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Dermatologist (MD)

Occupation Information table
Overview: Dermatologists diagnose and treat diseases of the human skin. They take specimens of the patient's skin to analyze by microscope or other instruments to check for cancer, infection, or fungi. They administer therapy, prescribe medication, treat burns and remove skin growths.
Duties: They diagnose patient's skin diseases, infections and problems. This often requires taking specimens of the patient's skin for laboratory analysis.

Treat skin cancers and pre-cancerous moles and growths by removal and freezing. Treat burns and may perform skin grafts. They use chemical treatments to smooth skin texture.

Diagnose and treat facial skin blemishes. Advise patients about skin care and dangers of excessive sun exposure. They prescribe sun screen creams for special skin problems.

Prescribe medication and skin cosmetic agents for treatment of loss of pigmentation which reduces the skin's natural protection against the sun.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $110,000 to $125,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: This occupation generally requires an advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.). The typical commitment is a minimum of 3 years of study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
Additional Training/Education: All states require dermatologists to be licensed. Licensing involves graduation from a medical school (usually 4 years), passing an examination, and up to 7 years of "residency" graduate medical training in dermatology. The minimum educational requirement for acceptance to most medical schools is 3 years of college study.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Analyzing the symptoms of a problem and deciding what actions should be taken to resolve the problem.
Recommended Values:
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.