How to become A Dermatology Physician Assistant

• Dermatology PA

• Dermatologist Assistants

What do Dermatology Physician Assistants do?

A Dermatology Physician Assistant would typically need to:

• Assist a licensed and certified dermatologist in a clinical setting; help examine patients with skin conditions, including eczema and acne

• Collect and record information about the patient’s history, current symptoms and physical condition

• Help the dermatologist formulate a treatment plan for patients and explain it to them

• Prescribe medication and therapy or provide referrals to patients, acting under the supervision or as per the instructions of a licensed dermatologist 

• Provide patients with the necessary injections and vaccinations, along with wound care

• Assist with performing surgeries, biopsies and skin cancer screenings

• Order medical equipment and supplies; order diagnostic procedures for patients, such as lab tests, X-rays, CT scans and electrocardiograms

• Advise and educate patients on matters ranging from daily skincare to the emotional challenges that accompany complex skin conditions

• Make rounds to check in on patients admitted into hospital; report patient progress or any changes and requirements to the attending dermatologist

Dermatology Physician Assistants generally work in well-sanitised spaces such as clinics and other healthcare settings.

Most Dermatology Physician Assistants work full time, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday. Work may include weekends, evenings or holidays during emergencies. They may need to stay on-call.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Dermatology Physician Assistants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Dermatology Physician Assistants are generally employed by: 

• Dermatology Clinics

• Physicians’ Offices

• Private & Public Hospitals & Clinics

• Outpatient Care Centers

• Educational Services

• Employment Services

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for Dermatology Physician Assistants interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The difficulty involved in standing for long periods

• Closely interacting with patients carrying varying infections 

• Risks associated with handling potentially hazardous materials 

• Loosely defined working hours

• The need to work under the supervision of a dermatologist

Healthcare experience is typically a prerequisite to your application for admission into a master’s degree program in physician assistant studies.  Working as a paramedic, registered nurse, nursing assistant, or similar care position will count as patient care experience. Consider carrying out internships at local health centres. It may also be possible for you to shadow a Dermatology Physician Assistant to gain insight into the role’s responsibilities.

You may also gain experience by volunteering at hospitals and clinics or working with at-risk groups such as orphans, senior citizens or homeless individuals. 

Any academic program that a potential Dermatology Physician Assistant takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship or clinical training rotations in paediatrics, emergency care and other areas, which help you build the necessary skills for the workplace.

Read about the profession and interview to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Aspiring Dermatology Physician Assistants typically require a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from accredited programs, which usually last three years. The programs combine clinical rotations with coursework in pharmacology, diagnosis and microbiology, anatomy, behavioural science, medical law & ethics, clinical decision-making and other relevant areas. Clinical fieldwork takes you through several departments, including emergency medicine, internal medicine, and surgery.

A science-centric bachelor’s degree is advisable for entry into a master’s degree program. While an aspiring Dermatology Physician Assistant may major in any subject, make sure to opt for coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology and physiology.

Take classes in biology, mathematics and chemistry to gain entry into top schools for your bachelor and master’s degrees. 

Acquiring certification helps Dermatology Physician Assistants demonstrate their competence in a skill set and advanced knowledge, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

After completing a master’s degree, Dermatology Physician Assistants must obtain a license to practice in their country, but requirements vary globally. Government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

Career progression in dermatology assisting rests on one’s general and specialised medical knowledge. With more clinical knowledge and experience, you may take up new responsibilities, including supervising staff and physician assistant students.

You may also become Aestheticians, Health Information Technicians, Skin Therapists, Cosmetologists, Skin Care Specialists and Skincare Sales Representatives after meeting the relevant requirements. 

With further studies and qualifications, you may become a dermatologist. You may progress to lead a healthcare organisation.

Candidates with a master's degree and adequate experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Dermatology Physician Assistant build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

For the first few years on the job, you will develop your skills and knowledge under the supervision of a senior dermatologist. Throughout your career, you must remain updated on current practices as relevant to dermatology, as well as general medicine. You may do this by taking online or live courses, listening to podcasts, attending conferences or webinars, meetings, lectures and journal clubs, and reading academic and dermatological literature. Your local dermatology organisations, physician groups, or university departments may organise presentations and events. Such opportunities bring professionals together to share and discuss the management of dermatological cases.

Furthermore, to ensure the continued validity of any certification, Dermatology Physician Assistants must typically engage in the mandated hours of continuing education (CE) periodically. They may also need to take recertification exams, depending on their location. If it is a general medical exam, it will test you on nearly all specialities, particularly primary care.

Specialisations for a Dermatology Physician Assistant

As a Dermatology Physician Assistant, your duties vary based on the specialisation you choose. Medical dermatology combines internal medicine and dermatology to treat complex skin conditions caused by an internal medicine/autoimmune/systemic disease or contact dermatitis (skin allergy). Surgical dermatologists specialise in removing growths and cancers through surgery and conducting post-treatment facial reconstruction. Pediatric Dermatologists specialise in working with children who can experience many of the same conditions as adults. Cosmetic Dermatologists use their expertise in chemical peels, laser treatments, and removing varicose or spider veins. Dermatopathology combines dermatology with pathology giving rise to the study and identification of diseases using samples of hair, skin, etc. Lastly, dermatoimmunology is the science of testing blood, serum and tissue for diseases. 

The skin varies in thickness. It is the thickest at your feet (1.44m) and the thinnest on your eyelids (0.2mm). 

Given the growing demand for dermatologist services, Dermatology Physician Assistants are diversifying rapidly to ensure equitable access to dermatological services for all. Skin procedures can range from simple procedures to complex treatments. The only way past this complexity is for you to remain updated on the latest trends in medicine and network with other professionals. 

Use the latest technology and medications to achieve optimal outcomes. For instance, ask your patients to document any skin issues by taking pictures on their smartphones and sharing them with you.