What is a Dermatology Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner?

Physician assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in dermatology evaluate, diagnosis and treat a broad variety of conditions that are treated both medically and surgically. They also perform screening exams, preventive care and education for dermatologic patients and families. Building on their primary-care training and experience, PAs and NPs are trained in dermatology in a variety of ways. Most dermatology PAs and NPs are trained in the clinic by the collaborating dermatologist and together the physician -PA/NP team will decide the practice style, collaboration agreement, and delegation of services which they find appropriate for their practice. Most PAs and NPs work autonomously within a dermatology office seeing a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic patients but always with the support of a board certified or board eligible dermatologist. 

PAs and NPs get additional education through their required CME hours, attendance at AAD, SDPA and other dermatology based conferences, tumor boards, dermatology grand rounds and self-study courses.  PAs and NPs hold a master’s degree.   Some NPs have their doctorate.  PAs and NPs lecture at their university programs and serve as preceptors to PA and NP students.  PAs must sit for a comprehensive national board exam every 10 years in order to remain board certified and be licensed to practice.  NPs must reapply for certification every 5 years by meeting specific requirements of CME hours, clinical hours, or teaching hours.