4 Best Dermatology NP Programs in California: 2026 Admission Guide
Dermatology NP Programs in California grow more popular as patients just need both medical and cosmetic skin care services. If you’re thinking about this specialized career path, you’ll enter a field where nurse practitioners play a vital role. They diagnose skin conditions, perform procedures, and promote long-term skin wellness.
California offers exceptional dermatology nurse practitioner programs through prestigious institutions. The dermatology NP opportunities are great, especially when you have annual salary ranges from $167,687 to $234,649 at top institutions. There is a lot of clinical experience available.
This guide will take you through the four best dermatology NP programs in California for admission. You’ll find everything from curriculum details to admission requirements that will help you make an informed decision about your professional future.
1. University of California, Davis – Advanced Practice Fellowship in Dermatology
UC Davis’s Advanced Practice Fellowship in Dermatology is known as one of the best dermatology NP training opportunities in California. The Sacramento-based program helps nurse practitioners get specialized dermatological expertise in a structured clinical environment.
Program overview
UC Davis’s Advanced Practice Fellowship in Dermatology works as an on-site, paid position though it does not include benefits. The program partners with Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and targets new graduate nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in their first year of practice. The main goal focuses on helping practitioners become skilled at critical thinking and evidence-based practice in dermatology. Expert advanced practice professionals and physician colleagues guide fellows to build specialty-specific skills and professional confidence.
Curriculum highlights
The curriculum combines a complete transition-to-practice clinical experience with structured teaching activities. The educational components include:
- Direct patient care in a supervised structured environment
- Understanding of UC Davis’s mission, vision, and quality metrics
- Simulation training at the state-of-the-art center for virtual care
- Specialty-focused didactic courses
- Online learning modules
- Quality improvement conferences, grand rounds, and journal clubs
The program features didactic lectures, dermatopathology sessions, clinical training, surgical skills development, and Grand Rounds participation. This reliable educational framework will give fellows exposure to both theoretical knowledge and practical application in dermatology.
Admission requirements
Candidates must meet several key eligibility criteria:
- Must be a new graduate within 18 months prior to the program start
- Hold a US Master’s or higher degree in advanced practice from an accredited university
- Possess national board certification (requirements vary by specific fellowship specialty)
- Have California Nursing Nurse Practitioner License and California Nursing Nurse Practitioner Furnishing License or California Physician Assistant License (must have at least applied to be eligible)
Selected fellows must get a DEA certificate, pass a background check, commit to a 40-hour work week, and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certifications. August 1 marks the application deadline. Required documents include a curriculum vitae, completed reference check, personal statement, proof of national certification, and copies of relevant certifications.
Clinical experience
Fellows work with patients under board-certified dermatologists’ supervision. This supervised environment allows skill development while ensuring patient safety and quality care. Direct experience with skin conditions and diverse patient populations helps fellows build competence in various dermatologic procedures and treatments.
Program duration
The Advanced Practice Fellowship in Dermatology runs for one year. Fellows develop specialty-specific skills and build foundations for successful dermatology careers during this time. The program needs a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. This intensive schedule ensures exposure to all aspects of dermatological care.
Tuition and fees
The UC Davis Advanced Practice Fellowship in Dermatology pays its fellows during training. The position doesn’t include benefits, but fellows can get specialized skills without adding educational debt.
Anyone interested in learning more about the program or application process can reach out to admissions.
2. California State University, Long Beach – Dermatology NP Elective Pathway
CSULB has a detailed Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program that lets nurses take their careers to the next level. Students can gain dermatology expertise through elective clinical experiences. The BSN-to-DNP pathway is prominent among dermatology NP programs in California.
Program overview
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at CSULB prepares advanced practice nurses for complex clinical roles. Graduates can take leadership positions and teach at colleges and universities. The program doesn’t have a dedicated dermatology track but students can explore dermatology through elective clinical experiences. Students learn evidence-based practices and develop leadership skills. The BSN-DNP program covers five nurse practitioner specialty areas: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Practice, Pediatric Primary Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health.
Students learn through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions. This setup works well for working professionals while keeping high academic standards. Graduates can take national certification exams in their chosen clinical specialty.
Curriculum highlights
The BSN-to-DNP curriculum needs 72 semester units spread over three years of full-time study[221]. The program has three main parts:
- Core courses (39 units, 54.67% of program) teach essential advanced practice content
- Clinical specialty courses (24 units, 33.33%) focus on the chosen NP specialty
- Doctoral project courses (9 units, 12.5%) help students develop and implement a practice-focused project
Students with an interest in dermatology can use clinical rotations and their doctoral project to study skin conditions. The DNP project breaks down practice-related problems and uses proven nursing interventions with different patient groups to improve care[221].
Admission requirements
CSULB’s BSN-DNP program needs applicants to meet these requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Current unrestricted California RN license[222]
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate nursing program[222]
- Completed undergraduate courses in statistics, physical/health assessment, and pathophysiology
- Three letters of professional reference from faculty, colleagues, or supervisors
- One year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse
Candidates go through an interview and write an essay either in person or online. New students must attend orientation in mid-to-late August before Fall semester starts.
Clinical experience
Students must complete at least 1,000 clinical hours in their chosen specialty[221]. Future dermatology NPs in California can plan these hours to include skin care focused training. Students get hands-on experience in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Program duration
The BSN-to-DNP takes three years of full-time study[221]. Students complete 8 consecutive semesters, starting each Fall. The program demands significant time commitment, so students should adjust their work schedules accordingly.
Tuition and fees
The 2025-2026 academic year costs for BSN-DNP students taking 15 units per semester include:
- Tuition and mandatory fees: $19,048 annually
- Books and course materials: $1,590 annually
- Transportation costs: $1,252-$1,990 annually (varies by living situation)
Living expenses range from $11,836 for commuters to $22,752 for off-campus students. The CSU system might change these fees with proper approval.
3. University of San Diego – Dermatology NP Certificate Program
The University of San Diego excels in dermatology specialization with its post-graduate certificate program for nurse practitioners who want to become skin health experts. This program gives healthcare professionals another path to expand their expertise in California’s growing dermatology workforce.
Program overview
USD’s Dermatology NP Certificate Program helps nurse practitioners develop specialized knowledge and clinical skills needed for advanced practice in dermatology settings. The program builds on nurse practitioners’ primary certification and teaches them how to diagnose and manage dermatologic conditions. Students learn to handle both common and complex medical dermatology issues with confidence and clinical precision.
Curriculum highlights
USD’s curriculum follows core competencies for dermatology nurse practitioners, based on published research and professional guidelines. The program has:
- Didactic conferences and lectures
- Clinical case reviews and presentations
- Journal reviews and research opportunities
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Simulation labs for hands-on skills development
The program’s main goal is teaching diagnosis and management of medical dermatology conditions. Students also get exposure to procedural dermatology through specialized rotations, which builds their detailed understanding of dermatologic care. Students work with board-certified dermatologists in an environment that encourages collaborative practice skills.
Admission requirements
USD program candidates must meet several qualifications:
The program wants new graduates or early-career nurse practitioners who are passionate about medical dermatology. Applicants must graduate from an accredited Master’s NP program and be board-certified in a population-focused area. They also need appropriate state licensure or be license-eligible.
Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and at least one recommendation letter from a clinical educator or colleague. Letters from advanced practice providers or physicians are preferred.
Clinical experience
Clinical experiences make up about 80% of the program, while didactic education takes up 20%. Hands-on clinical training plays a vital role in building dermatology expertise. Students rotate through general medical dermatology and subspecialty areas that cover all age groups.
Students train alongside dermatology residents and see many complex cases. This shared learning environment helps NP students build collaborative skills that today’s healthcare needs.
Program duration
The Dermatology NP Certificate Program at USD is 24 months long, giving students enough time to develop their skills fully. This timeframe lets expertise grow naturally in a supportive environment. Students experience seasonal changes in skin conditions and learn to handle various disorders confidently.
Tuition and fees
USD pays students a competitive salary instead of charging tuition. Students get health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 25 vacation days yearly. They also receive an annual CME stipend for professional development.
Graduates might get offers for full-time medical staff positions, which creates a clear path to advance their dermatology careers. This approach makes specialized dermatology training available to nurse practitioners who want to advance their careers.
4. California Baptist University – Dermatology NP Track
California Baptist University (CBU) is notable among dermatology NP programs in California. The university’s specialized Nurse Practitioner track lets students focus on dermatological care. This faith-based institution in Riverside provides advanced nursing education with clinical specialization opportunities.
Program overview
CBU’s Master of Science in Nursing program helps nurse practitioners become skilled at specialized roles in a variety of concentrations, with options for dermatology-focused practice. Students learn evidence-based practice along with Christian ethical principles that prepare them to deliver detailed care in healthcare settings of all types.
Curriculum highlights
The curriculum blends core nursing knowledge with specialized clinical training. Students interested in dermatology benefit from:
- Advanced pathophysiology courses covering dermatological conditions
- Pharmacology training focusing on medications for skin disorders
- Specialized assessment techniques for dermatological examinations
Students get practical experience through simulation labs and clinical rotations that may include dermatology settings based on their interests and preceptor availability.
Admission requirements
Candidates must meet several qualifications to join the program. A minimum 3.0 GPA starts the admission process. ADN-to-MSN applicants need an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution. NP concentration applicants should have at least one year of RN work experience.
The program also requires an active California RN License without restrictions, a professional resume, and a successful interview with the College of Nursing. Required clearances include CPR certification, background check, health clearance, drug testing, and proof of both health and motor vehicle insurance.
Clinical experience
Students complete extensive clinical practice hours under experienced preceptors’ guidance. The program expects students to work as registered nurses while studying. This approach helps them apply advanced concepts continuously while developing specialized skills.
Program duration
Working professionals find the Master of Science in Nursing program’s structured timeline helpful. Students advance through coursework and clinical experiences based on their concentration requirements.
Tuition and fees
Graduate program tuition rates for 2025-2026 differ by discipline, with nursing programs priced competitively among California institutions. CBU has managed to keep education affordable while helping students get generous financial aid. The program’s fee structure has additional costs like application fees, health plans, and lab fees.
Next Steps
Your choice of dermatology NP program will shape your career path. Four programs in California offer great training opportunities, each with its own strengths. UC Davis gives you a paid fellowship, while UCSF delivers top-notch clinical training in an academic medical environment.
Qualified dermatology nurse practitioners are in high demand throughout California. Top institutions offer competitive salaries up to $234,649 yearly. This specialty lets you build expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology while working with experienced dermatologists in prestigious healthcare settings.
Take time to review each program’s admission requirements, duration, and costs carefully. Some positions are paid, while others charge tuition, but they all require dedication to intense clinical and academic training. Your final choice depends on your career goals, budget, and ideal learning setting.
Becoming a specialized dermatology nurse practitioner takes dedication, but the professional rewards make this trip worth it. These four California programs give you a solid foundation to build a rewarding career that helps patients of all types with their skin care needs. Your specialized dermatology skills will make you valuable in this growing and vital medical specialty.