Dermatology Job Roles That Provide Work-Life Balance
- Article by:Health Career Center
Finding a satisfying work-life balance as a medical professional is a challenge. Given the recent expansion of public healthcare coverage in the U.S., healthcare professionals are serving more patients than ever, leading some to report a lack of job satisfaction and balance between their work life and their professional life. However, there is one healthcare specialty that continues to provide a high standard of work-life balance and job satisfaction: dermatology.
Often referred to as a lifestyle-friendly medical specialty, dermatology tends to rank highest when it comes to work-life balance in comparison to other specialties. In terms of residency experience, dermatology ranked second in a study on the specialties with the best work-life balance during training, according to results analyzed by Doximity and U.S. News & World Report. Medical professionals working in dermatology are also ranked as the happiest medical personnel with the fourth-lowest ranking of professional burnout, according to Medscape’s Lifestyle Report 2016.
Here’s an in-depth look at the three jobs in dermatology that provide the highest levels of work-life balance:
Dermatology Jobs with the Best Work-Life Balance:
•Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (DNP): The job responsibilities for this role include consulting with patients, diagnosing and treating skin issues, performing dermatological checkups, and performing minor procedures. Most of those working in a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner role work at dermatology clinics, rather than the high-volume and high-stress locations like emergency rooms or hospitals that other Nurse Practitioners operate in. This alone results in a higher level of job satisfaction and work-life balance.
These types of Nurse Practitioners operate under less stressful situations and are afforded a more flexible, less demanding schedule with no on-call shifts required while still receiving a competitive salary. Considering these components, it’s clear why this profession offers one of the highest levels of work-life balance available for dermatology jobs.
- Dermatologist: This dermatology job is a physician-level role. Individuals with this title are responsible for providing consultations to patients regarding skin-related concerns or ailments, performing dermatological screenings, performing diagnostic tests and procedures, prescribing medication, and educating patients on better ways to care for and treat their skin-related health problems.
Many healthcare professionals pursuing a physician-level role opt for dermatology because this specialty requires little to no shift work or emergency care-related duties, resulting in one of the highest levels of work-life balance in the specialty. Unlike other senior-level health care professions, Dermatologists are allowed more flexible, reliable schedules that are similar to typical office hours for non-medical professions, which grants them the freedom to nurture a family life, as well as pursue personal interests outside of work.
- Dermatology Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Individuals in this role typically work in physicians’ offices or clinics. Dermatology LPNs are responsible for providing direct patient care for skin-related health problems, providing postoperative care following surgery or treatment, giving patients information regarding skin conditions, and assisting a physician with procedures, like a skin biopsy for example.
This dermatology job offers a high level of work-life balance compared to other roles given its low-stress environment. Dermatology LPNs also operate with more flexible schedules and are rarely, if at all, given on-call shifts. Instead, they receive reliable and flexible work schedules with an outlined PTO policy.
Job Outlook and Salary Info for Dermatology Jobs:
Now that we’ve covered the jobs in dermatology that provide the highest levels of work-life balance, let’s discuss the job outlook and salary info for these roles.
Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary ranges for these dermatology jobs:
- Dermatology Nurse Practitioner: $85,400 to $103,700
- Dermatologist: $204,000 to $310,000
- Dermatology LPN: $41,000 to $60,000
While all of these positions provide competitive salaries, they also offer a bright future in terms of job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the employment of physicians including Dermatologists, to grow 14 percent, Licensed Practical Nurses to grow 16 percent, and Nurse Practitioners to grow 31 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Given the expansion of healthcare coverage in the U.S. and the alarmingly high rates of skin cancer, demand for dermatology-related roles is expected to rise faster than for other medical specialties. Jobs in dermatology also offer medical professionals more job security than those in other medical fields.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare while still maintaining a healthy, fulfilling work-life balance should consider dermatology as their specialty area. If you’ve been considering a career in dermatology or would like to explore your options, click here to browse dermatology jobs currently available throughout the U.S.