Dermatology Nurse Practitioner vs. Dermatologist: What Are the Differences?

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. A dermatology nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed additional training in dermatology and is qualified to provide a range of dermatology services. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who has completed training in dermatology and is qualified to provide more comprehensive dermatology care.

In this article, we compare the job titles of dermatology nurse practitioner and dermatologist, and we discuss the similarities and differences between the two roles. We also provide information on the education and training required for each position.

What is a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner?

Dermatology Nurse Practitioners are APRN’s who have specialized in the field of dermatology. They provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages with conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. In addition to general dermatology, they may also have expertise in cosmetic dermatology, Mohs surgery, or immunodermatology. They conduct physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. They also educate patients and their families on how to prevent and manage skin conditions.

What is a Dermatologist?

Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair and nails. They treat conditions such as acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, eczema and rosacea. Dermatologists may also provide cosmetic services, such as laser hair removal, Botox injections and skin rejuvenation treatments. To become a Dermatologist, individuals must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by a four-year medical degree and a three-year residency in Dermatology. Dermatologists must also be licensed in the state in which they practice.

Dermatology Nurse Practitioner vs. Dermatologist

Here are the main differences between a dermatology nurse practitioner and a dermatologist.

Job Duties

Dermatology nurse practitioners and dermatologists share some of the same job duties. These include taking patient histories, performing physical examinations, diagnosing skin conditions and diseases and advising patients on treatment options. The major difference between the two roles is that a dermatology nurse practitioner can provide all of these services, while a dermatologist cannot provide all of these services without additional assistance.

For example, both professionals can perform biopsies to collect samples for testing. However, a dermatology nurse practitioner can perform the actual procedure, while a dermatologist must supervise the process and interpret the results. This is because a dermatology nurse practitioner has more advanced training in performing procedures than a dermatologist. Similarly, a dermatology nurse practitioner can prescribe medications, while a dermatologist cannot do so unless they are an advanced practice provider with additional certification.

Job Requirements

Dermatology nurse practitioners (NPs) and dermatologists both need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. However, NPs typically earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), while dermatologists must complete medical school to earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD). After completing their undergraduate or graduate degrees, both NPs and dermatologists must obtain licensure in the state where they plan to practice.

Dermatology NPs must also pass the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam from the National Certifying Board for Dermatology Nurses (NCBDN). To become board-certified, dermatologists must first complete a one-year internship followed by a three-year residency in dermatology. They must then pass the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) certification exam.

Work Environment

Dermatology nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices and outpatient clinics. They may also work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or other government agencies that provide care to veterans.

Dermatologists typically work in private practice offices, although some dermatologists choose to work at hospitals or medical centers. Dermatologists who work in hospitals often see patients with severe skin conditions that require immediate attention.

Skills

Dermatology nurse practitioners and dermatologists both need to have excellent communication skills. They will be working with patients who may be concerned about their appearance or experiencing pain, so being able to listen to their concerns and explain procedures clearly is crucial. They also need to have strong observational skills to be able to identify skin conditions accurately.

Both dermatology nurse practitioners and dermatologists need to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the skin. However, dermatologists also need to have a deep knowledge of medical conditions that can affect the skin, as well as treatments and medications. Dermatology nurse practitioners need to be familiar with these concepts as well, but they may not need to know them in as much detail.

Dermatology nurse practitioners will typically provide more general care to patients, such as performing skin exams, providing education on how to protect the skin and treating common conditions like acne. Dermatologists, on the other hand, are more likely to perform specialized procedures like biopsies and Mohs surgery.

Salary

Dermatology nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $110,035 per year, while dermatologists earn an average salary of $279,928 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the state in which you work, your level of experience and the type of facility you work for.