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How Long Does It Take to Become a Dermatologist?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Long years of study and research are needed to become a dermatologist. These highly qualified doctors may beginning initial training as early as high school, though actual degrees required to be a dermatologist are not offered until the college level. The steps of education required take about 13 years to fully complete, although some programs may condense or expand this time line somewhat.

An undergraduate degree is the first step required in order to become a dermatologist. While students set on a medical career may choose to major in a scientific field, such as biology, some aspiring doctors come from undergraduate programs that have nothing to do with medicine or science. In the third year of undergraduate work, students who plan to attend medical school sit initial examinations, which are used, along with transcripts, to secure a place in a medical school during the student's senior year. Most undergraduate programs last four years, but part-time students may take five or six years to complete the same program.

It commonly takes about 13 years to become a dermatologist.
It commonly takes about 13 years to become a dermatologist.

Following acceptance into medical school, students must plan on another three to four years of training. In this portion of education, students will gain the real skills and knowledge necessary to qualify as a doctor. Toward the end of medical school, students will need to sit medical board examinations to become licensed doctors, and may also start the residency portion of their education. A student who begins a residency while still in medical school may be able to be a dermatologist slightly faster than those who begin residencies following the full completion of medical school.

Dermatologists may specialize in areas such as skin lesions, and need additional training.
Dermatologists may specialize in areas such as skin lesions, and need additional training.

A residency is a three- to five-year program in which new doctors train under the supervision of established professionals, testing their skills on real cases. In order to become a dermatologist, a student may need to complete a short general residency, then specialize in dermatology. Residencies cover all aspects of the dermatological profession, from the identification and treatment of skin diseases to the practice of skin-correcting surgery.

A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as acne.
A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as acne.

Following a residency, a doctor may choose to take additional fellowships in order to become a dermatologist in a specialty field. These fellowships typically last one to two years, and aim to train an already accomplished doctor in advanced techniques, such as cosmetic surgery or the removal of skin cancers. With fellowships, the time it takes to become a dermatologist may stretch up to 15 years. Despite the longer time commitment, fellowships are often well-paid positions that can help establish a doctor at the cutting edge of his or her field.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a PracticalAdultInsights writer.

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Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a PracticalAdultInsights writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

browncoat

It would be so cool to become a dermatologist and work with the latest skin graft treatments. My sister was severely burned a few years ago and I found it really fascinating how advanced many of the treatments are (she barely has scars now).

They do all kinds of things, like using honey treated bandages and skin grafts made from your own skin cells.

I guess, what I'd actually like is to be a researcher involved in all this kind of cutting edge technology, because I really think it's amazing what they can do these days.

Ana1234

@bythewell - Well, it won't be all that pleasant most of the time. Dermatologists will see some pretty horrible skin conditions, particularly if they are working in a hospital rather than a clinic, and of course there are plenty of deadly diseases that start with the skin, so they would see their share of tragedy as well.

There are so many years of study before you qualify, I'm sure that they all know what they are getting into. Personally, it's not something I would chose, but I have admiration for anyone who becomes a doctor.

bythewell

Reading about dermatologists reminds me of the joke they've had in Grey's Anatomy about that specialty.

All the main characters in that show are surgeons, so they go up to the dermatology wing to relax and watch how nice and clean and quiet all the patients and doctors are. Because, of course, most of the time skin problems aren't going to be as urgent and bloody as the kinds of problems surgeons would be dealing with, particularly if they are working with an emergency ward.

I don't know if it's actually true that dermatology is like that or not, but it certainly makes it look appealing, becoming a dermatologist.

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    • It commonly takes about 13 years to become a dermatologist.
      By: Alexander Raths
      It commonly takes about 13 years to become a dermatologist.
    • Dermatologists may specialize in areas such as skin lesions, and need additional training.
      By: F.C.G.
      Dermatologists may specialize in areas such as skin lesions, and need additional training.
    • A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as acne.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as acne.
    • Dermatologists must be able to treat a variety of skin rashes.
      By: librakv
      Dermatologists must be able to treat a variety of skin rashes.
    • Dermatologists focus on treating scalp issues.
      By: Lars Zahner
      Dermatologists focus on treating scalp issues.
    • After completing medical school, a dermatology resident works under the supervision of experienced dermatologists to perfect her skills.
      By: sepy
      After completing medical school, a dermatology resident works under the supervision of experienced dermatologists to perfect her skills.
    • A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as lichenification.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A dermatologist may treat skin conditions such as lichenification.
    • Some dermatologists are specially trained in laser therapy.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Some dermatologists are specially trained in laser therapy.
    • A dermatologist may use hydrotherapy to treat psoriasis.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A dermatologist may use hydrotherapy to treat psoriasis.