How Do I Become a Dermatologist's Assistant?

Explore the career requirements for dermatologist's assistants. Get the facts about job duties, salary, career outlook and education requirements to determine if this is the right career for you.

What Is a Dermatologist's Assistant?

A dermatologist's assistant is a medical assistant working in the office of a dermatologist, which is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and disorders. Medical assistants are involved in both office administration and clinical care, handling clerical work and helping dermatologists with procedures like phototherapy and patch testing. They may also be responsible for documenting the patient's medical condition, current condition and response to in-clinic treatments.

The following table provides an overview of what you need to know about this field.

Education Required	High school diploma; postsecondary training (certificate, diploma or associate's degree) is preferred
Key Skills	Collect patient's medical information, schedule appointments, record vital signs, assistant physicians with procedures and examinations
Licensure/Certification	Voluntary certification is available
Job Growth (2020-2030)	18% (for medical assistants)*
Median Salary (2020)	$35,850 (for medical assistants)*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Does a Dermatologist's Assistant Do?

A dermatologist's assistant is a medical assistant specializing in the care of dermatology patients. Like most medical assistants, a dermatologist's assistant may help with clinical procedures and provide administrative support for a busy doctor's office. Your duties will likely include registering patients, taking vital signs or talking to patients about various skin care options. You might also assist with exams, sample collection and routine specimen testing.

What Kind of Training Will I Need?

Medical assistants can get their training and education through a 2-year associate's degree program, which is available by community colleges and technical schools. Another option is a medical assisting certificate program, which is shorter than associate's degree programs because they don't include general education courses. A certificate program would be beneficial if you've already completed college and want to change careers.

What Will I Learn?

Both the certificate and degree programs include classes in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, lab and clinical procedures and medical law. Most of these programs include basic training in business and office functions like medical billing and coding, along with computer applications. An internship or similar work experience, particularly in a student's chosen area of specialty like dermatology, may be available. Some programs also include enough coursework in phlebotomy and EKG to qualify students for certification in those specialties as well.

What Is the Employment Outlook?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considered medical assistants to be one of the higher growing occupations of the 2020-2030 decade and predicted a 18% growth in medical assistant employment (www.bls.gov). Voluntary certification as a Certified Medical Assistant, available through the American Association of Medical Assistants, may provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

Another support position in the office of a dermatologist or other medical professional is a job as a health information technician. Although these technicians do not directly provide patient care, they are responsible for recording key medical information and inputting it into electronic health records and databases for analytical and billing purposes. They need to complete a postsecondary certificate program in order to work. Alternatively, individuals who are interested in skincare could seek a job as an esthetician. They usually work in salons or spas, providing treatments that promote skin health and beauty. In most states, estheticians must pass a licensure exam.