How to Become a Dermatologist: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Salary, Scope

Steps to Become a Dermatologist

Here are the steps that has to be followed in order to become a dermatologist, this may vary from candidate to candidate but majorly it would be same, 

• Step 1 – Make up Your Mind: The students who wish to become a Dermatologist should make up their mind right from 10+2. They should be very passionate about dermatology. Hence the decision should come right from schooling so that once they pass 10+2 in Biology subject and do well in entrance exams.
• Step 2 – Make Correct Subject Choices: Subjects like Biology taken in 10+2 will help students become a Dermatologist. It is required for a dermatologist candidate to pass 10+2 with biology subjects. Also learning about game skin disorders, hair, nails and relevant subjects can be very handy at the time of entrance exam. 
• Step 3 – Entrance Exam Preparation: The Aspiring candidates can get admission in MBBS course through National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET 2023). For admission to a medical seat in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), candidates are required to take up the entrance examination of AIIMS 2023. Other Universities/institutions also keep their own medical entrance exams for admissions of students. Admission process varies from college to college.
• Step 4 – Selecting College: The candidate should have a good knowledge of the colleges offering the course and should have a list of colleges he/she prefers over the others. There are quite a few colleges which offer Dermatology related courses.

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Types of Dermatologists

There are various types of dermatologist in India and abroad, here we have represented the types and the eligibility required. 

Dermatopathologists

Immune Dermatologists

Tele Dermatologists

Pediatric Dermatologists

Cosmetic Surgeon

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How to Become a Dermatologist in India

The following can be followed by an aspirant if he/she wants to become a Dermatologist in India

School Level Preparation 

The candidate can follow the below steps during the school level to prepare themselves to become a Dermatologist 

• The student must finish Class 12 with the subjects – Biology and other relevant subjects.
• The student should have a strong inclination towards public health and other relevant subjects.The students should clear 12th exams with the eligible marks and exceed in the entrance exams.

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How to become a Dermatologist after 12th

The candidate must follow the below steps after the 12th standard to prepare themselves to become a Game Tester

UG Preparation

• The student must enroll themselves in course MBBS, Diploma in Dermatology, Bachelor of Science in Dermatology , MD/ MS in dermatology Or Certificate courses Cosmetic Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology, etc.
• The student should Take online courses such as Certificate Course in Ayurvedic Dermatology by Institute of E- Ayurveda, 

PG Preparation

• The foremost factors to be a successful Dermatologist is In-depth theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the. 
• The job of a dermatologist demands sincerity, self-confidence and distinct skills and only by perfecting and honing those skills in everyday work, the candidate can establish as a successful dermatologist.
• The vital skills required to be a successful dermatologist are Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skill, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Judgment and decision making skill, etc

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Dermatology Courses

There are various courses to become a dermatologist, here we will elaborate on the courses that are required to become a dermatologist. There are various certificates, diploma, UG and PG courses that must be done to become a dermatologist. 

Certificate Dermatology Courses

Students who wish to become dermatologists without a UG and PG degree can pursue the following certificate courses. Here are the certificate courses that you can do to become a dermatologist. 

Professional Certificate of General Dermatology

Professional Certificate of General Dermatology certificate course is presented by eminent dermatologists.

• It is a comprehensive course and teaches the medical graduates to manage common skin, hair and nail conditions in primary care. 
• These graduates will eventually learn about different modes of presentation and also relevant investigations about all of the common skin conditions ranging from acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis through to drug rashes, hair loss and common cosmetic complaints.
• This certificate course is delivered online through eight modules which can be viewed and replayed any time the participant wants to view. 
• The Participants will receive 12 months web-based support from the speakers of this course and they can participate in regular online learning sessions .
• They will have the opportunity to clarify any doubts during these online sessions.

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Diploma Dermatology Courses

Apart from certificate courses, here are some of the diploma courses that everyone has to know to become a dermatologist. 

Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy

Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy is a diploma course for a duration of 3 years which focuses on the disorders of skin and about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

This course focuses on the preventive measures of skin related diseases and the required medical and surgical approach towards them.

The admission to Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology course is based on the scores obtained in NEET UG scores and NEET PG scores

The Average fees for this course can range from INR 15,000 to 10,00,000.

DDVL students can find jobs in both private and public sectors. Some of the job options include Cosmetic Dermatologist, Medical Dermatologist, Dermatology Consultant, and Venereologist.

The Average starting salary procured by the graduates is INR 3,00,000 - 9,00,000.

Read: Medical Colleges Accepting NEET 2023

Post Graduate Course

The post graduate courses are required to become a specialist in the field of dermatology. Here we have presented the courses that are required at PG level to become a dermatologist. 

MBBS

MBBS is for a duration of 5.5-years , it is a professional degree course on medical science. 

• Out of the 5.5-years course duration, the last 1 year comprises a compulsory Internship that the students need to engage in. The abbreviation of MBBS is Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.
• The eligibility criteria to join MBBS is that candidates are required to have at least 50% aggregate marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examinations with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects. 
• The students should have Good command over the local language and English. The minimum age limit to start MBBS is 17 years.

Also, the candidate should have cleared the entrance exam held of which NEET is the most popular one.

Dermatology

The Dermatologist Course is a 2 year post-graduate course which can be taken up by MBBS graduates with at least 50% marks.

• The average fees for this course is around INR 15,000 to 2,00,000. 
• The various employment sectors for Diploma in Dermatology graduates are Nursing Homes, Private Hospitals and Government Hospitals, Community Health Centers, Clinics, Medical Writing, Hospital Administrative jobs and so on. 
• The various job profiles are Assistant Quality Control and Consultant Dermatologist, Dermatologist, Assistant Cosmetologist. 
• The average salary is around INR 1,00,000 to 12,00,000 per annum, which will definitely increase with experience and expertise
• MS or MD in Dermatology can be pursued after clearing the PG entrance exams held such as NEET PG.

NEET PG Exam Details 

MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology

MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology is a 3 year long post graduation course. 

• The Eligibility for this course is to complete an undergraduate degree in MBBS, DMS, BHMS or BDS etc. The Admission to this course is rank basis based on the entrance test conducted.
• The tuition fee for MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology is INR 800 to 10 Lacs .
• The course consists of major subjects in immunology of dermatological diseases, cellular and molecular inflammation, skin genetics, skin structure and development of skin, basic reactions of skin, repair and carcinogenesis.
• Major Job profiles after completing the course are professor, Skin specialist, Therapy manager, sales coordinator, Clinical application specialist etc.
• The MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology graduates can be hired by many industries such as health clinics, health centers, physician practices, healthcare, natural apothecaries, college health centers, hospitals etc.
• The salary of these graduates ranges from INR 2,00,000 to 10,00,000 per year.

How to Become a Dermatologist Abroad

Many colleges offer Dermatologist courses. Those who are interested in studying these courses online and look to get placed there should go ahead with it.

Dermatologist in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a sought-after destination in terms of overseas experience to gain a good amount of experience and benefit from long-term employment for doctors especially trained in India.

However, for many doctors the path to become a doctor in the UK is unclear. Once the dermatologist is eligible to practice many career options open up which include Core Medical trainee, Staff grade and Associate Specialists and Specialty doctors (SAS) or a locum consultant. 

Anyone who wants to work in the UK should become a consultant in the UK without retraining in dermatology through Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration.

Admission Process

• The candidate should have completed MBBS.
• They should have scored 7 or more in IELTS.

Top Colleges in UK to Become a Dermatologist 

Dermatologist in United States of America

A qualified dermatologist , in the U.S, is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. 

The AAD or the American Academy of Dermatology is the largest membership of dermatologists including 20,000 doctors.These doctors have a full license or certification. 

These dermatologists complete college and medical school as a medical doctor(MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO).They further complete 1 year of hands-on work as well.

The dermatologists in the USA work with people suffering from disorders of skin, hair and nails.

Admission Process

• The candidate should have completed MBBS.
• Good TOEFL language scores.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA 3.0
• Extracurricular activities.

Find Out: MBBS Syllabus in Details

Top Colleges in USA to Become a Dermatologist 

Dermatologist in Canada

The term Dermatologist in the country of Canada is reserved for those medical supervisors who have earned a medical degree through an intensive five year program of advanced medicine in the recognition and treatment of skin,hair and nails.

After completing a four year program by passing the MCAT. 

The medical school consists of four years of study after which MD in dermatology is attained

Admission Process:

• The candidate should have completed MBBS.
• Good TOEFL language scores.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA 3.0
• Extracurricular activities.

Top Colleges in Canada to Become a Dermatologist 

Check Out: MBBS Abroad 

Dermatologist in Australia 

The trainee dermatologists in Australia undergo four years of practical training under the supervision of practicing dermatologists. 

The trainees are offered different positions in the four years of the study and include city,rural ,large and small hospitals.

The students upon completing the course receive their FACD and can continue to practice in hospitals in remote areas of Australia. The students can opt to do research in academia.

Admission Process:

• The candidate should have completed MBBS.
• They should have scored 7 or more in IELTS.
• Minimum 17 years of age.
• Should have cleared UMAT.

Top Colleges in Australia to Become a Dermatologist 

Pros and Cons of becoming a Dermatologist

Every job comes with its own share of pros and cons, similarly career as a Dermatologist also has its own benefits and drawbacks. The sections below will discuss then in detail,

Pros of Becoming a Dermatologist

• Dermatologists are counted amongst the highest paid doctors both in India and globally. The average pay of a dermatologist range around INR 80,000 per month.
• The security for the job of a Dermatologist is solid since the doctors do not get fired or suspended until it’s a case to do so.
• After gaining sufficient experience, Dermatologists can start their own clinics 
• The doctors in this field resolve different conditions and diseases relating to skin,hair and nails which keep their work interesting.
• Today,in the modern world skin care products account for a massive income for the pharmaceutical companies ,this is triggered by dermatology clinics and dermatologists who routinely sell them.

Cons of Becoming a Dermatologist

• The career of a dermatologist requires immense years of studies to get a specialized degree.
• The fees of these courses are high and, in case, these doctors are planning to set up their own clinic they will require a huge amount of capital.
• One of the biggest cons of a career as a dermatologist is the competition that exists in their field.
• The working schedule of these doctors is jam-packed and they hardly get quality time with family and friends.

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Skills Required to Become a Dermatologist

In-depth theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field are the most important factors to become a successful Dermatologist. The important skills required to be a successful dermatologist are listed below:

Top Recruiters for Dermatologists

The Top Recruiters of Dermatologists are mentioned as follows: 

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Dermatologist: Average Salary

Here are the salary structure of the dermatologists in India, here are the salary structure as per the average annual salary, gender wise salary division, and experience wise. 

Average Annual Salary

Experience Wise Salary

How to Become a Dermatologist: FAQs