17 Dermatology Fellowship and Training Opportunities for Nurse Practitioners
Specializing in dermatology as a Nurse Practitioner opens doors to exciting clinical, academic, and entrepreneurial opportunities. If you want to enhance your skills, these fellowships and training programs offer structured pathways to gain expertise in dermatological care. In this article, I’ve curated a list of available programs, complete with program details, durations, costs (where available), and direct links for more information. Note: You’ll find a combination of paid opportunities and fee-based programs. Some programs require/prefer participants to be state residents and/or practice in the state upon completion. Details and program requirements are subject to change. Contact each program directly to confirm requirements and pertinent information.
1. Lahey Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Training Program
Location: Burlington, Massachusetts
The Lahey Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Training Program is designed for nurse practitioners eager to deepen their dermatology knowledge. This program emphasizes evidence-based practices and offers direct mentorship from experienced dermatologists.
Program Highlights:
o Comprehensive training in medical and surgical dermatology.
o Hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating skin disorders.
o Exposure to advanced dermatological treatments and technologies.
o The program is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
-I had the pleasure of interviewing Victoria Garcia-Albea, PNP, DCNP, the Director. You can read her interview here to learn more.
2. University of Rochester Medical Center: Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellowship
Location: Rochester, New York
This program equips NPs with the skills necessary to excel in dermatology and related specialties. The fellowship includes a mix of clinical practice and academic learning.
Program Highlights:
o Access to leading dermatology specialists and resources.
o Rotations in medical, pediatric, and surgical dermatology.
3. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
FAU’s certificate program focuses on preparing NPs to manage a wide variety of dermatological conditions. The curriculum covers clinical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology practices.
Program Highlights:
o Self-paced curriculum designed for practicing NPs.
o Strong emphasis on dermatological diagnostics and treatment.
-Fun Fact: Dr. Susan Taylor, MD works here! She’s the 2025 President of the American Academy of Dermatology and author of some of my favorite dermatology textbooks for skin of color.
7. University of Utah’s Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
This fellowship provides in-depth dermatology training through a combination of clinical rotations, mentorship, and didactic learning.
Program Highlights:
o Multidisciplinary approach to dermatological care.
o Emphasis on patient-centered care and procedural training.
Derm Boot Camp, led by Dr. Scott Boswell, is an intensive online program designed for nurse practitioners and physician assistants seeking foundational dermatology training.
Program Highlights:
o Virtual learning with comprehensive modules covering medical dermatology.
o Suitable for beginners and those looking to enhance their dermatology knowledge.
-I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Boswell. I invite you to read his interview here
12. Achieve Program with Diversity in Dermatology
Location: Virtual
The Achieve Program by Diversity in Dermatology is a 12-month, online didactic program designed for NPs and PAs in the first three years of their dermatology practice to develop their foundation in medical dermatology. You'll receive a textbook and access to online resources. You will be invited to participate in meetings with our Esteemed Faculty of Dermatologists and NP and PA Mentors. All participants are celebrated during the annual DID conference the following year where you'll meet your cohort, the DID Leaders, and receive a certification of completion.
Program Highlights:
o Focus on mentorship, clinical experience, and career advancement.
o Networking opportunities with dermatology leaders.
-I had the pleasure of participating in the 2023 cohort. I’m happy to chat with you and share my experience.
13. SDPA Diplomate Fellowship Program
Location: Virtual
The Diplomate Fellowship Program by the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) is an online, self-paced program providing advanced dermatology training for NPs and PAs.
Program Highlights:
o Rigorous curriculum with modules on medical and cosmetic dermatology.
o Opportunity to earn the "Diplomate Fellow" designation upon completion.
15. Elite NPs Dermatology and Cosmetic Skincare & Aesthetics and Botox Clinic Courses
Location: Virtual
Program Highlights:
o The Elite NPs Dermatology and Cosmetic Skincare Course (9 CEs including 4 pharmacology CEs) provides an online curriculum for NPs looking to excel in dermatology. This program emphasizes practical skills and business acumen. It’s ideal for those looking to add dermatology services to their current practice or interested in starting a dermatology practice for mild to moderate medical and cosmetic diagnosis.
o The Dermatology and Cosmetic Skincare Courses are taught by Laura Collins, APRN, ANP-BC, DCNP. She’s been an NP since 2005 and a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner since 2008. The Aesthetics and Botox Clinic Courses (9 CEs including 4 pharmacology CEs) are taught by Cassie Lane, CRNA, DNAP and Injectables EDU. Justin Allan, FNP, the Founder of the Elite NP, covers the lectures on Practice Creation, Malpractice, Telemedicine, Practice Management, and Marketing.
o The courses are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The Regis Dermatology Fellowship Program is a post-graduate certificate program. It equips certified Nurse Practitioners with the necessary didactic coursework, an on-campus procedures course, and 630 clinical hours to meet eligibility for national certification as a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner through the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). After completing the fellowship, participants continue clinical practice to reach the required 3,000 total hours (including the 630 fellowship hours) needed for certification.
Program Highlights: -Hands-on Training: Clinical rotations and mentorship from experienced dermatology providers. -Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, including advanced procedures. -Flexible Learning Options: Designed to accommodate practicing NPs with varying schedules. -Duration: One year -Website
17. Aubrey Aesthetics Institute
Locations: Dover, NH; Miami, FL; Woburn, MA; and Virtual
The Aubrey Aesthetics Institute offers cutting-edge training for medical professionals specializing in aesthetic medicine. Focused on injectables and advanced aesthetic techniques, this institute combines hands-on practice with in-depth knowledge to help participants build confidence and expertise in delivering top-tier aesthetic services.
Program Highlights:
-Comprehensive training in neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and other aesthetic injectables.
-Live, hands-on experience with real patients and the Cadaver Lab under expert supervision.
-Focus on advanced techniques, including full-face rejuvenation and correction.
-Personalized mentorship from experienced injectors and aesthetic leaders.
-Business and branding insights to support career growth in aesthetics.
-Pro-tip: There are a large number of providers willing to offer aesthetics training. I recommend contacting them via social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, as well as asking people in your network for a referral.
Create Your Own Dermatology Externship
If none of these programs fit your location or career goals, consider designing your own dermatology externship. Partner with a local dermatology clinic and pitch a personalized training program. For guidance, check out my YouTube video, Behind the Scenes: Creating Dermatology Nurse Externships:
Not all dermatology NPs work in direct patient care. Explore surprising career opportunities in dermatology, such as research, education, and industry roles, by watching my video, Surprising Career Paths for Dermatology Nurse Practitioners:
I am a nurse practitioner entrepreneur who specializes in dermatology nursing education and research with an emphasis on skin of color. I created this blog to share my journey as a source of motivation and as a blueprint, as you embark on your journey. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to increasing access to dermatology education and clinical training for aspiring and practicing nurse practitioners. I invite you to view the mission and vision statement on the homepage to see how we can best partner to make our dreams align.
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