Dermatology schools can prepare individuals for a career that can provide invaluable medical and cosmetic services to patients. Dermatologist training includes courses in biochemistry, dermatology, endocrinology and pathology. These courses, along with other program requirements, prepare students to provide services for infectious skin conditions, immunodermatology, pediatric dermatology and cosmetic dermatology that includes liposuction, face lifts and hair removal.

Begin your career in dermatology by considering the following dermatology education and training basics:

1. Finding a college or university offering an accredited School of Dermatology

2. Applying for financial aid to complete your dermatology career education

3. Continuing your education by attending dermatology conferences and seminars

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find accredited dermatology schools offering study in your subspecialty area of interest

Schools of Dermatology at colleges and universities offer a variety of clinical and research programs. Aside from cosmetic dermatology education, clinical programs also provide services in general dermatology, dermatopathology and genetic disease dermatology. Research programs can range in focus from autoimmune diseases to psoriasis.

I recommend: Use A2ZColleges.com to select a School of Dermatology at a college or university that offers dermatology courses in your area of interest to complete your education. When reviewing the curriculum of dermatology schools, ensure the curriculum meets The American Board of Dermatology training requirements for examination and certification.

Apply for financial aid to help offset the cost of dermatology education and training

Financial aid opportunities exist to help offset tuition costs of dermatology education and training. Basics of receiving financial aid include gathering necessary documentation such as federal tax returns, bank statements and untaxed income records, completing the application form(s), submitting any additional requested documentation in a timely manner and monitoring the approval status of your loan application.

I recommend: Review the Federal Student Aid Program and after gathering all necessary documentation, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form in an effort to obtain federal student financial aid in the form of grants, loans, or work-study programs. Private loans are also available from lenders such as Sallie Mae and Discover to help one pay for their dermatologist education. Other sources of financial aid can include scholarships offered by associations such as the American Academy of Dermatology’s Young Investigators Award.

Continue your dermatology training by attending conferences and seminars

Stay current on the latest developments and other news in the field of dermatology by attending professional conferences and seminars.

I recommend: The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Disease Education Foundation sponsor meetings and seminars where dermatologists can share their research findings with others.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Individuals interested in a career in dermatology should attend job fairs, medical school open houses, or dermatology seminars where professionals can provide an overview of what it takes to become a dermatologist. One can gain insight as to what dermatology classes are required, residency training and medical and cosmetic services dermatologists provide to patients in order to find what most interests them.

If you are an aspiring dermatologist, finding the best dermatologist education programs is a critical education decision not to be taken lightly.

When looking at dermatologist education programs in universities or university hospital settings, consider what sort of career path you want to take with the skills learned. When looking to go into dermatology, finding the right education facility/training hospital is imperative to the path you will want to take.

To find the best dermatology training programs:

1. Look at ranked or noted dermatologist education programs.

2. Weigh scholarship opportunities at all of your choices. Top dermatology schools may not have the scholarship offerings that you require, while a smaller school may cover a large portion of your tuition costs.

3. Visit the campus of your choice before making a commitment. See their dermatologist education program first hand to make sure it will be a good fit for you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look at statistics before starting your search for dermatology training programs

Before you choose to pursuing dermatology classes, look at some of the statistics on the field.

I recommend: Look at dermatology career information at Exceleste. It discusses first becoming a physician with the American Medical Association, then going into the field of dermatology. Find additional career information on the University of Iowa Dept. of Dermatology database.

Look at nationally noted dermatology schools

Find dermatology education and training programs that are excellent in the field.

I recommend: Check out the UC Davis Dermatology Residency Program and dermatology courses. Their residents have the opportunity to work with more than 30 faculty and visiting faculty members in an learning setting. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dermatology Department Education site lists residency, fellowship, medical students education, dermatology primer and self-tutorial as well as patient education information. You can also find dermatology education and training at Case Western Reserve University, Department of Dermatology.

Look at dermatologist education continuing medical education programs

For those in the dermatology fields, continuing medical education is a critical part of your career.

I recommend: Pursue dermatologist training opportunities through courses from the American Academy of Dermatologists. Look at courses for dermatology CME through ArcMesa Educators' CMEdiscovery.com. You can also find free dermatology classes for dermatology CME from Skin Therapy Letter CME, which is accredited by the Boston University School of Medicine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always find a mentor when pursuing any major education undertaking. Finding a dermatology training mentor can help you not only learn the basics of the field, but learn the emotional and professional ins and outs of becoming a well respected doctor. A mentor is there to offer you praise when you succeed and constructive criticism when you fail. Ultimately, this person will be an invaluable asset to your career.

Dermatology is a growing medical field that concentrates on problems and proper care of the skin. Dermatologists can help treat a wide variety of skin problems from acne to cancer. Education and training for dermatologists begins with medical school. During medical school, a student can take elective dermatology courses. After graduation, the student has the option of choosing a career specialty and working with a residency program in that specialty.

Action Steps
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Dermatology elective

A dermatology elective is a classroom or clinical elective offered to medical students. This elective introduces the student to the study of dermatology and provides experience working with patients for more advanced students.

I recommend: Case Western Reserve University provides information on its dermatology electives through its Department of Dermatology.

American Medical Association(AMA)

The American Medical Association is an organization that provides a standard of excellence and leadership in the medical community. The AMA is also an advocate for creating and maintaining ethical guidelines for medical practices to protect the doctor and the patient.

I recommend: The American Medical Association provides continued education and training for all major medical specialties including dermatology.

Dermatology residency program

Medical students that choose the field of dermatology will work with a dermatology residency program after graduation. A residency program places the students in a clinic or hospital so they can get additional training for their specialty.

I recommend: The UC Davis Department of Dermatology provides information on its residency program for those seeking a career in dermatology.

American Academy of Dermatologists

The American Academy of Dermatologists is an organization that provides networking, education and advocacy resources for practicing dermatologists. Yearly membership dues provide qualified dermatologists access to many resources and annual events.

I recommend: The American Academy of Dermatologists provides many continuing education opportunities and training resources for its members.

American Board of Dermatology

The American Board of Dermatology establishes standards for the professional dermatology community. Becoming a board-certified dermatologist means you meet a high standard of quality in your practice. Dermatologists must pass an exam to become board certified.

I recommend: The American Board of Dermatology has posted the requirements to be met in order to take the board examination for certification.

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is an organization that accredits all types of residency programs available for medical student graduates. These residency programs are located throughout the United States and must meet a set of standards established by the council.

I recommend: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education provides information and educational resources for those that want to join the ACGME dermatology program.