Dermatologist

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Work Tasks

• Diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the skin
• Examine patients, get medical histories, order tests, and prescribe medication
• Advise patients on good health practices such as diet and hygiene
• Remove unwanted or dangerous moles and other things from the skin
• Work inside in offices and labs, in private practice, or for hospitals
• Work with lab equipment, surgical instruments and treatments, and medications

Salary, Size & Growth

• $235,500 average per year ($113.25 per hour)
• A large occupation (293,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year undergraduate degree, plus 4 years of medical school, and 6 to 8 years of internship and residency
• Skills/Courses: College courses include four years of medical school, a post-graduate medical education (residency) program, and general patient care
• Certification/Licensing: All states require physicians to be licensed.