing, certification, and renewals. This information can be found on your state’s Board of Nursing website.

Step 3: Finding a Job and Career Outlook

Now that you’ve met all of the necessary educational and licensure requirements, the final step is to start job searching! Looking for work as a dermatology nurse practitioner can take place online or in-person in workplaces such as dermatology clinics, medical spas, hospitals, or oncology centers. Wherever you decide to look, you can be sure that you will find plenty of opportunities as the nursing shortage has made the need for nurse practitioners grow considerably. The BLS estimates a 45% growth for nurse practitioner positions within the next 10 years and this figure is only expected to grow.

Working Conditions

Understanding the true nature of a dermatology nurse practitioner position is essential to the job search. You’ll need to demonstrate that you are familiar with the role of a dermatology nurse practitioner and that you have experience in the field — not just the classroom.

Most DCNPs work regular business hours. However, depending on the setting, they might need to accommodate extended hours or be on-call for urgent cases, especially if they are working in a hospital or a practice with extended care hours. Their work can be both mentally and physically demanding, requiring strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The role also demands staying current with the latest treatments and technologies in dermatology, which can involve attending conferences, participating in continuing education, and staying engaged with professional organizations.

Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Responsibilities & Duties

The daily duties of a dermatology nurse practitioner depends on the scope of practice and the workplace where the nurse practitioner resides. However, in general, most DCNPs can expect to:

Conduct comprehensive skin assessments and diagnose dermatological conditions.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for patients.
Perform or assist with dermatological procedures, such as biopsies and excisions.
Educate patients on skin care, prevention of skin diseases, and post-treatment care.
Prescribe medications, including topical and oral treatments, as appropriate.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Stay updated on the latest dermatology research, treatments, and best practices.
Maintain detailed and accurate patient records, including treatment plans and progress notes.

Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Salary & Employment

While dermatology nurse practitioners don’t make the most money compared to other types of specialized nurse practitioners, you will be making a very comfortable salary. On average, DCNPs make between $94,957 and $128,291 depending on experience, scope of practice, and geographic location. Here are some of the best paying states for nurse practitioners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

California
Nevada
Washington
New Jersey
Oregon

Additionally, it’s a good idea to be aware of the job market. In general, there is plenty of opportunity for dermatology nurse practitioners to find employment, especially due to the nursing shortage. The BLS estimates that there will be a 40% increase in nurse practitioner positions by 2032. However, this doesn’t mean that your particular state will represent this deficit. Here are the states that currently have the largest job market for nurse practitioners: