Earn an ASN to Become a Dermatology Nurse

Nursing is a very broad field with many different specialties that one could focus on. Regardless of what you want to specialize in, you the first order of business is to become a registered nurse (RN) by either graduating with an associate of science in nursing. 

Usually, when obtaining an ASN, courses won’t be focused on the specialty in which you wish to begin your career, but instead will give you a broad education of nursing as a whole, which will give you tools for an entry-level nursing job.  Once you graduate, you will have to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) which will allow you to work in your state.  If you wish to further without your career, you will also want to think about continuing your education.

Requirements for Dermatology Nurse with ASN

In order to be eligible for a certification in dermatology as an RN, you must work in a dermatological setting for a minimum of 2 years, and have 2,000 hours of experience.  Once you have completed that, you can take the certification exam which allows you to be Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC).  The exam consists of multiple choice questions that will test your knowledge of everything dermatology related.  This certification is not mandatory, but it does increase your chances for employment.

As a dermatology nurse, day-to-day responsibilities include but are not limited to caring for patients with:

• Cancer
• Skin diseases
• Skin damage

Some practices also offer cosmetic dermatology which offers laser hair removal, laser treatment for scars, and procedures such as botox.

Salary and Career Outlook for ASN and Dermatology

Similar to any career, salary can vary depending on employer and geographic location.  Generally, as a nurse in dermatology, you can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $75,000 annually. As our technology continues to advance within the field, the demand for nurses in dermatology also rises.