In addition to the aesthetic benefits of good skin, the field of dermatology is incredibly important to a patient's overall health because skin is also the largest organ in the body. Find out more about what dermatology nursing is all about including education, career path, certifications, salary, and job outlook of this exciting specialty.
Part One What is a Dermatology Nurse?
Dermatology nurses are a type of Registered Nurse that work specifically in the treatment and care of patients with diseases, wounds, injuries, and other skin conditions.
Dermatology nurses have the ability to work in a wide range of settings, including, but not limited to, private practice offices, hospitals, infusion centers, clinics, plastic surgeons’ offices, and burn centers.
Dermatology nurses can also find work in day spas or cosmetic dermatology offices as this is currently on the rise. These nurses will assist performing procedures such as laser treatments, tattoo removal, chemical peels, and other various treatments.
Part Two What Does a Dermatology Nurse Do?
Dermatology nurses work with the medical team to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of different skin injuries and conditions. Dermatology nurses assist in performing skin exams, documenting current patient’s conditions, taking vital signs, recording medical history, and obtaining lab specimens and results. They work very closely with physicians on a daily basis and responsibilities can vary depending on the skill level of the nurse.
Dermatology nurses are responsible for educating patients and their caregivers on how to care for skin conditions and recover from treatments once the patient has returned home.
Some of the most common skin conditions they help diagnose and treat are:
- Burns
- Skin Cancer
- Warts
- Acne
- Impetigo
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Moles
Cosmetic Dermatology
Cosmetic Dermatology, while not entirely a new field, has become one of the fastest-growing medical fields in the last decade. According to statistics, in 2011, more than 12 billion minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology procedures were performed.
>> Related: How to Become a Cosmetic/Aesthetic Nurse
The goal of cosmetic dermatology is to attain and maintain healthy, natural skin. Treatments can range from deep cleansing, refreshing, rejuvenating, and restoring skin texture and tone, to reducing skin imperfections. These imperfections can be caused by:
- Acne
- Age Spots
- Birthmarks
- Lines and wrinkles
- Melasma
- Moles
- Skin discoloration (sun spots)
- Skin tags
- Stretch marks
Cosmetic dermatology nurses will also assist with the following procedures:
- Laser Hair Removal
- Tattoo removal
- Chemical peels
- Scar removal
- IPL photofacials
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Dermal fillers and injectables
- Hair loss restoration
- Laser skin tightening
An increasing number of general dermatology practices and branching into cosmetic dermatology due to the demand and endless financial possibilities.
For this reason, the growth in this aspect of the field is exponentially greater than conventional dermatology practices. A general rule of thumb is the increase in the number of services an office can provide to patients - the greater the opportunities for the nursing staff.
>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs
Part Three Dermatology Nurse Salary
Due to the diversity of work settings, salaries for dermatology nurses can also vary greatly. With any career in nursing, it is important to research geographic areas of interest and the requirements to understand the salary for specific job opportunities.
According to payscale.com, the average salary for a dermatology nurse is $23.96 with a median yearly salary of $52,035. This figure is ever changing as it is directly related to a limited number of current job opportunities reported in the field.
Payscale.com does report the average salary range of dermatology nurses at a handful of hospitals throughout the country. Five hospitals and/or healthcare systems on the list include:
| Hospital | State | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Comanche County Memorial Hospital | Oklahoma | $39,000 - $49,000 |
| Bayhealth Medical Center | Delaware | $54,000 - $72,000 |
| Midland Memorial Hospital | Texas | $48,000 - $56,000 |
| Shady Grove Adventist Hospital | Maryland | $66,000 - $81,000 |
| Stanford Hospital and Clinics | California | $86,000 - $124,000 |
Despite information reported on Payscale.com there is very limited information regarding specific salaries for dermatology nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2016, the mean hourly wage for registered nurses in was $32.91 while the average annual salary was $68,450.
The BLS identifies the following as the highest paying states for nursing:
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $48.92 | $101,750 |
| Massachusetts | $42.82 | $89,060 |
| Hawaii | $42.75 | $88,910 |
| Oregon | $41.83 | $87,000 |
| Alaska | $41.56 | $86,450 |
In the same year, the BLS ranked the highest mean annual salaries for nurses, and the top ten were in California. The top five from the list are as follows:
| Metropolitan Area | Hourly Avg | Annual Avg |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA | $65.68 | $136,610 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $60.06 | $124,920 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $59.80 | $124,380 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $58.02 | $120,680 |
| Salinas, CA | $57.75 | $120,120 |
Most healthcare systems pay nurses on an hourly scale while others have a fixed annual salary, such as nurses in an office setting. Those paid on an hourly scale are able to earn overtime pay whereas salary employees would need to discuss that with the hiring committee.
Overall, pay generally correlates with cost of living for a specific geographical area. As indicated above, nurses in Oklahoma earn significantly less than their counterparts on the west coast. Despite having the same job title, the cost of living in California is much higher and thus equaling a greater pay.
How To Earn More As A Dermatology Nurse
As with all jobs in the nursing field, earning potential increases with additional education and experience. Nurses typically are awarded a raise during annual employee performance reviews. Certifications can give nurses an additional bump in their paycheck. Furthermore, nurses who agree to precept new nurse employees can also receive additional compensation.
Benefits
Regardless of workplace setting, full time and part time dermatology nurses enjoy similar benefits. While actual benefits may vary depending on the institution, most offer the following:
- Health insurance
- Retirement Options
- Family Leave of Absence
- Maternity Leave
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Discounts
- Attendance at nursing conferences
>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs
Part Four How to Become a Dermatology Nurse
-
As with any nursing career, students must first complete and receive either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university.
-
After passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) exam, individuals must become licensed in their state of practice. The NCLEX is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States and Canada. This schooling may take 2-4 years depending on the length of the program.
-
Once licensed, registered nurses can apply for jobs in the dermatology field. Most physician offices will want nurses with prior work experience which may be obtained on a general medical-surgical hospital inpatient floor.
Part Five Certifications for Dermatology Nurses
The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) offers a Dermatology Nursing Certification Examination(DNC) for nurses specializing in dermatology. This certification can lead to increased job opportunities and increased earning potential.
According to the DNA’s website, to be eligible to sit for the DNC examination, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum of 2 years of dermatology nursing experience as an RN
- Hold a current unrestricted license as an RN in the U.S. or Canada
- Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of work experience in dermatology nursing within the past 2 years in a general staff, administrative, teaching or research capacity
Upon application for the exam, all of the aforementioned will be verified. The certification is valid for three years and recertification is obtained via continuing nursing education hours of recertification.
Currently, the cost for the exam is $200 for DNA members and $275 for non-members. Most places of employment will reimburse the cost of the exam as it is directly related to job roles. The exam currently consists of 175 questions, lasting approximately 4 hours and includes dermatology topics such as:
- Tumors/Malignancies
- Bullous and Immune Disorders
- Acne and Rosacea
- Hair and Nails
- Photosensitivity/Photodamage
- Wounds
- Ulcers
- Infections
- Dermatitis
- Papulosquamous Disorders
While the main certification for dermatology nurses is the DNC, there are additional training opportunities, especially in cosmetic dermatology. These nurses will need to receive training specifically related to procedures such as tattoo removal, chemical peels, and/or laser procedures. These skills can be learned at conferences or via in-service workshops.
>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs
Part Six What are the CEU Requirements for Dermatology Nurses?
Dermatology nurses do not necessarily have specific requirements beyond state-mandated continuing education. However, DNC recertification does.
Certified nurses must obtain 45 contact hours with a minimum of 30 contact hours specifically related to dermatology nursing. These hours can be used for state licensure recertification and vice versa.
All dermatology nurses are required to maintain an RN license.
Continuing education requirements for the license differ for each state. Monetary fees and other state-specific criteria are also associated with all license and certification renewals.
Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows:
- Arkansas - 15 contact hours every 2 years
- Illinois - 20 contact hours every 2 years
- Florida - 24 contact hours every 2 years
- Iowa - 36 hours every 2 years
- Pennsylvania - 30 contact hours every 2 years
Some states do not require CEU’s to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, and Indiana. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education such as New York, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements.
Part Seven How Do I Get a Dermatology Nursing Job?
Dermatology nurses can work in a variety of settings including, but not limited, to:
- Hospitals
- Infusion clinics
- Cosmetic Dermatology practice
- Plastic surgeon office
- Spas
- Dermatology private practice
- Burn Centers
Job postings for dermatology nurses are typical of other specialized nursing fields. According to employment websites, a posting would likely include the following qualifications, among others specific to the type of institution and patient population:
- ADN or BSN-level education, active and unrestricted RN license, Dermatology Nursing Certification preferred
- Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) competency
- Prior professional nursing experience in the dermatology and/or cosmetic/aesthetic dermatology fields
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, which may include days, evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends and on-call
- Computer skills required, prior experience with electronic medical record systems preferred
- Attention to detail
Part Eight What is the Career Outlook for Dermatology Nurses?
The BLS predicts that employment for registered nurses will grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Overall growth will occur for a number of reasons, but primarily due to the increased emphasis on preventive care, including regular dermatology check-ups, and the increase in skin cancer in the United States.
Furthermore, the demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population will cause a dramatic need for nurses in specific nursing fields, such as dermatology.
Additionally, advancements in cosmetic dermatology have resulted in a very positive career outlook for nurses interested in specializing in dermatology.
Part Ten Dermatology Nurse Resources
The best resource for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a dermatology nurse can find helpful information on the Dermatology Nurses’ Association webpage. There is information regarding continuing education, conferences, certifications, and interesting medical advances.
Other helpful websites are:
Journal of Dermatology Nurses’ Association
American Dermatology Association
