A degree in medicine is often a sought-after qualification for international students. The degree rates highly for both employment and career prospects, often placing it in the top five most popular programmes globally. The degree also opens up the prospect of studying a medical specialisation. Dermatology offers an interesting, varied and engaging area of medicine for students looking to branch out. We investigate what a dermatology qualification looks like, what the field involves, how you can become a dermatologist and what your career may look like.
What is dermatology?
First things first, let’s explore what dermatology is. Dermatology is a medical specialisation that deals specifically with the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatology aims to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and conditions that affect these areas. There are over 3,000 known skin conditions, from the more common eczema to skin cancer.
Dermatology is a branch of medicine. Dermatologists are not only diagnosticians but also qualified surgeons. Dermatology is about being able to identify the presence of illness and the underlying causes and suitable treatments. The field of dermatology also involves a lot of collaboration with other medical specialisations, from oncologists to pathologists.
Find out what you can expect when studying medicine.
What degree to study to become a dermatologist?
Becoming a dermatologist begins at the undergraduate level with a professional degree in medicine. To gain entry onto a bachelor’s programme in medicine in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland, you need to have achieved at least a UK A-level grade of three A’s or A* or equivalent. Subjects you would need to have pursued include chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. These scores are equivalent to an SAT score of 1,350 and 700 in three subject tests.
Don’t forget that if you want to study medicine in the USA or Canada, you need to complete a subject-related undergraduate degree before applying to medical school. Degrees in medicine are only offered as a postgraduate qualification. Some of the major subjects you could choose include biology, pre-medicine, exercise science, physics, and chemistry. You’ll also need to keep your GPA above 3.0 during your undergraduate degree. Remember to check the entry requirements with your prospective university.
In the USA, you will write what is called the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The result of this exam forms part of your medical school application. The MCAT tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, critical thinking, and reasoning.
Explore the best medical schools in the USA.
How long does it take to become a dermatologist?
The length of time it will take you to qualify as a dermatologist depends on the country where you are studying and where you decide to practice. We’ll use the UK as the primary example. In the UK, your undergraduate medical qualification will take between four and six years to complete. Your degree may include pre-clinical training, which is followed by two years of foundation training in a clinical setting. The training is usually conducted at a teaching hospital or medical practice.
Much of the practical experience you undertake will be to gain the knowledge necessary for registration and accreditation as a medical professional. In the UK, this means studying for the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) diploma. The diploma is also essential if you wish to become a specialist.
Next comes your specialist training, which combines academic, practical and research components. You’ll work with other medical specialists in related fields to develop your skills as a dermatologist. This process usually takes about four to five years. The last step is registration as a specialist by taking the Speciality Certificate Examination. When you pass, you are added to the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council, and can practice as a consultant dermatologist. The whole qualification process will take just over 12 years.
In the USA and Canada, becoming a dermatologist will take a similar amount of time. You need to be registered with the relevant state medical board and pass the exam certification process in the USA. In Canada, the Medical Council of Canada oversees the certification and registration of medical professionals.
Take a look at the best medical schools in Canada.
Are there any specialist areas in dermatology?
While it is possible to practice as a general or consultant dermatologist, there is also the option of specialising in a particular area. Throughout your degree, medical internship and training you may find an aspect of the field that appeals to you. Some of the specialist areas in dermatology include:
- Surgical dermatology
- Paediatric dermatology
- Cosmetic Dermatology
- Dermatoimmunology
- Oncological dermatology
- Dermapathology
For each specialisation, it is necessary to study and train in that area to develop the required competency and skills. Specialising usually happens once you have already completed your medical degree or are in clinical practice.
Read more about medical specialisations.
What can I earn as a dermatologist?
The employment prospects for dermatologists are good, and specialists in the field can expect to earn good salaries, depending on experience. In the USA, the average salary for a medical practitioner is around USD 200,000 per annum. If you’re working in the UK, you can expect to earn about GBP 60,000 per year as a trainee dermatologist, and if you become a consultant, this can rise to as much as GBP 160,000 per year.
Becoming a dermatologist can be a rewarding and interesting career. There is always a need for medical and healthcare professionals worldwide. If you want to continue your research, you can read about the top careers for STEM graduates, careers that make a difference, and how to map your study and career path.
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