In order to become an acne specialist, you will need to become a licensed dermatologist by attending medical school and completing a dermatologist residency program. Before doing this, you will start by attending a four-year university and taking science classes. Once you have completed the dermatology portion of your education, you can choose to specialize in treating acne patients. You may also continue your education by attending classes, workshops, or seminars on the latest in acne treatments.
The first step you will have to complete in order to become an acne specialist is completing a four-year college degree. Although many degree paths may allow you to get into medical school, you will do well to choose biology or another science major. It is essential to have excellent grades and pass a medical school entrance exam in most cases. If you have already obtained a four-year degree in something unrelated to science, you may still be able to take the exam for approval into medical school. Talk to your school adviser for more information.
Once you have completed college and received passing scores on your exam, completion of medical school is the next step you'll take in order to become an acne specialist. Medical school may last three to four years or more depending on where you live. This is where you will learn about treating disease and the basics of being a doctor.
After medical school, the next step you'll take to become an acne specialist is completion of residency programs. You'll likely need to do at least one year in a program for general medicine or internal medicine. After that, you'll spend several additional years training in dermatology, learning about treating skin disorders, including acne. Once this is complete you will take your licensing exam so you can practice medicine as a dermatologist.
All dermatologists should become well-versed in the treatment of acne. If you want to become an acne specialist, you can choose to focus only one the treatment of pimples and related acne symptoms. You may also choose to continue your education to become an expert on acne treatment. This may include attending seminars and conferences, participating in studies involved with acne treatment, or taking new courses as they become available. You should also subscribe to journals and publications specializing in acne-related topics, and join professional associations that may offer educational opportunities.
