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 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!

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??

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

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

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.

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

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?

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!

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

Are you a PA? Do you know what a PA is? Hope I can help but I need a little more information. Thanks:)

Hi Anne,
I currently live in NYC and I am applying to PA school for the following term but have not had any luck finding a PA that is amenable to letting me shadow them. There is a lot of initial interest (I have contacted all PA's that we have as contacts at my work) but I think the logistics get complicated b/c I am not an employee. Do you have any suggestions for me? Do you know the best route to finding a PA that will allow me to shadow them?

Your help is greatly appreciated!
Teresa

bill@paworld.net in Appleton, Wisconsin said: Teresa in New York, New York

You may find it helpful to search our job pages as often they are glad to help with shadowing. PAworld.net/jobs/

best wishes, and welcome to PAworld, bill

Hi. I am looking to shadow a PA also,( thanks for the advice) , i went to the link but there are so many sites/phone numbers. How do you procede from there? Do you have to be a member? Thank you.

you have to be a member? NO-it's always free to candidates and students and interested parties.

When you scroll down the page at
PAworld.net/jobs/

you will find a search bar using Google so you may search by city, state, etc. shoule help narrow it down for you. There are several years of job posts so you may want to try the email first-but if they've posted a job since 2004 to present I most likely have them on those pages.

You may also search at NPworld.us/jobs/

I hope it helps...bill

Thanks. I look it up.

Do you know of any opportunity in the Charleston, SC area? I am currently undergoing classes for my pre-req's (just beginning this process!) I want to apply and attend MUSC. ANy advice?

Also, did you work at all during school to get $$ or did you rely solely on loans? How much debt should I expect to incur? Thanks!

Most programs do not allow much time in order to work because they are so intense. I never would have had the time or energy to work in addition to class and studying. I lived off student loans and incurred a total of about $75,000 in debt. This can be more or less depending if you have someone to help you, and where you are going to school. I also had help from my boyfriend since he worked, but was living in an area that had a very inflated cost of living.

Hi all, I am a PA who has worked in derm for 8 months while also working in an Emergency Room, and love it. I am having a hard time locating a new position in dermatology in the NJ or SI area. Does anyone know of any openings or location with derm job listings?

Santo.

Santo send me your resume to get the word out, bill@paworld.net

Hello,
I have recently decided on being a PA as a career and have looked into Towson U's PA program. I know I have a ways to go before I reach my goal, but can anyone tell me the difference in salary (starting-max including # of years) for a Derm PA and one who specializes in plastic surgery as I am interested in both. Thank You for your help. If you could would you please email me at tcbcms@comcast.net

Hi,
Can someone tell me what PA schools exist in California that emphasize in dermatology? If I attend a program in another state, could that lessen my chances of finding a job back in California after graduation?
Thank you for your help.
Lisa

Hi there,
I'm just going into my sophmore year in college and I stumbled across information about PA's this summer. I became really interested in the program, especially when I discovered the Derm option.
I have been switching my major back and forth this past year between Biomedical Sciences & Kinesiology. I didn't know if there is a specific degree you should have before applying for PA school, or if they accept most health related majors. I feel a bit lost, I must say, because I finally found what I want to do.. I just do not know how to go about pursuing it. If anyone has any advice to give to someone who is just starting the PA journey, please let me know!! I would really appreciate it.