The Dermatologic Nurse Practitioner (NP) participates in the evaluation, diagnosis, planning and treatment of conditions and diseases which affect the skin, hair and nails. Skin diseases range from common conditions like acne or eczema to more complex disorders such as blistering diseases and skin cancers. A Dermatology NP holds a Masters or Doctoral degree in the Science of Nursing, is licensed within his/her state as an advanced practice nurse, is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center and specializes in the practice of dermatology.

Dermatologic NPs identify the patient’s need for dermatologic care using comprehensive assessment and diagnostic reasoning to elicit relevant data about a patient’s condition. The process includes conducting a comprehensive health history, medication review and the interpretation of laboratory studies and pathology reports to establish a differential diagnosis. The NP consults and refers to dermatologists, dermatopathologists, dermatologic surgeons, oncologists, rheumatologists, primary care providers and many other health care professionals.

Many Dermatologic Nurse Practitioners also become certified in dermatology by the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board (DNCB) by successfully fulfilling the educational, practice and examination requirements. Dermatologic NP’s work in dermatology clinics, academic settings and specialty clinics across the country with other physician specialists. Dermatologic NP sub-specialties in dermatology practice include pediatric, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.