In today’s world, appearance holds significant importance, and even minor skin issues can cause considerable stress. This growing concern has led to an increasing demand for career opportunities in the field of dermatology.
Candidates who have completed their MBBS degree and are looking for a master’s program then pursuing dermatology can be a great career option.
In dermatology, candidates can opt for postgraduate courses such as MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy or Diploma. These programs provide in-depth knowledge and practical training in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders in children’s and adults.
Before we begin to discuss, courses and career opportunities in the field of Dermatology, let’s first understand what Dermatology is:
What is Dermatology
“Dermatology is the branch of medicine that generally deals with skin diseases and disorders. This field of medicine is also concerned with treating hair, scalp and nail diseases”.
A physician who is specialized in the field of dermatology are called dermatologists. A dermatologist has proper training and expertise in handling and managing skin disorders and related diseases.
Dermatology has different branches or specialization, which can further be studied by opting for a specialized diploma training or super specialization program. Some of the popular subspecialties include:
- Pediatric Dermatology (focused on children’s skin)
- Dermatopathology (study of skin diseases under a microscope)
- Procedural Dermatology (skin treatments and surgeries)
- Cosmetic Dermatology (improving skin appearance)
- Immunodermatology (skin issues related to the immune system)
- Graduates can opt for specialization as per their interest in any one of the aforesaid field.
Also Check – Courses After 12th
Dermatology Courses
How can i become a dermatologist?
Well to answer this question in short, candidates need to study MBBS and pursue MD in Dermatology at postgraduate level.
Dermatology is known as one of the highly competitive medical fields, that requires years of education and training in the medical field.
Lets us discuss various courses in dermatology:
Undergraduate Level (MBBS)
The first step towards becoming a dermatologist is completing an MBBS, which includes basic medical training with a focus on understanding human anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Postgraduate Level (MD in Dermatology)
A doctor of medicine in Dermatology is a postgraduate program that candidates can pursue after completing their MBBS degree.
It is a 3 year program and covers covers clinical dermatology, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology.
Diploma in Dermatology
A diploma in dermatology is a 2 year program focused on training in dermatology, venereology, and leprosy.
- Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy (DDVL)
Super Specialization Courses
Candidates can also pursue super specializations or fellowship programmes with a duration of 1 to 2 year. Some of the popular programmes are listed below:
- Fellowship in Dermatopathology
- Fellowship in Pediatric Dermatology
- Fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology
- Fellowship in Procedural Dermatology
- Fellowship in Immunodermatology
Short Term Courses
The short term courses are generally certificate programs with a duration of 6 months to 1 year. These courses provide practical knowledge on cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, use of lasers in treating various skin conditions, surgical techniques etc.
- Certificate in Aesthetic Dermatology
- Laser Dermatology Course
- Advanced Dermatosurgery
- Certificate in Venereology and Leprosy
Admission Process
What will be the procedure to get admission in Dermatology courses?
Candidates aspire to become a dermatologist need to pursue an MBBS course at the first step. The admission in an MBBS program is offered through National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2025).
After completing the MBBS degree from a recognised institutions, candidates have to qualify NEET PG or INI CET entrance exam for admission to PG medical courses like MD in dermatology.
For admission to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), PGIMER and JIPMER candidates are required to appear in the INI CET examination.
Here we are providing a list of some of the top PG entrance test, for admission to dermatology courses:
Top Dermatology Colleges in India
Where to get admissions to study dermatology courses?
Here is the list of some of the top colleges/universities offering MD Dermatology in India:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Mumbai
- Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- BHU – Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi
- Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
After obtaining a degree in Dermatology, you can start up your career as a “Dermatologist”.
Jobs & Career
As a Dermatologist candidates can find lots of lucrative career opportunities in private as well public sector hospitals, research institutions, cosmetic and aesthetic clinics etc.
These days many factors like rising environmental pollution, changes in the lifestyle and exposure to the UV rays are creating a lot of skin problem among the masses.
In addition to this, more people are getting aware about the skin health and are seeking professional care for conditions like acne, psoriasis, hair fall, eczema etc.
With the increasing skin problems worldwide, the demands of Dermatologist has been growing significantly. As a Dermatologist, you can join private hospital chains, or provide personalized care and treatments by starting your own clinic.
Candidates having interest in teaching/academia can join as a professors or lecturers in medical colleges or hospitals. In public sector, Dermatologist can work with NGO’s, state government hospitals, armed forces and in research institutions.
Duties of a Dermatologist
A dermatologist has the following responsibilities:
- Diagnosis and treat skin cancer, melanomas, moles and skin tumors.
- Treat hair loss, scars and other skin associated problems.
- Performs cosmetic surgery.
- Teach the patient about basic skin care and hair care.
Some top job profiles for dermatologist are:
- Clinical Dermatologist
- Cosmetic Dermatologist
- Dermatopathologist
- Pediatric Dermatologist
- Procedural Dermatologist
- Immunodermatologist
- Research Dermatologist
- Teledermatologist
- Academic Dermatologist
- Industrial Dermatologist
- Dermatology Consultant
- Public Health Dermatologist
- Entrepreneurial Dermatologist
Salary
Dermatologists are one of the highest paid medical specialties.
Dermatologists earns a good remuneration depending upon experience, location and work. In India, average salary of a dermatologist is Rs 8 to 12 lakhs per year. Experience matters a lot in this profession. Candidates with few years of experience can earn in the salary of range of Rs 12 to 18 lakhs per year.
Salary in government hospital depends upon the pay scale decided by the government. Salary packages offered to dermatologist depends on the several factors like job experience, working skills, qualifications, working area and many other factors.
Dermatologists running their own clinics and specializing in a particular domain can earn significantly well. Their earning potential becomes unlimited with strong skills, expertise, and a growing patient base.
In US, the salary of a dermatologist is around $250,000 to $300000 a year. Dermatologists working in private practices or cosmetic dermatology often earn higher salaries, while those in academic or public health roles may earn less.
Books & Study Materials
To choose best books & study materials for studies matters a lot in education. Here, we have listed some books that helps students in the study of dermatology:
- Cosmetic Dermatology by Leslie Baumann
- Dermatology by Jean L. Bolognia, Joseph L Jorizzo, Ronald P Rapini
- Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy by Thomas P. Habif
- Dermatology: A Pictorial Review by Asra Ali
- Textbook of Clinical Dermatology by Virendra N Sehgal
- Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology by Palit Aparna, Inamadar Arun C, S. Ragunatha, S. Sacchidanand
- A Practical Guide to Dermal Filler Procedures by Rebecca Small
- Dermatology Fundamentals of Practice by Robin Graham Brown and Johnny Bourke
- Treatment of Skin Diseases by J S Pasricha , Kaushal Verma
- Step by Step Treatment of Acne Scars by Niti Khunger
- How to Cure a Skin Disease Vitiligo by J S Pasricha
Career as Dermatologist FAQ’s
If you have any other queries regarding Career as dermatologist, you may ask by commenting below.
My 12th complete in pcm. Can j enable to join the dermatologist course
You can pursue courses in Dermatology after completing an MBBS program.
It is mandatory to have biology in 12th to pursue a dermatology course.
I can get admission in bachler in dermatpgy on 12th sci basis without neet exam. and what is procedure for admission in dis course
Candidates must qualify NEET exam to pursue a MBBS course.
I am doing graduation in BA program , can i do diploma course in dermatology after graduation??
No, Science students are eligible to pursue this course.
I want to pursue a BSc in Dermatology but i haven’t taken biology as a subject in 12th. I have taken chemistry math and physics. Can i get in?
I possess an advanced diploma in dermatoveneology, to undergo for bachelors degree in dermatology will it still be for three years????
I have completed mbbs degree from Bangladesh. Now I want to do a training course on dermatology in India. What procedures should be done for this and what are the requirementes to do this?
Can you pls tell which are the colleges for bsc dermatology in maharashtra???
Kya b pharmacy karne ke baad darmatology kar sakte hai sir please bataiye
Hey guys…can we take a break after completing our pg in dermatology?
How can I become a Dermatology
I did cosmetology .
May i eligible for the dermatologist?
I M persuing msc.in zoology at a time.
M I eligible to do dermatologist course
Sir hum bs dermatology ke badh ic ko as a profession ksy persue kr skty hein ..aur bs k badh kya hum MD kr skty hein??
Hii!I have completed my graduation in this year only(2020) from botany and zoology so kya maine dermatology kr skhti hu???
Plzz suggest me or either I go for cosmetology?
10th after diploma in ECE can i study dermatology??
Hey, Neha hear,I have pursued my BSc in biochemistry.. Can I go for a PG in dermatology? Also, if yes, I wanted to know about the forms and regarding entrance exams if any!
is career in dermatology without doing mbbs .and what do after bs dematologym
Can i get tree diagram to become a dermatologist….it will be helpful for me….Regarda
Mere +2 me 67% marks h kya mai dermatologist me admission k liye bhr skta hu form..or kya MBBS krni jruri h dermatologist banene k liye.
hi,I am in 9th standard and i am planning taking dermatology as a career…..so can you tell that what steps should i start taking forward from now in order to be a future dermatologist.
Sir i have completed my intermidate .. is there any couses on dermatology without mbbs ..and the colleges in india and the fees procedure .. and the income on that courses
Is it possible to start carrier after 12th dermatologist with out doing mbbs
You have to pursue MBBS first.
You have to pursue MBBS first.
How to career dermatology after 12th without doing MBBS..? Pls replay to me☺??
you can pursue diploma or B.Sc in dermatology.
i want to admission dermotologist deploma
Is career in demetology possible after 12 without doing MBBS if yes then what is its procedure pls tell