Dermatology Procedures Training for Physician Assistants (PA)
Advance your PA career with specialized dermatology training. Learn skin biopsies, cryotherapy, lesion removal, and dermoscopy from board-certified dermatologists. High-demand skills for dermatology practices and primary care.
Why Physician Assistants Are Choosing Dermatology
Your PA training provides an excellent foundation for dermatological procedures. Dermatology-trained PAs are in high demand due to dermatologist shortages nationwide.
- Strong Clinical Foundation: Your PA education includes extensive anatomy, pharmacology, and procedural training that transfers directly to dermatological procedures.
- High-Demand Specialty: Dermatologist shortages have created strong demand for PAs who can perform biopsies, cryotherapy, and manage skin conditions.
- Hands-On Training: Practice biopsies, cryotherapy, suturing, and dermoscopy under direct supervision of board-certified dermatologists.
- Career Advancement: Dermatology PA positions offer excellent compensation, better work-life balance, and opportunities in private practice, academic settings, and multi-specialty groups.
- Team-Based Care: Work collaboratively with dermatologists who value PA efficiency and patient care skills in procedure-focused settings.
What Physician Assistants Learn in Dermatology Training
A comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare PAs for dermatological procedures.
Lesion Identification & Skin Cancer Detection
Build on your PA anatomy foundation with specialized training in identifying benign, pre-cancerous, and malignant lesions. Master melanoma detection, the ABCDE criteria, and dermoscopy patterns.
Biopsy Techniques
Master punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and excisional biopsy techniques under expert faculty supervision. Learn proper selection, technique, specimen handling, and pathology protocols.
Cryotherapy
Learn cryotherapy applications for warts, actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, and other lesions. Understand technique and patient management.
Dermoscopy
Master dermatoscope use for enhanced lesion evaluation. Learn to identify benign and concerning patterns.
Suturing Techniques
Practice simple interrupted, mattress, and corner sutures. Learn wound closure principles for optimal outcomes.
Career Development
Job placement resources, understanding dermatology practice structures, and compensation negotiations for PA positions.
Dermatology Scope of Practice for Physician Assistants (PA)
Understanding your practice authority and career opportunities in dermatology.
PA Practice Authority for Dermatology Procedures
PAs can perform dermatological procedures in all 50 states as part of their delegated scope of practice under physician supervision. The level of supervision varies by state—many allow "general supervision" where the physician doesn't need to be physically present. Some states have adopted Optimal Team Practice (OTP) legislation allowing PAs greater autonomy. Your supervising physician determines which procedures you can perform based on your training and demonstrated competency.
Career Opportunities
Dermatology practices, primary care, urgent care, academic medical centers—dermatology PAs are highly sought after.
Procedures You'll Perform
- Punch, shave & excisional biopsies
- Cryotherapy for lesions & warts
- Skin tag & mole removal
- Dermoscopy evaluation
- Wound closure & suturing
Supervision Models
Work with dermatologists, primary care physicians, or in multi-specialty groups. The supervisory relationship is typically provided by your employer in dermatology settings.
Practice Settings
Dermatology private practices, academic dermatology departments, multi-specialty groups, primary care clinics, and urgent care centers all employ dermatology-trained PAs.
High Demand for Dermatology PAs
With dermatologist shortages across the country, PAs trained in dermatological procedures fill a critical healthcare need. Many dermatology practices rely on PAs to see patients efficiently while maintaining quality care. Your medical model training and procedural competency make you highly valuable in this specialty.
Team-Based Dermatology Care
PAs thrive in the team-based model common in dermatology practices. Work alongside supervising dermatologists, managing a significant patient panel with appropriate oversight. Your ability to perform biopsies, cryotherapy, and manage common conditions independently (with supervision) makes you an essential team member.
Dermatology Procedures Training Course Dates for Physician Assistants (PA)
Browse upcoming dermatology training courses. All courses include hands-on surgical practice.
Empire-Virtual-Training
Jan 8 - Jan 8, 2027| Date | Course | Time | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fri
Jan
8
Fri, Jan 8, 2027
|
Dermatology Procedures for the Primary Care Practice | $799 $849 |
Newark, NJ
Nov 7 - Nov 7, 2026| Date | Course | Time | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat
Nov
7
Sat, Nov 7, 2026
|
Dermatology Procedures for the Primary Care Practice |
8:00 AM ET
|
$1,949 $2,149 |
Dermatology Training FAQ for Physician Assistants
Common questions about dermatology training for physician assistants.
Ready to Advance Your PA Career in Dermatology?
Join thousands of physician assistants who have expanded their careers with AAOPM dermatology training. Register today or speak with our team.
