What advice do you have for a nursing student who wants to become a Dermatology nurse practitioner?

You need to complete a BSN program and get your RN. Work in a clinical setting that will allow you to develop your assessment skills, technical skills, organizational skills, patient relation/ MD, RN communication skills, pharmaceutical knowledge, and documentation skills. Then research graduate programs in your area of interest. Dermatology is a very challenging specialty. You want to be certain that this is your main interest. Give yourself time and be patient.

I'm a Rn & spa owner. I suggest getting your license in aesthetics. This is the best way to learn skin care, get hands on training, and allow you to perform a wide range of services with the proper license. As a nurse we cannot rely on our license to perform most beauty services. If I client has a reaction or sues, you will have better knowledge on how to treat. Plus your nursing license will not protect you. You would have to be a dermatologist to be fully trained & protected against liability. A license aesthetics would also make you more marketable.

Do the research as to what it will take; go for it; don't get stopped no matter WHAT happens in your life; begin again and begin again and begin again until you complete the training; know you CAN but even more important, know you WILL and you will become exactly what you want or choose when it is time to make the choice. ;-)

Ex-Open Heart ICU RN and
Master Certified Coach

Learn what patients go through - the other point of view. Bad care sucks. Be empathetic and just care.