DCNP Certification: Overview and FAQ
Dermatology nurse practitioner certification (DCNP) is a credential for advanced practice dermatology nurses. This certification is offered by the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board (DNCB), and it demonstrates expertise in diagnosing and treating skin conditions, performing dermatologic procedures, and providing patient education.
Earning this credential can enhance a dermatology nurse practitioner’s career by opening doors to specialized roles in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Keep reading to learn more about the certification process and how to become a certified derm NP.
DCNP Certification Overview
What does DCNP stand for? Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner certification is for advanced practice nurses with an expanded scope of practice and a specialty role in caring for patients with skin and wound problems. This credential requires advanced experience in dermatologic care and a passing score on an exam.
DCNPs play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and educating patients about a wide range of skin conditions. With their specialized expertise, they help improve access to care, enhance skin health, and detect serious conditions like melanoma in their early stages.
Dermatology nurse practitioners may work in any of the following clinical settings:
- Medical dermatology clinics: Providing assessment and care for conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections.
- Surgical dermatology centers: Assisting with skin biopsies, excisions, and treatments for skin cancer.
- Cosmetic dermatology practices: Performing aesthetic procedures such as laser treatments, chemical peels, and injectables like Botox or fillers.
- Hospital dermatology departments: Managing complex skin conditions in hospitalized patients, including pressure injuries, autoimmune disorders, and severe infections.
- Academic and research institutions: Conducting studies on skin diseases, new treatments, and improving practices in dermatologic care.
Benefits of Earning Derm NP Certification
An NP can work in dermatology without earning DCNP, meaning, this credential is optional. So why pursue it if it’s not a requirement? Becoming certified as a derm NP has the following benefits:
- Signifies competency: Certification confirms your clinical skills and capabilities to peers, patients, and supervisors.
- Recognizes commitment: Being certified and maintaining your credentials shows your dedication to the continuous learning required in the dermatology specialty.
- Professional achievement: Achieving certification can boost your sense of pride and confidence in your role.
- Career growth: NPs who earn certifications beyond their practice requirements may be more competitive candidates when applying to new roles and leadership positions.
DCNP Salary Expectations
Most NPs and PAs in dermatology earn between $125,000 and $162,500 per year. What you earn as a derm NP will depend on your clinical setting, location, and experience. For example, NPs who earn the highest income in this specialty tend to work in surgical and cosmetic areas.
How to Become a DCNP: 6 Steps
Becoming a certified derm NP takes a minimum of six years because it requires a combination of academic degrees and nursing experience. If you’re already a dermatology NP, skip to step five to learn about the certification process and how to prepare.
Step 1: Become an RN
First, you’ll need to become a registered nurse by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is the preferred route since many graduate programs require it. Check out our tips to help you excel in nursing school.
After completing your degree, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to show you meet the baseline knowledge requirements to practice as an RN. There will be an additional process for gaining state licensure, which will vary depending on your state.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Most advanced practice degree programs require at least a year of experience. You might consider entering the workforce in acute care, where you’ll see a range of clinical problems and gain time management and critical thinking skills. Consider joining an inpatient wound care team or a burn unit to see high-acuity skin problems in a hospital setting.
On the other hand, you might jump into an outpatient nursing role. Clinics focused on dermatology nursing, plastic surgery, or wound care could expose you to skin health, lesion assessments, and cosmetic treatments in an office setting.
Gaining experience not only makes you a more compelling candidate for NP school, you’ll also be building an essential knowledge base for dermatology practice. If you’re looking for help as you apply to your first roles, check out our dermatology nurse resume and derm cover letter resources.
Step 3: Attend an Advanced Practice Nursing Program
To become a nurse practitioner, enroll in either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs are a practical route for dermatology NPs because they provide broad clinical training across the lifespan. Some universities may offer elective dermatology courses or specialized clinical rotations in dermatology settings, so research programs in your area to learn which ones align with your nurse practitioner schooling goals.
An NP program should include essential APRN knowledge areas, such as the following:
- Advanced health assessment
- Pharmacology and medication management
- Pathophysiology for skin conditions
- Dermatologic procedures, such as biopsy techniques
Step 4: Become Board-Certified and State-Licensed
Board certification is a requirement for practice as an NP. Since there is no specific board certification for dermatology NPs, students can choose to pursue certification as either a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C or FNP-BC) or an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP). Becoming board-certified involves an application using your final transcripts, passing an exam, and maintaining your credentials.
Once you’re board-certified, you’ll need to apply for NP licensure with your state to begin practicing as a derm NP. Learn more about NP practice scope and full practice authority by state.
Step 5: Gain Experience and Prepare for Certification
At this point, you’ve completed most of the requirements for NP dermatology certification, but you’ll need to have advanced practice experience before pursuing this additional credential. You must meet the following requirements to qualify for DCNP certification:
- A master’s or doctoral nursing degree
- Current state licensure as an NP
- National NP board certification
- At least 3,000 hours of experience as a dermatology NP within the past 3 years, with current practice in the specialty
To prepare for certification while you gain experience, consider becoming a member of the Society of Dermatological Nurse Practitioners. You might also begin studying for the certification exam using these review resources:
Step 6: Earn Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for the DCNP exam online. Here’s the info you’ll need to provide when you apply:
- Personal information
- National NP board certification and state license information
- Experience details
- Employment history
- $400 application fee
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive authorization to test and be able to schedule your exam. What is a DCNP certification exam like? The exam has 175 questions, and you’ll have four hours to complete it. Here’s what the test covers:
- Assessing and diagnosing dermatological conditions across the lifespan
- Prescribing and performing interventions using evidence-based procedures and treatment
- Educating about dermatological conditions
- Professional activities for promoting healthcare outcomes
Once you pass the exam, you’ll be a certified dermatology nurse practitioner. You can download your certification on CE Broker. Remember to track your continuing education through the certification portal so that your three-year recertification process is as easy as possible. The recertification fee is $300.
Related Credentials
- Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC)
- Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN)
- Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
- Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)
Find Roles for Dermatology NPs
Whether or not you’re pursuing DCNP certification, IntelyCare has roles you might be interested in. Our personalized job notifications ensure you won’t miss out when new opportunities arise in your area. Learn more today.
