Dermatologist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: American Board of Dermatology certification, State medical license (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: dermatoscope; biopsy instruments; cryotherapy; lasers
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Dermatologist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Use sterile technique for procedures
Handle lasers safely
Label specimens correctly
Follow infection control
Shadow an experienced dermatologist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: perform a full-body skin check
Supervised practice: do a shave biopsy
Supervised practice: teach sun protection
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Examine skin, hair and nails: independently
Screen for skin cancer: independently
Perform biopsies: independently
Treat acne, eczema and psoriasis: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, American Board of Dermatology certification)
Discuss the career path: Dermatology Resident → Dermatologist → Mohs or Subspecialist
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Perform a Full-Body Skin Check
Do a Shave Biopsy
Teach Sun Protection
Skin examination
Dermoscopy
Biopsy techniques
Skin surgery

How to measure onboarding success

Days until the new hire works without a preceptor
Competency sign-offs completed on time
Documentation or charting error rate
90-day retention

How Dermatologist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Dermatologist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Dermatologist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Dermatologist Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Dermatologist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)