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What's a rough draft of my next years in education if I want to be a dermatologist and what should I know?
I'm currently a freshman in community college and just switched my major to Biology to pursue dermatology. I want to transfer to UCLA after community college, but there isn't much info on what my career pathway would look like in dermatology starting off at community college.
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7 answers
Updated
Fred’s Answer
A dermatologist is an M.D. So, you first have to get a 4-year bachelors degree. It doesn't matter if you start in CC or not.
Then you'd go to medical school. That is another four years. You'd take the MCAT while in undergraduate. This is like the SAT or ACT, but for med school.
You'd then do residencies/internships/other training, which (I'm guessing here) would be another 3-6 years, training with a licensed doctor. You'd have to take and pass the boards in there somewhere (i'm not sure where) before you can start a private practice.
The short answer is that starting in CC doesn't really make much difference in the long run. It should save you some money, as CC is usually less expensive than a university.
Then you'd go to medical school. That is another four years. You'd take the MCAT while in undergraduate. This is like the SAT or ACT, but for med school.
You'd then do residencies/internships/other training, which (I'm guessing here) would be another 3-6 years, training with a licensed doctor. You'd have to take and pass the boards in there somewhere (i'm not sure where) before you can start a private practice.
The short answer is that starting in CC doesn't really make much difference in the long run. It should save you some money, as CC is usually less expensive than a university.
Updated
Sule’s Answer
1. Undergraduate (Years 1-4):
Degree: Complete a bachelor’s degree (preferably in biology, chemistry, or pre-med).
Courses: Study biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
Extracurriculars: Volunteer, shadow doctors, and gain healthcare experience.
MCAT: Prepare for and take the MCAT for medical school admission.
2. Medical School (Years 5-8):
Years 1-2: Learn basic medical sciences (anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology).
Year 3: Clinical rotations in various specialties, including dermatology.
Year 4: Focus on dermatology electives, externships, and prepare for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
Apply for Dermatology Residency: Begin applying for dermatology residency programs.
3. Dermatology Residency (Years 9-12):
Length: 4 years of specialized dermatology training.
Training: Rotations in dermatology subspecialties, clinical patient care, and hands-on procedures.
Exams: Take USMLE Step 3 and board exams for certification.
4. Fellowship (Optional, Years 13+):
Specialize: Pursue a fellowship in areas like pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, or dermatopathology.
Certification: Complete board certification by the American Board of Dermatology.
Degree: Complete a bachelor’s degree (preferably in biology, chemistry, or pre-med).
Courses: Study biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
Extracurriculars: Volunteer, shadow doctors, and gain healthcare experience.
MCAT: Prepare for and take the MCAT for medical school admission.
2. Medical School (Years 5-8):
Years 1-2: Learn basic medical sciences (anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology).
Year 3: Clinical rotations in various specialties, including dermatology.
Year 4: Focus on dermatology electives, externships, and prepare for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
Apply for Dermatology Residency: Begin applying for dermatology residency programs.
3. Dermatology Residency (Years 9-12):
Length: 4 years of specialized dermatology training.
Training: Rotations in dermatology subspecialties, clinical patient care, and hands-on procedures.
Exams: Take USMLE Step 3 and board exams for certification.
4. Fellowship (Optional, Years 13+):
Specialize: Pursue a fellowship in areas like pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, or dermatopathology.
Certification: Complete board certification by the American Board of Dermatology.
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Jada! 🌟
You’ve got a biology major and a dream to become a dermatologist—awesome combo! You’re officially on your way to a skin-tacular future! 🌞
So, you’re aiming to transfer to UCLA and you're wondering what that path looks like? Well, buckle up, because it’s going to be a fun ride (and probably a lot of studying)! Here's a rough draft of what your next few years could look like:
Freshman Year (Community College):
Major Decisions: You’re already on the right track by switching to biology. You're building the foundation to understand the science of life, including all that skin stuff we all take for granted (until we have a breakout, right?).
Classes to Crush: Focus on introductory biology, chemistry, and physics. Yes, even the scary physics—don’t worry, it’ll be worth it when you’re calculating how lasers can zap acne away.
Sophomore Year (Community College):
Get Involved: Now is the time to build up your extracurriculars! Consider volunteering at a hospital, clinic, or a dermatology office if you can. Bonus points for any skin-related volunteer work, but honestly, just getting some hands-on experience is key. The more you get to know the medical field, the better.
Transfer Prep: You’ll need to make sure you’re meeting UCLA’s transfer requirements. And yes, that means making friends with the counselors. They are your besties now. Also, research what classes UCLA expects for transfer students in pre-med or biology programs, because being ahead of the game is always a win.
Junior Year (UCLA):
Hit the Books: Now that you’ve made it to UCLA, it's time to tackle more specialized biology, anatomy, and organic chemistry courses. Dermatology may seem far off, but these are your building blocks. Your professors will be your new best friends (and also your biggest challengers).
Find Your Tribe: Join pre-med clubs, dermatology-related student organizations, or any group where you can network with like-minded folks. Networking is the secret sauce to success, so find people who share your passion for skin!
Senior Year (UCLA):
The Medical School Prep: Start seriously looking at medical schools and their dermatology residency programs. You’ll need to prepare for the MCAT (cue the stress). But keep your eye on the prize—smooth, clear skin, and the title of “Doctor Jada” (or something even cooler, like “Jada the Dermatologist Extraordinaire”).
Internships/Shadowing: Try to get some hands-on experience in dermatology—shadow doctors, volunteer, or even look for internships in dermatology clinics. That will help you figure out exactly what part of dermatology lights a fire under you. Acne? Psoriasis? Botox? So many choices!
After Graduation (Medical School):
Dermatology Residency: Once you’re done with your undergrad, it’s time to apply to medical school and start your dermatology residency. This is where the real skin magic happens—years of intense training, but also learning how to handle tricky cases, from eczema to skin cancer (and yes, you’ll need to know how to deal with the occasional “help, I’ve got a zit” panic call).
What You Should Know:
Patience is Key: Becoming a dermatologist isn’t a quick process. But hey, you’ll be learning about the skin from the inside out, and that’s a pretty cool journey!
Be Ready for Challenges: The path to dermatology requires persistence and lots of studying. But every dermatology lecture is a step closer to having your own practice one day.
Look at All the Subspecialties: Dermatology isn't just about treating acne. There are areas like pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and even research into skin diseases—so keep your options open!
In short, Jada, you’re in for a lot of learning, but it’s going to be worth it. Keep your passion for skin care high, and before you know it, you’ll be rocking that white coat with your dermatologist title on it. You got this! 💪💖
You’ve got a biology major and a dream to become a dermatologist—awesome combo! You’re officially on your way to a skin-tacular future! 🌞
So, you’re aiming to transfer to UCLA and you're wondering what that path looks like? Well, buckle up, because it’s going to be a fun ride (and probably a lot of studying)! Here's a rough draft of what your next few years could look like:
Freshman Year (Community College):
Major Decisions: You’re already on the right track by switching to biology. You're building the foundation to understand the science of life, including all that skin stuff we all take for granted (until we have a breakout, right?).
Classes to Crush: Focus on introductory biology, chemistry, and physics. Yes, even the scary physics—don’t worry, it’ll be worth it when you’re calculating how lasers can zap acne away.
Sophomore Year (Community College):
Get Involved: Now is the time to build up your extracurriculars! Consider volunteering at a hospital, clinic, or a dermatology office if you can. Bonus points for any skin-related volunteer work, but honestly, just getting some hands-on experience is key. The more you get to know the medical field, the better.
Transfer Prep: You’ll need to make sure you’re meeting UCLA’s transfer requirements. And yes, that means making friends with the counselors. They are your besties now. Also, research what classes UCLA expects for transfer students in pre-med or biology programs, because being ahead of the game is always a win.
Junior Year (UCLA):
Hit the Books: Now that you’ve made it to UCLA, it's time to tackle more specialized biology, anatomy, and organic chemistry courses. Dermatology may seem far off, but these are your building blocks. Your professors will be your new best friends (and also your biggest challengers).
Find Your Tribe: Join pre-med clubs, dermatology-related student organizations, or any group where you can network with like-minded folks. Networking is the secret sauce to success, so find people who share your passion for skin!
Senior Year (UCLA):
The Medical School Prep: Start seriously looking at medical schools and their dermatology residency programs. You’ll need to prepare for the MCAT (cue the stress). But keep your eye on the prize—smooth, clear skin, and the title of “Doctor Jada” (or something even cooler, like “Jada the Dermatologist Extraordinaire”).
Internships/Shadowing: Try to get some hands-on experience in dermatology—shadow doctors, volunteer, or even look for internships in dermatology clinics. That will help you figure out exactly what part of dermatology lights a fire under you. Acne? Psoriasis? Botox? So many choices!
After Graduation (Medical School):
Dermatology Residency: Once you’re done with your undergrad, it’s time to apply to medical school and start your dermatology residency. This is where the real skin magic happens—years of intense training, but also learning how to handle tricky cases, from eczema to skin cancer (and yes, you’ll need to know how to deal with the occasional “help, I’ve got a zit” panic call).
What You Should Know:
Patience is Key: Becoming a dermatologist isn’t a quick process. But hey, you’ll be learning about the skin from the inside out, and that’s a pretty cool journey!
Be Ready for Challenges: The path to dermatology requires persistence and lots of studying. But every dermatology lecture is a step closer to having your own practice one day.
Look at All the Subspecialties: Dermatology isn't just about treating acne. There are areas like pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and even research into skin diseases—so keep your options open!
In short, Jada, you’re in for a lot of learning, but it’s going to be worth it. Keep your passion for skin care high, and before you know it, you’ll be rocking that white coat with your dermatologist title on it. You got this! 💪💖

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
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Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jada!
According to Ask AI & Question AI www.iAsk.ai:
Pathway to Becoming a Dermatologist Starting from Community College
1. Understanding the Educational Requirements
To become a dermatologist, you will need to complete several educational steps:
Associate Degree: Start with your community college education, where you are pursuing an Associate’s degree in Biology. This typically takes two years and should include foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Bachelor’s Degree: After completing your Associate’s degree, you will need to transfer to a four-year university to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Since you aim to transfer to UCLA, ensure that you meet their transfer requirements and prerequisites for the Biology major or any related field. A Bachelor’s degree usually takes an additional two years.
Medical School: Following your undergraduate education, you must attend medical school. Medical school generally lasts four years and culminates in earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Residency Training: After medical school, you will enter a residency program in dermatology, which typically lasts about three years. During this time, you will receive specialized training in skin care and treatment.
Board Certification: Upon completing your residency, you must pass the board certification exam in dermatology to practice as a dermatologist.
2. Academic Preparation
While pursuing your degrees, focus on maintaining a strong GPA (generally above 3.5), as medical schools are competitive. Here are key academic components:
Prerequisite Courses: Ensure that you complete all necessary pre-medical courses required by medical schools. These often include advanced biology courses (like microbiology and genetics), organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and statistics.
Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities that enhance your medical school application. This can include volunteering at hospitals or clinics, participating in research projects related to biology or medicine, and joining pre-med clubs or organizations.
Clinical Experience: Gaining clinical experience is crucial for understanding patient care and solidifying your interest in dermatology. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities that allow you to work alongside healthcare professionals.
3. Preparing for Medical School Admission
To apply for medical school:
MCAT Preparation: You will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Begin preparing early by taking practice exams and enrolling in preparatory courses if necessary.
Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships with professors and professionals who can provide strong letters of recommendation highlighting your academic abilities and commitment to medicine.
Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for dermatology and medicine overall. Discuss any relevant experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue this field.
4. Transitioning from Community College to UCLA
When transferring from community college to UCLA:
Research Transfer Requirements: Familiarize yourself with UCLA’s specific transfer requirements for the Biology major or any other relevant program. This includes GPA thresholds and prerequisite coursework.
Application Process: Prepare your application carefully by adhering to deadlines and providing all required documentation.
Networking Opportunities: Once at UCLA, take advantage of networking opportunities with faculty members involved in dermatology research or clinical practice.
5. Long-Term Considerations
As you progress through your education:
Stay informed about developments in dermatology through journals like the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Consider shadowing practicing dermatologists during breaks or summer vacations to gain insights into their daily routines and responsibilities.
Explore potential specialties within dermatology such as cosmetic dermatology or pediatric dermatology as you advance through medical school.
By following these steps diligently while remaining focused on both academic excellence and gaining relevant experience in healthcare settings, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful career as a dermatologist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - The AAD provides comprehensive resources regarding the educational pathway required for aspiring dermatologists including information on residency programs and board certification processes.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - The AAMC offers detailed guidelines on pre-medical education requirements including necessary coursework for medical school admission along with MCAT preparation resources.
UCLA Undergraduate Admissions Website - This source outlines specific transfer requirements for students coming from community colleges aiming to enroll at UCLA including GPA expectations and prerequisite courses needed for various majors.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
According to Ask AI & Question AI www.iAsk.ai:
Pathway to Becoming a Dermatologist Starting from Community College
1. Understanding the Educational Requirements
To become a dermatologist, you will need to complete several educational steps:
Associate Degree: Start with your community college education, where you are pursuing an Associate’s degree in Biology. This typically takes two years and should include foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Bachelor’s Degree: After completing your Associate’s degree, you will need to transfer to a four-year university to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Since you aim to transfer to UCLA, ensure that you meet their transfer requirements and prerequisites for the Biology major or any related field. A Bachelor’s degree usually takes an additional two years.
Medical School: Following your undergraduate education, you must attend medical school. Medical school generally lasts four years and culminates in earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Residency Training: After medical school, you will enter a residency program in dermatology, which typically lasts about three years. During this time, you will receive specialized training in skin care and treatment.
Board Certification: Upon completing your residency, you must pass the board certification exam in dermatology to practice as a dermatologist.
2. Academic Preparation
While pursuing your degrees, focus on maintaining a strong GPA (generally above 3.5), as medical schools are competitive. Here are key academic components:
Prerequisite Courses: Ensure that you complete all necessary pre-medical courses required by medical schools. These often include advanced biology courses (like microbiology and genetics), organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and statistics.
Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities that enhance your medical school application. This can include volunteering at hospitals or clinics, participating in research projects related to biology or medicine, and joining pre-med clubs or organizations.
Clinical Experience: Gaining clinical experience is crucial for understanding patient care and solidifying your interest in dermatology. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities that allow you to work alongside healthcare professionals.
3. Preparing for Medical School Admission
To apply for medical school:
MCAT Preparation: You will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Begin preparing early by taking practice exams and enrolling in preparatory courses if necessary.
Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships with professors and professionals who can provide strong letters of recommendation highlighting your academic abilities and commitment to medicine.
Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for dermatology and medicine overall. Discuss any relevant experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue this field.
4. Transitioning from Community College to UCLA
When transferring from community college to UCLA:
Research Transfer Requirements: Familiarize yourself with UCLA’s specific transfer requirements for the Biology major or any other relevant program. This includes GPA thresholds and prerequisite coursework.
Application Process: Prepare your application carefully by adhering to deadlines and providing all required documentation.
Networking Opportunities: Once at UCLA, take advantage of networking opportunities with faculty members involved in dermatology research or clinical practice.
5. Long-Term Considerations
As you progress through your education:
Stay informed about developments in dermatology through journals like the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Consider shadowing practicing dermatologists during breaks or summer vacations to gain insights into their daily routines and responsibilities.
Explore potential specialties within dermatology such as cosmetic dermatology or pediatric dermatology as you advance through medical school.
By following these steps diligently while remaining focused on both academic excellence and gaining relevant experience in healthcare settings, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful career as a dermatologist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - The AAD provides comprehensive resources regarding the educational pathway required for aspiring dermatologists including information on residency programs and board certification processes.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - The AAMC offers detailed guidelines on pre-medical education requirements including necessary coursework for medical school admission along with MCAT preparation resources.
UCLA Undergraduate Admissions Website - This source outlines specific transfer requirements for students coming from community colleges aiming to enroll at UCLA including GPA expectations and prerequisite courses needed for various majors.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
A dermatologist is a physician first so you are looking at a pre-med path in college and then attending medical school. Everyone's path to med school is different and it's perfectly fine for it to take longer than 4 year years - the average age for fist year med students is 25-26. Here's a general outline:
Complete courses at your community college - check the websites of medical schools you are interested in attending and start working on some of their prerequisite courses. Most of these are going to overlap with the bio major, but you want to sketch out a plan that will allow you to take biochemistry and physics for the MCAT, which is the entrance exam for med school. Keep your grades up (3.6 or higher would be my goal) and work on your study skills and test skills if anything is shaky.
Shadow doctors, learn about becoming both a physician and a dermatologist, and volunteer to serve your community. Get involved in a couple of clubs on campus to begin developing leadership and teamwork skills. Think about whether you want/need to complete a certification to work with patients (CNA, EMT, phlebotomy - not essential but some students need to work and would rather work with patients). If you are first-generation and/or from an identity underrepresented in medicine, look at the SHPEP program (shpep.org - applications due in February!). Look for research opportunities for the summers after 2nd and 3rd years - applications usually due Jan/Feb.
Transfer to a 4-year college to finish your biology degree and med school prereqs. Meet with a premed advisor to make a plan for finishing your degree, taking the MCAT, and applying to med school. Continue with shadowing, clinical volunteering and community service, as well as any clinical employment you've started. Get involved in clubs on your new campus and get to know your faculty, who you'll ask to write letters of recommendation. Consider taking one gap year (or more) so that you have more time to get to know faculty and gain more research and clinical experience.
The summer after your junior or senior year, you might apply to med school. The following fall-winter, you will interview with med schools. The fall after you interview, you will hopefully start med school. If you aren't immediately starting med school after graduating from college, you'll be looking for a job that will give you clinical and/or research experience to make you a stronger candidate when you apply. If you didn't get a certification earlier and feel like you need one after graduating to get a clinical job, you'll complete that certification and work. You can also take the MCAT after graduation and extend your application timeline as you complete the various steps along the route towards application -- the application cycle always begins in May/June and there's always a 1-year gap between applying and starting med school (the interview year).
Resources to learn more:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/
https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/6891/download
https://www.naahp.org/public-resources/student-resources
https://medicalschoolhq.net/
See if your college has a premed or prehealth advisor and make an appointment to create a plan. Use the NAAHP link above to find an advisor if you don't have one on your campus.
Complete courses at your community college - check the websites of medical schools you are interested in attending and start working on some of their prerequisite courses. Most of these are going to overlap with the bio major, but you want to sketch out a plan that will allow you to take biochemistry and physics for the MCAT, which is the entrance exam for med school. Keep your grades up (3.6 or higher would be my goal) and work on your study skills and test skills if anything is shaky.
Shadow doctors, learn about becoming both a physician and a dermatologist, and volunteer to serve your community. Get involved in a couple of clubs on campus to begin developing leadership and teamwork skills. Think about whether you want/need to complete a certification to work with patients (CNA, EMT, phlebotomy - not essential but some students need to work and would rather work with patients). If you are first-generation and/or from an identity underrepresented in medicine, look at the SHPEP program (shpep.org - applications due in February!). Look for research opportunities for the summers after 2nd and 3rd years - applications usually due Jan/Feb.
Transfer to a 4-year college to finish your biology degree and med school prereqs. Meet with a premed advisor to make a plan for finishing your degree, taking the MCAT, and applying to med school. Continue with shadowing, clinical volunteering and community service, as well as any clinical employment you've started. Get involved in clubs on your new campus and get to know your faculty, who you'll ask to write letters of recommendation. Consider taking one gap year (or more) so that you have more time to get to know faculty and gain more research and clinical experience.
The summer after your junior or senior year, you might apply to med school. The following fall-winter, you will interview with med schools. The fall after you interview, you will hopefully start med school. If you aren't immediately starting med school after graduating from college, you'll be looking for a job that will give you clinical and/or research experience to make you a stronger candidate when you apply. If you didn't get a certification earlier and feel like you need one after graduating to get a clinical job, you'll complete that certification and work. You can also take the MCAT after graduation and extend your application timeline as you complete the various steps along the route towards application -- the application cycle always begins in May/June and there's always a 1-year gap between applying and starting med school (the interview year).
Resources to learn more:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/
https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/6891/download
https://www.naahp.org/public-resources/student-resources
https://medicalschoolhq.net/
Mary Jane recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
If you've changed your direction to become and study dermatology, please understand these steps will follow the degree:
Here is what you can expect to follow in order to become a dermatologist.
Earn a bachelor's degree. ...
Take the MCAT. ...
Go to medical school. ...
Pass United States Medical Licensing Exam *USMLE) part one and two. ...
Complete residency. ...
Pass USMLE part three. ...
Get a license. ...
Earn board certification.
Here is what you can expect to follow in order to become a dermatologist.
Earn a bachelor's degree. ...
Take the MCAT. ...
Go to medical school. ...
Pass United States Medical Licensing Exam *USMLE) part one and two. ...
Complete residency. ...
Pass USMLE part three. ...
Get a license. ...
Earn board certification.
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Several answers here spell out the steps so I won't repeat those. I will add from my perspective, Dermatology is a very sought after specialty in medicine and therefore attracts some of the medical students with the highest grades and achievements. This is a decision you make in your final 4th year of medical school, when you are applying for residency. It is attractive as a career due to very little on call responsibility, making this a mostly outpatient specialty- ie working in an office, controlled hours and not often being contacted by the hospital to help in active emergency treatment. It is also very rewarding as if you can catch things early and treat early you can do great preventive care. It also is a high paying field of medicine. That combination makes it a very competitive field.
One suggestion I have at this point in your thinking is to consider getting training in addition to your college classes as a medical assistant or medical scribe or perhaps as a medical receptionist, with the goal of working in a Dermatology office. That experience will really help guide your decision making. Best of Luck
One suggestion I have at this point in your thinking is to consider getting training in addition to your college classes as a medical assistant or medical scribe or perhaps as a medical receptionist, with the goal of working in a Dermatology office. That experience will really help guide your decision making. Best of Luck