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Dermatology nurse practitioner vs dermatologist

The differences between dermatology nurse practitioners and dermatologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a dermatology nurse practitioner, becoming a dermatologist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a dermatologist has an average salary of $407,715, which is higher than the $98,727 average annual salary of a dermatology nurse practitioner.

The top three skills for a dermatology nurse practitioner include patients, diagnosis and patient education. The most important skills for a dermatologist are patients, mohs, and patient care.

Dermatology nurse practitioner vs dermatologist overview

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerDermatologist
Yearly salary$98,727$407,715
Hourly rate$47.46$196.02
Growth rate40%7%
Number of jobs28,0391,834
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age4348
Years of experience24

What does a dermatology nurse practitioner do?

A dermatology nurse practitioner specializes in providing dermatological assistance and skincare services to patients while under a dermatologist's supervision. Their duties usually include identifying the patients' needs, gathering medical histories, assisting the dermatologist during skin tests, helping patients understand their skin conditions, giving care advice, and participating in administering different treatments for skin issues such as acne, rashes, and burns. They may also assist patients by answering inquiries, referring products or services, and monitoring their conditions before and after operative procedures.

What does a dermatologist do?

A dermatologist is a physician with expertise in diagnosing and treating skin, nail, and hair problems such as rashes and acne. Their responsibilities include conducting initial assessments and examinations, offering consultations and advice, studying a patient's medical histories, and performing non-invasive procedures as needed. They may also prescribe medication and various services, referring patients to other specialists as necessary. Furthermore, as a dermatologist, it is essential to discuss skin conditions and the extent of treatments to patients, helping them learn different care procedures.

Dermatology nurse practitioner vs dermatologist salary

Dermatology nurse practitioners and dermatologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerDermatologist
Average salary$98,727$407,715
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $188,000Between $202,000 And $820,000
Highest paying City-Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state-North Dakota
Best paying company-Allina Health
Best paying industry-Pharmaceutical

Differences between dermatology nurse practitioner and dermatologist education

There are a few differences between a dermatology nurse practitioner and a dermatologist in terms of educational background:

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerDermatologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorNursingBusiness
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Virginia

Dermatology nurse practitioner vs dermatologist demographics

Here are the differences between dermatology nurse practitioners' and dermatologists' demographics:

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerDermatologist
Average age4348
Gender ratioMale, 7.1% Female, 92.9%Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 77.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 18.4% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage12%13%

Differences between dermatology nurse practitioner and dermatologist duties and responsibilities

Dermatology nurse practitioner example responsibilities.

  • Manage pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of diabetes and provide prescriptions and education before discharge from the hospital.
  • Present patient education regarding diagnosis, procedure, and treatment including medication instructions and wind care instructions.
  • Maintain patient medical and pharmaceutical records in EMR.
  • Perform skin biopsies to obtain accurate diagnosis of malignant skin conditions and neoplasms of uncertain behavior.
  • Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team to assess and monitor dermatology patients.
  • Educate patients regarding skin care and products and participate in laser surgeries and cosmetic resurfacing procedures.
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Dermatologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
  • Enter patient information into EMR.
  • Maintain OSHA logs on all equipment.
  • suture removal, assist in MOHS surgery.
  • Scrub multiple hospital procedures (facelifts, liposuction, augmentations, facial reconstructive surgery, breast reconstructive surgery . )
  • Keep medical histories and interview patients to procure or verify information.
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Dermatology nurse practitioner vs dermatologist skills

Common dermatology nurse practitioner skills
  • Patients, 47%
  • Diagnosis, 12%
  • Patient Education, 8%
  • Mohs, 6%
  • Epic, 5%
  • Acls, 5%
Common dermatologist skills
  • Patients, 34%
  • Mohs, 26%
  • Patient Care, 13%
  • EMR, 9%
  • Private Practice, 2%
  • Medical Assistants, 2%

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