What is a PA in Dermatology? (With Requirements and Skills)

Medical experience is essential before you become preoccupied with beginning didactic year, preparing for rotation exams, and debating when to start PANCE review. I applied for jobs as a scribe or medical assistant before applying to a PA program, and I was hired in a private dermatology practice. This experience cemented my interest in dermatology. As a medical assistant, I set up biopsy trays, prepared specimens for sending to pathology, processed those specimens, sterilized equipment, and called patients with pathology results. Because of the first-hand information I gained, the experience was invaluable in assisting me in preparing for an elective rotation in dermatology:

Each student in my PA program had to finish a master’s thesis on one of the following topics: a literature review of a translational research question, a community-based intervention, or a pharmacologic treatment for a disease. Thankfully for me, dupilumab received FDA approval months before I started thinking about my thesis. I was curious to learn more about the sole recommended treatment for patients who are 18 years of age or older because I have a family member who has moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. (Note: Dupilumab has recently received FDA approval for use in patients who are 12 years of age or older. (If your program requires you to complete a similar type of thesis, pick a subject related to your area of expertise so you can learn even more before certification.

I requested that my dermatology preceptor serve as my thesis’s research advisor. Again, every chance to talk about dermatology or investigate dermatological conditions and remedies will yield priceless clinical knowledge for the future. It’s also a useful tool for demonstrating your commitment and demonstrating your passion in interviews.

Even though it sounds cliche, I don’t feel like I’m working when I’m a dermatology PA on a daily basis. I cherished my rotation in a hospital-based outpatient dermatology practice before I entered PA school as well as my time working in a private practice. Now I love working in a hospital-based outpatient dermatology practice. The dedication of the dermatologists, residents, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, staff, and administrators in my department is motivating as I see a variety of patients and presentations.

Even with a 2- to 3-hour daily commute and extra time spent calling patients and filling out charts outside of clinic hours, I know dermatology is the right specialty for me because I enjoy what I do. I’ve successfully navigated interactions with patients who “only want to see the doctor” by providing them with background information on the PA profession.

Patients should be aware that PAs are competent healthcare professionals who have received general medical training comparable to that received by doctors before entering World War II. I define PAs as medical experts who order and interpret diagnostic tests, create and manage treatment plans, and write prescriptions for medication. Patients frequently want to make future appointments with me after this discussion!

So, if you want to learn how to examine skin, hair, and nails closely, perfect a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, or defend the virtues of taking lukewarm showers with mild soap without a washcloth, dermatology may be the field for you. It is dynamic, personal, challenging, and ultimately rewarding. I feel privileged to work in this field every day and am always eager to learn new techniques for treating common dermatologic conditions.

Jessica DiJulio is a board-certified physician assistant. She was a member of the first class to graduate from Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine. She enjoys working with inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis in children and adults as well as using her master’s degree in English to contribute as a freelance medical writer. She also enjoys all other aspects of dermatology.

Certified dermatology PAs, or PA-Cs (physician assistant-certified), are medical professionals who are licensed to practice medicine in collaboration with a dermatologist. While they don’t have a medical degree, they do have to complete a rigorous education program and attain thousands of hours of clinical experience.

What do dermatology PAs do?

Providing patient care and reporting to a certified dermatologist are among the primary duties of PAs in dermatology. Duties may vary between employers. The following is a list of additional tasks that these professionals might handle throughout their careers:

What is a PA in dermatology?

In dermatology, a physician assistant collaborates with dermatologists to offer patients skin care services in clinics. These services might include diagnosing and managing skin issues like rosacea or eczema. Some dermatology PAs also offer patients cosmetic procedures like facial peels. They could also help with surgery, medication administration, and patient education. Typically, dermatology PAs work under the direction of a certified dermatologist.

They frequently have prior medical training as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or registered nurse (RN), and they also complete additional training in a dermatology clinic. When working in the office, dermatologists frequently consult with the PA to decide on service and practice style. Dermatology PAs may receive education and training through their education programs or self-study programs in addition to the professional experience provided by clinics.

Common dermatology PA skills

These positions frequently call for technical proficiency with a variety of tools and in-depth medical knowledge of dermatology, among other qualifications. Here is a list of additional typical abilities dermatology PAs may employ:

Requirements for becoming a PA in dermatology

The following are the primary requirements for a dermatology physician assistant:

Education and training

A bachelor’s degree in medical assisting or a closely related field is required for physician assistant positions in dermatology, followed by enrollment in a master’s program for physician assistants. These programs typically last two years and combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. This may also include internships. Anatomy, physiology, clinical laboratory science, and microbiology are among the topics that students can study. It typically takes six years to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

Experience

Although many dermatology physician assistants benefit from first working in such roles, the majority of colleges or educational programs do not require prior experience working in the medical field. Working as a paramedic, a registered nurse, a lab assistant, a surgical technician, or an emergency room technician are examples of this. A masters program applicant’s admission may be aided by the fact that their prior experience appears well on resumes.

Licensure

Physician assistants in dermatology become certified and licensed after earning a master’s degree. They take a multiple-choice exam for licensing administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, which covers topics like fundamental medical and surgical knowledge. This certification requires renewal every two years. During these two years, certified PAs typically complete 100 hours of continuing education credits.

Additionally, dermatology PAs need to be licensed in the state where they wish to work. These licensure requirements vary by state. To learn more about application and renewal requirements, check your state’s laws on licensure. On average, certifications and licenses require renewal every six years.

Dermatology PA FAQs

Following are responses to six frequently asked questions about the role of a physician assistant in dermatology:

1. Can dermatology PAs open their own practices?

Physician assistants in dermatology are not allowed to open their own practices because they are not licensed dermatologists. These specialists are dependent providers, so a dermatologist with a license must oversee them. There are some restrictions on what dermatology PAs can do, like only providing the services that their supervisor does.

2. Do dermatology PAs have flexible schedules?

The majority of dermatology PAs work in clinical settings, so the clinics and medical offices set their schedules and flexibility. Many clinics are open during regular business hours, which are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. m. to 5:00 p. m. Some dermatology PAs enjoy working three or four days a week, which gives them a little bit of flexibility. Hospitalized dermatology PAs might experience less flexibility and longer shifts. Hours vary between clinics and location.

3. Is dermatology a competitive specialty in PA program?

Due to the high demand and some schools’ highly selective admissions policies, dermatology is usually a highly competitive specialty. Some programs only accept applicants with at least two years of dermatology experience. Program requirements frequently differ between institutions, so look into the competition for these programs at various schools. Additionally, you could speak with the career center or medical advisors at your school.

4. How does a dermatology physician assistant find work?

The majority of dermatology PAs can find employment in hospitals or medical offices. Consider speaking with a mentor from a medical program or your college’s career center if you’re looking for work. You can also use social media and online job boards to look for openings at nearby businesses. Staffing agencies may also provide some support or guidance.

5. Are there any medical organizations that could help me prepare for a job?

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants is a group that assists people who want to work as dermatology PAs by providing resources and support. They provide services like resume resources and educational courses. Additionally, they offer a career center with advice and a database for job searching.

6. What are other high-paying physician assistant specialties?

Heres a list of other high-paying physician assistant specialties:

Tips for pursuing dermatology PA careers

Here are a few pointers to consider if you’re interested in becoming a dermatology physician assistant:

Please be aware that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.

How to Become a Dermatology PA: Tips from a Curology Provider | Laura Coral, PA-C

FAQ

What does a PA in dermatology do?

In dermatology, physician assistants (PAs) assess, identify, and manage a wide range of conditions that are managed medically and surgically. Additionally, they provide screening exams, preventive care, and education for families and dermatologic patients.

Is it OK to see a PA for dermatology?

Physician assistants are skilled in treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, rosacea, warts, and more, in many dermatology offices. Many physician assistants assist board-certified dermatologists with minor in-office surgeries and surgical cases like Mohs surgery.

How long does it take to become a dermatologist in PA?

Education Requirements Dermatologist assistants must complete an accredited PA program that is modeled after medical school after receiving a bachelor’s degree. These courses last about two years and combine classroom instruction with clinical training.

Can a PA perform dermatology surgery?

What We Can Do For You An adept dermatology PA can significantly increase a practice’s growth. There are numerous PAs who treat patients, both new and old, diagnose them, and perform intricate surgical and aesthetic procedures while working under the direction of a doctor. PAs can also assist with Mohs micrographic surgery.

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