CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Dermatologist: Australian Careers in Health

0 Course

On this page

What is a Dermatologist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Dermatologist?

Dermatology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists manage a wide range of conditions. These include acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.

In daily practice, a dermatologist examines patients, orders tests, and prescribes treatments. They perform procedures such as biopsies, excisions, cryotherapy, and laser therapy. They also guide patients on skin care and sun protection.

Dermatologists work with GPs and other specialists to manage complex conditions. They practise in public hospitals, private clinics, or a mix of both. The role combines clinical assessment with hands-on procedural work every day.

Demand for dermatologists in Australia is very strong (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 670 dermatologists are employed nationally. This makes dermatology a challenging yet highly rewarding career path in medicine.

Icon

Career snapshots For Dermatologists

Dermatology is a small but high-demand specialty with a very strong career outlook in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 670 dermatologists are employed nationally, with future demand rated very strong. The workforce has a median age of 46 years, with 56% female and 65% working full-time. Average weekly earnings are $3,774, which equals around $196,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Private practice typically offers higher earnings than public hospital roles.

What will I do?

Dermatologists diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. They work across medical and hands-on care, seeing patients for everything from skin checks to complex autoimmune conditions. Each day brings a mix of patient visits, practical treatments, and teaching patients about their skin.

  • Examine patients – carry out full skin assessments and take patient histories.
  • Perform tests – arrange or carry out biopsies, patch tests, and skin investigations.
  • Prescribe treatments – issue topical, oral, and biologic therapies for a wide range of conditions.
  • Advise on skin care – educate patients on routines, sun protection, and trigger management.
  • Maintain clinical records – keep accurate and up-to-date notes for every patient encounter.
  • Perform procedures – carry out excisions, cryotherapy, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures.
  • Work with other health professionals – refer and work with GPs, oncologists, and immunologists.
  • Stay current – take part in continuing education to keep up with new research and treatments.

What skills do I need?

A career in dermatology calls for a strong mix of clinical knowledge, hands-on skill, and clear communication. Dermatologists must understand a wide range of skin conditions and know how to treat each one. They also need accurate diagnostic skills, using both clinical examination and dermatoscopy.

Patient communication is central to the role. Dermatologists explain complex diagnoses to people of all ages and backgrounds. Empathy and patience are vital when treating conditions that affect appearance and self-esteem.

Dermatologists also need to keep up with a fast-moving field. New treatments and technologies emerge each year. A commitment to ongoing professional development with the ACD keeps skills current and care effective.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong knowledge of skin conditions and their treatments
  • Accurate diagnostic skills using clinical exam and dermatoscopy
  • Ability to perform procedures such as biopsies, excisions, and cryotherapy
  • Clear communication with patients and other health professionals
  • Empathy when treating conditions that affect appearance and self-esteem
  • Attention to detail in clinical assessments and procedural work
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary health team
  • Strong organisational skills for managing patient records and follow-ups
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Calm and decisive in complex or urgent clinical situations
  • Up-to-date knowledge of new therapies and dermatological research
  • Proficiency with medical technology including diagnostic tools
  • High ethical standards and professional conduct
  • Ability to educate patients on skin health and prevention

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers