To apply to PA school, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree with coursework in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and related sciences – plus at least 1,000 hours of hands-on paid or unpaid care experience and clinical shadowing time with PAs, doctors, or NPs.

If you’re certain about becoming a DermPA early on, consider fast-track options designed for students who commit early. These pathways allow you to combine undergraduate and PA coursework, expediting your entry into PA school.

Many future DermPAs begin their careers as EMTs, medical assistants, radiation technicians, CNAs, athletic trainers, paramedics, medical scribes, and more, then pursue PA school with valuable real-world experience.

There are 310 ARC-PA-accredited programs in the United States. Most last about 27 months (three academic years) and include over 2,000 hours of classroom and clinical training in anatomy, pharmacology, and diagnosis. Be sure to select a dermatology elective and seek relevant clinical rotations to boost your chances in this competitive field.

After graduating, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), administered by the NCCPA. Passing this exam earns you the PA-C title and allows you to start practicing medicine.

Once certified, you’ll apply for a license in your state. Every state requires PAs to be licensed. Some states participate in licensure compacts, facilitating easier practice across state lines.

Some PAs begin practicing in another area, hoping to secure a competitive DermPA position later. Many DermPAs start in general medicine, emergency medicine, or other fields before switching to dermatology – for more hands-on care, better hours, or increased pay.

The more you immerse yourself in dermatology, the more confident and prepared you'll be as a future DermPA. Attend dermatology CME events, shadow practicing DermPAs, get published in a dermatology-related journal, and take advantage of the many available opportunities to connect with SDPA to expand your professional network, deepen your expertise, and stand out as a strong DermPA candidate. See our Professional Development page for more info.

SDPA’s Diplomate fellowship is a flexible, self-paced training program for early-career and aspiring DermPAs. It offers a certificate of completion that enhances your resume, fosters clinical confidence, and helps you differentiate yourself to potential employers.

Some aspiring DermPAs secure dermatology jobs even before graduating from PA school, especially if they’ve gained strong elective experience and professional connections.

DermPAs can focus on and practice in a variety of dermatologic subspecialties:

• Medical Dermatology: Treat chronic and complex and chronic skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and autoimmune diseases.
• Surgical Dermatology: Assist with excisions, mole removals, biopsies, Mohs surgery procedures, and skin reconstruction.
• Cosmetic Dermatology: Provide laser therapy, chemical peels, injectables, and varicose vein treatments.
• Pediatric Dermatology: Care for infants, children, and teens with common and rare skin conditions.

Nearly all DermPAs practice medical dermatology. Many also provide cosmetic or surgical services.

• 98% perform procedures.
• 97% perform surgical procedures, including excisions.
• 12% assist with Mohs surgery.
• 64% perform cosmetic procedures (most commonly neurotoxin injections).

SDPA’s Diplomate fellowship is a benchmark training program for new and early-career DermPAs. It offers flexible, self-paced training modules designed to build your clinical confidence in dermatology practices, along with a certificate of completion that enhances your resume and helps you stand out to employers.

Many DermPAs work in smaller private practices, including single-specialty dermatology clinics, multi-specialty options, and crossover clinics like allergy and rheumatology.

DermPAs working in university systems practice a little differently than those in other settings. They typically see fewer patients, about 25 to 30 patients per day, and may participate in teaching and research.

A smaller number of DermPAs work in hospitals, providing dermatologic consultations and occasional on-call support.

Many DermPAs work in larger dermatology-specific clinics and practices operated by national healthcare or investment groups.

Many DermPAs pursue doctoral and master’s degrees, such as DMSc, DMS, Doctorate of Physician Associates (DPA), PhDs, BMS Medical Science, and Master of Public Health, to move into academia, where they become professors, or to advance in healthcare leadership, including leadership roles in hospital systems and boards.

DermPAs can go up the ranks as Medical Directors and Medical Science Liaisons (MLS) in pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

DermPAs are driving dermatology forward through product development, from innovating new skincare products and treatments to creating digital scheduling tools and other health tech to improve patient care.

DermPAs can advance into hospital leadership roles, serving on hospital boards, administrative teams, and governance councils.

Some experienced DermPAs may own and operate their own private practices, employing physicians as collaborators, but they are the practice owners.

DermPAs contribute to dermatological breakthroughs through publication and leading and supporting cutting-edge clinical trials as Primary Investigators (PIs) and Sub-Primary Investigators (Sub-PIs).