Steps to Become a Dermatologist
Step 1: Complete a Medical Degree
Enrol in a Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) or a graduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) at an Australian university. Undergraduate entry programs take 5-6 years. Graduate entry programs take 4 years. Coursework covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine. You will complete supervised clinical placements in hospitals during the degree. Confirm course entry requirements with the relevant university admissions office.
Step 2: Register with AHPRA and Complete Your Internship
After graduating, apply for provisional registration through the Medical Board of Australia via AHPRA. Complete a 1-year internship at an accredited hospital to gain full general registration. Your intern year gives you supervised clinical experience across medicine, surgery, and emergency settings. At the end of the year, you receive general registration as a medical practitioner.
Step 3: Build Early Hospital Experience
Spend 1-2 years working as a resident medical officer (RMO) or registrar in hospital settings. This period builds your general clinical skills and helps confirm your interest in dermatology. Aim to rotate through a dermatology unit to gain direct experience and good referees. Some states offer structured early training programs at this stage of your career.
Step 4: Apply for the ACD Fellowship Training Program
Apply for entry into the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) Fellowship Training Program. Entry is highly competitive, with a limited number of places in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA each year. The training program runs for 4 years in accredited clinical settings under senior supervision. The program covers medical, procedural, and paediatric dermatology in full depth.
Step 5: Achieve Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD)
Complete the ACD assessments and examinations to earn the Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD). The FACD is the recognised specialist qualification in dermatology across Australia and New Zealand. Once awarded, update your AHPRA registration as a specialist medical practitioner. You can then practise independently as a fully qualified dermatologist.
Step 6: Maintain Registration and Engage in Continuing Professional Development
All dermatologists must hold current AHPRA registration and meet ACD continuing professional development (CPD) requirements each year. CPD includes attending conferences, completing training activities, and keeping up with new research. Some dermatologists go on to complete a subspecialty fellowship in dermatopathology or paediatric dermatology. Ongoing learning is required to maintain specialist registration and keep your practice current.
In dermatology, your daily work is varied and hands-on. You see patients, run tests, and put together treatment plans. Plans may include medicines, procedures, or lifestyle advice. Tests and treatments such as biopsies, cryotherapy, and laser therapy keep the work active and engaging. You also keep careful records and work closely with GPs and other specialists. A big part of the job is helping patients feel informed and confident about their skin health.
Dermatology is one of Australia’s most dynamic medical specialties. Dermatologists look after the health of the skin, hair, and nails. The work is varied. You might see a patient with chronic eczema in the morning and carry out a skin cancer excision in the afternoon.
- Examine patients – assess skin conditions using physical examination and patient history.
- Run diagnostic tests – carry out or arrange biopsies, patch tests, and skin scrapings.
- Prescribe treatments – recommend creams, tablets, injections, or biologic therapies.
- Advise on skin care – teach patients about sun protection, skin care routines, and triggers.
- Keep clinical records – document every visit, test result, and treatment plan accurately.
- Perform procedures – carry out excisions, cryotherapy, and laser treatments in clinic.
- Educate patients – explain conditions and help patients understand their treatment options.
- Work with other health professionals – team up with GPs, oncologists, and other specialists.
To succeed in dermatology, you need a solid grasp of skin science and a sharp eye for detail. Dermatologists learn to spot subtle differences in skin, hair, and nail conditions. Strong analytical skills help you reach the right diagnosis quickly and confidently.
Being a good communicator is also key. You will work with patients who are anxious, embarrassed, or in pain. Showing empathy and explaining things clearly makes a real difference to patient care.
The best dermatologists keep learning throughout their career. New treatments come along regularly, from biologics to advanced laser technology. Staying on top of these developments is part of what makes the job so engaging.
