When you work as a dermatologist, you have the opportunity to help improve the condition of your patients’ skin. You can diagnose the skin diseases that affect your patients. You also prescribe treatments for the skin disorders that your patients have. Dermatologists meet with patients throughout the week to check up on their skin conditions, diagnose new skin diseases they may have and administer physical examinations. The dermatologist may also have to analyze the results of a skin test to understand which skin diseases a patient has. The goal of the dermatologist is to help a patient feel more confident about his or her facial appearance. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a dermatologist?” If you want to become a dermatologist, then you should be prepared to attend medical school.
What’s it like to be a dermatologist?
When you are a dermatologist, you work directly with patients. You should be comfortable in administering laser skin care treatments to your patients. You should also be ready to spot any visible bumps or moles on a person’s skin that may signify cancer or another skin disease. A patient may also want you to consider the health of their skin and hair. You may also have to provide special facial treatments to your clients. A dermatologist has access to special medications that may not be available at the drugstore, and a patient may visit you specifically for the purpose of obtaining these medications. Dermatologists typically work only about 40 hours a week. Dermatology is one of the most attractive fields of medicine for its relaxed culture and lack of extensive hours. Also, one tends to meet affluent clients in this career path, as dermatology treatments can be very expensive and are not always covered by health insurance.
Education Requirements
To become a dermatologist, one will have to receive his or her medical degree. Prior to applying for medicine programs, one should obtain a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. One should study biology, anatomy or health science prior to applying for medicine programs. After completion of a bachelor’s degree program, one will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You should apply to medicine programs throughout the country and that appeal to you for their location, unless you already have career plans for after graduation. When you have completed a medicine program, you will then have to complete the United States Medical Licensing Examinations. Then, you should research residency programs in dermatology throughout the country. Residency programs can be very competitive. You should work hard in medicine school to get a high grade point average so that you can be admitted into a residency program. You will then spend three to five years in a residency program.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a dermatologist is about $166,000 a year. Dermatologists enjoy very lucrative careers. If you want to get a job as a dermatologist, then you should apply for open positions at skin care centers. Spa centers and resorts may also have openings for dermatologists. You may also be able to find a position at a local hospital in the area. If you want to perform surgery operations, then you should get a job at a public hospital.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2064482_become-dermatologist.html
2. http://www.skincarenet.org/dermatologist.html
3. http://www.ehow.com/info_7746982_dermatologist-salary-information.html