Salary of a P.A. in DERMATOLOGY

Hi,

I was wondering what a Dermatology Physician's Assistant made on average. I also was wondering what the difference between a Doctor's salary and a P.A.'s salary were?

are you still interested in this topic? if so let me know and we can discuss. Are you a derm PA?

thanks!

Anne

Yes!! I am still interested in this topic.
No I am a student right now at UGA so I am trying to figure everything about P.A. school and Post P.A. school but there isn't much on Derm P.A.'s.

So if you know anything I would really like so information!

do you want to talk on the blog or via email? I am a derm PA and can try and answer many of your questions:)

Anne (New York, New York)

We can do regular e-mail unless this is easier for you. My e-mail is mlsohani@uga.edu

I really appreciate you willing to answer my questions.

(1) I was wondering if it's a harder prgram to enter than any other P.A. specialty?

(2)How much does a derm P.A. usually make in comparison to P.A.s in other specialties?

(3)Do I HAVE to have prior experience in the health-care area before applying to P.A. school?

Thank you,

Monica

I was hoping to hear more on this as well. I'm a PA, practicing for 4 years in OB/GYN (a community health setting). I got extremely burned out on working for the government and was thinking of entering the private sector. I truly enjoyed my derm rotation back in PA school and was thinking (with a young family and needing a very regular, short hours schedule) that derm might be an exciting place to go.

Any advice on looking for jobs, marketing yourself, salaries, part-time options, etc...I'd really appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Anne, I recently graduated from PA school in New York. I am looking to go into Dermatology. I also had a few questions as far as job hunting and salary. I was wondering if you could answer some of them. Thanks

Hi Anne,

I am a new grad in New Mexico and am interested in dermatology. I have experience in this field as a medical technician. I have applied for a position and am awaiting a possible interview and would like to know what a fair starting salary would be?
Thanks for your help...

Hi Anne, I am also interested the question asked by Monica. My email address is kandiekanyne@hotmail.com. Thank you in Advance

Hi Anne,

I stumbled upon this site hoping to find some answers to the type of questions posted above. I am getting ready to complete my BS in Public Health and would like to apply to a PA program in California and focus on dermatology as my specialty. Is it likely to get accepted to the UC Davis program without much medical experience? I have been volunteering at a local hospital for some time now in the SICU, will this count as "experience" when applying? Also, just wondering if you knew what the job market was like in San Diego, especially for new graduates and what to expect for a beginning salary. I can be reached at melissa_budhan@hotmail.com
Thanks!

anne in New York, New York said: do you want to talk on the blog or via email? I am a derm PA and can try and answer many of your questions:)

Anne (New York, New York)

Hi Anne
If it is not an imposition, I would truly appreciate your getting in touch with me at orknot2be@aol.com. I am a PA who has worked in pediatric emergency for 10 years (as well as various part time 2nd jobs) and have recently seen some dermatology positions available and I am seriously considering looking into dermatology. I would be thrilled to discuss this with someone who has firsthand experience.
Thank you in advance for any assistance.
Toby

My name is Stena, I would like to know some of the same things as listed above, I am a student @ PSU hoping to be a derm PA, do you like your job, do you work for a private practice? Was it hard getting a job, do you do surgeries? StenaYancoskie@yahoo.com thank you!

Hey everyone I have gotten a lot of e-mails from everyone asking me about what info Anne gave me. Sorry it has taken me a while.
This is the INFO that Anne gave to me. I asked questions and this is how they answered them.

(1) I was wondering if it's a harder prgram to enter than any other P.A.
specialty?
Dermatology is the #1 specialty in medicine right now and therefore the need
for derm PA's is high. when in PA school you would do a few months of
dermatology training and get much of your training on the job. The first
few months on the job is like a mini residency and after that you are
qualified to do everything a dermatologist can do (including surgery and
cosmetic procedures). You would go through the same schooling as any other
specialty, just chose dermatology rotations while you are in school.

(2) How much does a derm P.A. usually make in comparison to P.A.s in other
specialties?
For a new graduate the range will be the same as any other new PA's graduating, (between 75k-95k aprox, depending on the region) but after a year or two of experience and joining the right practice most derm PA's make well over 100K (with a range of 100k-200k and up). so yes, dermatology PA's and Plastic Surgery PA's make the most money in terms of PA's

More of the Question/Answers from Anne.

(3) Do I HAVE to have prior experience in the health-care area before
applying to P.A. school?
Yes, you would want to have some hands on
experience...every school is different regarding how much they
require...even if its volunteer work etc...make sure to shadow a PA before
applying to school and get as much healthcare experience as you can. also,
doing things like first aid and BCLS before you apply to school will improve
your resume.

(4)As a Derm-P.A. do you have your own patients, or do you see patients
>along-side a doctor?
All of my own patients, my own schedule. As a P.A. I do everything from
general dermatology to laser, botox, small surgeries etc...on my own. Some
derm PA's would see some patients with the m.d. but its up to you what kind
of job you want.

(4) Do I have to shadow a P.A. or can I shadow and observe Doctors? And What is P.A. school like?
YOu can def. shadow doctors but try and shadow one PA as well to get a feeling for the profession (even though all jobs are very different)...certain specialties are easy to find jobs and others take a little longer to find what you are looking for but overall there are a lot of jobs out there....PA school is very very hard....Even harder then Medical school since you are learning the same things in less time and much more intense/long days....but its worth it in the end. The first year you will have no time for yourself as you will be studying every since day including weekends.

I am currently in the process of looking for a derm PA position in NY (I recently graduated in Aug). I have been on a few interviews and the starting salaries I have been hearing are around 65k because of the fact that I do not have as much experience. I feel like I have worked extremely hard to get where I am, attain a Masters and now have all these loans to pay off; I am just a little disappointed with the starting pay after reading online in various chats that a PA salary start for a specialty should be in the range you mentioned (75k-95k). How should I go about this when on interviews? Should I be negotiating more?? Please anyone that can help or give advice...thank you!

anne in New York, New York said: do you want to talk on the blog or via email? I am a derm PA and can try and answer many of your questions:)

Anne (New York, New York)

Hi,
Sorry for not responding for a while. I was answering general questions regarding dermatology PA's for someone who is not yet a PA...I am working in dermatology but only graduated last year and dont know how much help I can be to PA's who have been in the field for many years...it was def. hard finding that first job in dermatology as your first job has to be willing to take you on almost as a resident since dermatology is a specialty with very little overlap into other specialties....Derm's try to get you to take less money because they use the "no experience" as an excuse (esp. in NY). but be firm and know your worth and you will start out making more if they see you are not willing to negotiate below your worth. I agree 65K is way too low and no one should accept an offer like that...remember, if you accept a low salary (65K being closer to a nursing salary) you might end up being treated that way. If you accept a starting salary of a PA you will be treated like a PA.

Kelly in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Hi Anne,

I am a new grad in New Mexico and am interested in dermatology. I have experience in this field as a medical technician. I have applied for a position and am awaiting a possible interview and would like to know what a fair starting salary would be?
Thanks for your help...

new grad PA or medical technician? I dont really know salary ranges for new mexico for PA's....you should contact the society of derm PA's....

anne, if you dont mind me asking did u start off with a base salary in derm of 75k or more or did u train for a few months and then they bumped you up??

Hi Anne,

I have a couple of questions about derm PA's..if you could answer some of these questions..I would really appreciate it..You can e-mail me at xsfong@gmail.com. I am conducting interviews for my school project as well as finding out information for future reference. I'm a PA student.

1) What are your responsibilities as a PA? What type of setting do you work in?
2) What is your typical day like?
3) How did you come to work in dermatology?
4) Are there any special qualifications or additional education needed?
5) What is your relationship to MD doctors in the derm field?
6) What is the general attitude towards PA in this field?
7) What are your opinions and attitudes towards additional residency programs PA's should take after graduation?

Thank you so much for your time!

I'm very interested in becoming a PA in dermatology. I'm in my second year of college and am a biology major. I couldn't really find any information on the internet but I found this blog and thought you could maybe help me with some general questions. It seems like you've been very willing to assist others! Basically I'm just wondering if it's hard to get a job in this profession, on average how much it pays, and what route for school should I follow? I really don't know anything about this but know I want to go into dermatology; the only thing is I don't want to be in school for 12 years to become an actual dermatologist so I think a dermatology PA is the perfect profession for me. Any comments, thoughts, or ideas would be very helpful to me! You can email me at annie.taylor@uwrf.edu if that would be easier for you.

Thanks!
-Annie :)

www.aapa.org/pgmlist.php3

check out this sight to start locating the local programs and go to their websites to learn about admissions criteria/degrees offered/pre-reqs

Nicole in New Hyde Park, New York said: Anne is there a way I can get in touch with you. I am a new grad in New York finding it very difficult getting into a profession I really enjoy.

Nicole,
Are you looking for a Derm PA position? We are located in Albany NY.

Thank you so much for the offer Zea, but I live on Long Island. I currently have a position at an office here where they are going to train me to be a derm PA. Do you have any suggestions on how to learn the derm world?

I have worked for 2 years as a PA in Oregon and am interested in working in dermatology. I did complete a dermatology rotation during PA school but I would still need on the job training. Does anyone know of any openings in the Portland area? Please let me know! Thank you!

Hi all,

This question is mainly posted for Anne but anyone with helpful tips/advice feel free to answer! I just recently graduated from PA school and have a job offer at a private derm practice. The main reason I have this job lined up was because prior to PA school and during the didactic year I worked there as a medical assistant. So, my main Qs have to do with salary negotiations. Anne, I am also located in NYC, the job is located in LI and my MD does not work every day. She's open 3 days a week (looking to expand later on when I'm more experienced). Given this non full time position what do you suggest I bargain for my salary? I assume she won't be willing to offer me (75-95K). Do you know the NYC hourly rate for per diem?

Do you have any ideas on getting paid for what you bill? Does that sound like a smart route to go in addition to a salary? Also, we do cosmetic procedures there too, do you suggest I take a cut for every procedure I do? Like everyone else, I have loans to pay off and really need to negotiate the best money given her hours.

I really appreciate your help. I want to be armed with the best info before I sit down and talk money with my MD. Thanks in advance!

Does anyone know what a derm PA should make per diem or part time?? Thanks for your help.

Monica in Athens, Georgia said: Yes!! I am still interested in this topic.
No I am a student right now at UGA so I am trying to figure everything about P.A. school and Post P.A. school but there isn't much on Derm P.A.'s.

Derm jobs and asthetics can be very high paying as I've posted jobs at the $150,000+ in the right location and share of business-production income, bill@paworld.net

Hi, I'm a student in Oakland California getting my MPA. I'm very interested in Derm and I have worked as a medical assistant in Los Angeles in Derm prior to PA school. I'm starting my clinical rotations in January and I'm looking for a preceptor in Derm for 5 or more weeks. I'm afraid my school may not get me a Derm rotation so I'm trying to find one for myself, but I don't have connections in this dept in N. Cal. Any suggestions or current PA's or MD's willing to be my preceptor? I'm willing to travel for a good rotation because I want to go into derm when I graduate in 2008. Thanks

Stacey, search for Derm employers to querry about a rotation at PAworld.net/jobs/ also use astethics as a search term. I know there are some in there since Derm is so popular. Best wishes, and let me know if there is anything more I may do to help, bill@paworld.net

I will be interviewing for PA school on Feb 15. Can someone offer advice on how I should prep? Thanks:-)
Zee

Hi Anne,
I will be applying to PA school for the following year and I have been looking for a PA in dermatology to shadow in NYC. Would you be open to talking with me? You can reach me here or via email: ms.teresa.luong@gmail.com

Thank you,
Teresa

Anne in New York, New York said: Hi,
Sorry for not responding for a while. I was answering general questions regarding dermatology PA's for someone who is not yet a PA...I am working in dermatology but only graduated last year and dont know how much help I can be to PA's who have been in the field for many years...it was def. hard finding that first job in dermatology as your first job has to be willing to take you on almost as a resident since dermatology is a specialty with very little overlap into other specialties....Derm's try to get you to take less money because they use the "no experience" as an excuse (esp. in NY). but be firm and know your worth and you will start out making more if they see you are not willing to negotiate below your worth. I agree 65K is way too low and no one should accept an offer like that...remember, if you accept a low salary (65K being closer to a nursing salary) you might end up being treated that way. If you accept a starting salary of a PA you will be treated like a PA.

Monica in Duluth, Georgia said: Hi,

I was wondering what a Dermatology Physician's Assistant made on average. I also was wondering what the difference between a Doctor's salary and a P.A.'s salary were?

Right now PAs are being paid top dollar for Derm, Skin, MedSpas often 100K+ Mainly because these practices are outside the reimbusement issues that limit other specialties.

You can find excellent compensation numbers at salary.com

MD/DO earnings vary mostly due to owning the practice vs a partner vs employee. again salary.com can help you there also.

I hope this helps, best wishes, bill

salary in dermatology depends on your worth to the practice. If you are quick and do a lot of procedures and cosmetic, you can make a very nice salary. I know many PA's who make between 150k-200K as well as a few who make 300K+. Starting out is prob around 80-100K but with a year or two of experience the numbers go up. This is just from my experience. You also have to consider the number of years in training and reduced debt from not having to pay off 10 years of student loans and the expense of a practice. Most derm PA's do the exact same things on a day to day basis as their MD/DO counterparts. Hope this helps.

anne in New York, New York said: do you want to talk on the blog or via email? I am a derm PA and can try and answer many of your questions:)

Anne (New York, New York)

Hi Anne, my name is Grace Halleran- hofstra PA student, i am very interested in derm. i would love some information if you could please email me ghalle1@pride.hofstra.edu

i currently have 8 yrs in family practice and looking to change careers to derm. the practice i am interviewing with would start me at a base salary, then once i have built a practice it would turn to 100% commission base salary. is this the norm for derm pa's nation wide? should this be a concern? the current PA in the practice has been there 4 yrs and is making over 100k a year on 100% commission. i just want to make sure that i am not getting myself into deep waters with this plan. thanks for your commments.

There are many ways to structure a compensation package-if you'd like an alternative then you should ask for what makes you feel safe and properly compensated. Derm jobs are very hot now and pending your location should be making at least $85K and many are offering over 100K. I hope this helps.

PAworld.net/jobs/

megan in Newton Center, Massachusetts said: I was hoping to hear more on this as well. I'm a PA, practicing for 4 years in OB/GYN (a community health setting). I got extremely burned out on working for the government and was thinking of entering the private sector. I truly enjoyed my derm rotation back in PA school and was thinking (with a young family and needing a very regular, short hours schedule) that derm might be an exciting place to go.

Any advice on looking for jobs, marketing yourself, salaries, part-time options, etc...I'd really appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Hey,
My name is Uju. can you tell me how i will get into the program, do you have to have a degree before you enter in tne progam?Thanks

Derm is very hot right now-there are more derm jobs than PAs can fill. Florida and So. California are expecially hot. Take a look at

PAworld.net/jobs/
NPworld.us/jobs

Most will train and most offer top end salaries. I hope this helps, best wishes, bill

I am looking to do my elective PA rotations in NYC. I was wondering if anyone knew any preceptors in the Derm and/or OB/GYN area that accept students?

Hi Andrea: I suggest searching PAworld.us/jobs/ and NPworld.us/jobs/ for those who have hired PAs and NPs and are most likely to accept you for your clinicals. We've helped PAs all over the country find clinical rotations.

best wishes, bill

I am about to graduate from PA school this month and will be considering an offer at a dermatology practice once a salary is offered to me. Can anyone give me a good idea of what to expect for a starting salary/benefits in the field of dermatology as a new graduate? I understand that being a new grad may put me on the lower end of the spectrum, but I do not want to be low-balled either. I have classmates that are being offered $75K with great benefit in family practice but I don't know what to expect for dermatology. Any input would be helpful.

Salary.com for Nashville TN says 66K is in the lowest 10%, 73,767K lowest 25% 91K in the 75% and 100k+ 90%

Dermatology is hot and most are willing to pay new grads just about experienced.

So unless you are willing to give up $$$ for location, or some other reason, I think you need to take another look. But you are the one on the ground there and it's very common for PAs and NPs to work 1-2 years and then find better employment.

There are more jobs than providers and you will be the best judge to keep looking or get some experience and keep an eye out for greener pastures.

Don't sell yourself short, you are a PA and you should command both respect and fair compensation.

I'm willing to email off list if you want, best wishes, biil@paworld.net

I want to school to be a P.A. in dermatology, and right now I am taking general classes for my AA degree. Can anyone tell me what degree program I need to start taking classes for in order to get into this program.

Each PA school has their own course work required to enroll. So you will need to pick out a few PA schools you might like to attend, and visit their website to see what you will need.

best wishes, bill@paworld.net

Derm PA's! I am so excited to find others that are exactly what I'm interested in! I need guidence.

I am 30 years old and starting from scratch. I do not have a bachelor's degree, so I know that this is a long road for me, and that's ok. I am currently finishing up an esthetician license which I started to motivate me on this path to continue towards what I really want, which is to be a derm PA.

Any advice would be highly appreciated! I live in San Francisco and would like to stay with in the Bay Area.

Hey Ladies...

As I stumbled upon this forum..I noticed many questions regarding how to get into PA school unanswered..Hope the information I post is helpful...

Most PA schools throughout the country either have BA programs or MA programs. I learned that it doesn't matter what you hold as long as you attend an accredited program that enables to to take the certification exam.. once you pass...your certified..and therefore are able to find a job practicing in any field of your interest.

You will need to take pre-req's to get it. Such as Biology 1&2, Chemistry 1&2, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Math. Every program is different and requires different classes, but the ones I posted seem to be universal. Also, some require the GRE's or MCAT scores to get in. For more information regarding programs and pre-req's visit caspa.org

My advice to those who plan on applying to PA school..Do well in all your classes, especially your science classes..get as much patient care exposure as you can( volunteer or shadow a PA or M.D)and dont give up even if you dont succeed the first time try again..

Good Luck... if you have any other questions please feel free to email me j.mdina@gmail.com

I am a PA working in Aesthetic Derm. I am a new grad and started off with 82K....i do work 6 days/week only 6 hrs/day though....its a great schedule....i wasnt willing to accept less than that...i also came across many offers 65-70K.....but if you wait it out, you will find something, dont let our profession down! We all know that we worked extremely hard to get to where we are, not mentioning all those crazy loans! Good luck everyone!

Outstanding Sophia, that's great news and advice...go team go!

My goal in the end of all this schooling is to be a PA working in Dermatology. I'm literally just beginning the whole process of pre-reqs and such. What was your path in getting enough hours of healthcare experience to be excepted for PA school?

Kelly in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Hi Anne,

I am a new grad in New Mexico and am interested in dermatology. I have experience in this field as a medical technician. I have applied for a position and am awaiting a possible interview and would like to know what a fair starting salary would be?
Thanks for your help...

If you did not go to PA school and are not a board certified PA then you cannot work as a PA. PA's go through intense medical training. I think you may be confused about the profession. Did you say you were a medical technician?

Anne