4 answers
4
Asked 384 views

Where did you look at going to college that offered degrees in Dermatology?

Where did you look at going to college that offered degrees in Dermatology?

dermatology dermatologists dermotology
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
4

4 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michael’s Answer

Hi Hampton:

Here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Dermatology:

- Harvard University
- Harvard Medical School
- University of Pennsylvania
- Northwestern University
- University of Miami
- Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York)
- University of California (San Francisco)
- John Hopkins University
- Yale University
- University of California (San Diego)
- Stanford University

While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Dermatologist:

- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry

It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be a Dermatologist. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Dermatologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clinical staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.

To become a Dermatologist, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, Chemistry, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a Doctorate Degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.

For education and training, it will take up to 12 years to become a Dermatologist. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school (Allopathic (MD Degree)) or Osteopathic (DO Degree) will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years. Dermatology Certification is obtained via governing entities such as the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology or the American Board of Dermatology.

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Best wishes for your education and career path as a Dermatologist!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Fred’s Answer

A dermatologist is an M.D. To become one, you must get an undergraduate degree, usually in one of the sciences. Biology is a very common choice. Then you go to medical school, which is another four years. After that, you need to get specialized training in your field of choice - for you, dermatology. That could be something like another 3-6 years (I'm guessing).
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Hampton
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Karin’s Answer

Hi Hampton,

A dermatologist is a medical doctor, so you would need to go to medical school. You first need to earn an undergrad degree in any discipline. Many choose biology or biochemistry, but it can really be anything as long as you earn a bachelors (4 years).
You also need to take certain pre-requisite math and science courses.

Every medical school has slightly different requirements, so make sure you check with the schools you would consider what their current rules are. You also need to take the MCAT before you apply to medical school.

You'll be in med school for 4 years. The first 2 years are mostly classroom. The last 2 years are clinical. You'll rotate through several specialties. After passing exams you will be an MD or an DO depending on the path you chose.

Next, you'll choose a specialty to do your residency in, i.e. get further training. The residency for dermatology is 4 years.

Getting into medical school is very competitive. You need to start early to prepare. Obviously, you need a good GPA and a high MCAT score. In high-school, you should take AP or IB or double enrollment (whatever advanced program your school offers), focussing on math and science courses. You should also start to volunteer or job-shadow in a medical environment, e.g. a hospital. Medical schools expect you to have medical experience and demonstrate your dedication to medicine and giving back to the community.

You'll also need letters of recommendation and a personal statement/essay. You might be invited to an interview as part of the selection process. So, start early to get all your ducks in a row.

I left some links for the requirements and admission process for Harvard Medical School as an example. You need to look up similar information for schools you would consider. Also pay attention to the timelines.

I hope this helps! All the best!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-before-you-apply
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Hampton
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome! Karin P.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

ian’s Answer

When researching medical schools, aspiring dermatologists can look to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): an organization that accredits 170 medical colleges in the United States and Canada, as well as 400 teaching hospitals and government health systems such as the Department of Veterans Affairs
0