Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Training

Throughout the two-year course, trainees are provided a thorough didactic and clinical curriculum to establish themselves as valuable providers in any dermatology setting. Trainees foster and expand their knowledge base through exposure to various academic settings.

Funded by Lahey, this 40-hour per week residency-style training program prepares trainees to be hired as full-time nurse practitioner employees with full benefits.

Lahey dermatology providers practice in Burlington, Lexington, Lynnfield and Peabody, Massachusetts, and a portion of the training will likely occur at each site. All department physicians and nurse practitioners participate as preceptors in the program.

Lahey’s Division of Dermatology is affiliated with the Harvard Medical School Dermatology Residency Program. This affiliation lets the Lahey nurse practitioner trainees participate in weekly Grand Rounds and other instructional sessions sponsored by the residency.

All Grand Rounds and lectures are held in the Boston area between Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH).

The program is designed for board certified nurse practitioners looking for a career in medical dermatology and who are committed to life-long learning. Clinical experience as a nurse practitioner in a general medical setting is strongly preferred, although prior work experience is not required.

Trainees must have graduated from an accredited NP program and hold a certification in one of the major population groups.

Massachusetts state licensure can be obtained upon admission.

This is a comprehensive 24-month program that begins in early July and ends on June 30th. Trainees are exposed to all aspects of dermatology over the course of the program. Historically we have hosted two nurse practitioners, but starting in July 2027, we will begin training three fellows at a time. Each cohort begins in July and runs for two years, finishing in June of the second year.

Although medical dermatology is the primary focus, trainees have an opportunity to observe and familiarize themselves with common cosmetic procedures through our affiliation with Lahey’s Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. To successfully complete the program, trainees will learn about and demonstrate competency in various diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Fellowship Responsibilities

Every other week, each trainee is responsible for delivering a clinical presentation (lecture) to the department during a lunchtime meeting. One, four-hour session per week is designated for presentation research and preparation.

One half-day per week is devoted to Grand Rounds, with patient viewing and didactic lectures at three major Boston area teaching hospitals in collaboration with the Harvard Dermatology Residence Program.

Trainees are expected to attend all of the New England Dermatologic Society meetings during their training. These meetings occur on four Saturdays from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm between October and February, and are held all over New England. For more details, visit the New England Dermatological Society site.

Workload & Funding

Trainees spend eight, four-hour sessions each week with one of our staff physicians or nurse practitioners in the dermatology clinic. As trainees progress through the program, their responsibilities and procedural load increases.

Around 6-7 months into the program, the trainees will begin seeing patients on their own schedules, with an abbreviated schedule. By the end of the two-year program, trainees will be seeing patients on their own schedules three days per week, they will be precepted one day per week, and they will continue to have one didactic/research day per week.

Trainees receive funding to attend the annual American Academy of Dermatology conference at least once during their training. They have the opportunity to attend other educational conferences such as ElevateDerm and MauiDerm NP/PA.

Subjects Covered

A wide range of clinical disease is presented, but continuous self-learning and independent research is an essential component of this program. Experience is gained in other aspects of dermatology including:

This program covers the full spectrum of medical dermatology for nurse practitioners interested in pursuing a career within this specialty. It is an intense and demanding experience with unique opportunities for clinical advancement and options for elective prospects.

Progressing From Year One to Year Two

Didactic and research sessions are continuous throughout the first year of training. Clinical rotations emphasize independent practice with formal oversight and supervision. During the second year, there is a gradual decrease in time spent precepting with a simultaneous gradual increase in the number of patients seen independently. The trainees complete their lecture series a few months into year two.

At the completion of the program, trainees sit for the Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner Exam. Visit the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board site for more information.

Q: When did you start offering this program? 
A: The program began in September, 2003.

Q: How many candidates are accepted for each cohort? 
A: On the even years (2026, 2028, 2030, etc) we accept 2 fellows.
On the odd years (2027, 2029, 2031) we accept 1 fellow.

Q: How will the second year differ from the first? 
A. Didactic and research sessions are continuous throughout the year. Clinical rotations emphasize independent practice with formal oversight and supervision. During year 2, there is a gradual decrease in time spent precepting with a simultaneous gradual increase in the number of patients seen independently. The trainees complete their lecture series a few months into year 2.

Q: How much experience do you require? 
A: At least one to two years of experience in a nurse practitioner role is strongly recommended. A solid foundation in internal medicine is preferred. Clinical experience in dermatology is not necessary.

Q: Which nurse practitioner certification do you prefer?
A: The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification offers the most flexibility. While the state of Massachusetts accepts all certifications, this isn't the case in all states. For example, If you're certified as a pediatric, women's health or adult nurse practitioner, you could be restricted to practicing dermatology within the guidelines of that certification, and in accordance with your state regulations. Please check with your state Board of Registration in Nursing.

Q: Would you consider a physician assistant for the program? 
A: As of now, the program is designed specifically for nurse practitioners.

Q: What are some of the responsibilities involved with the program? 
A: Our trainees spend eight, four-hour sessions each week with one of our staff physicians or nurse practitioners in the dermatology clinic. As trainees progress through the program, their responsibilities and procedural load increases.
One half-day per week is devoted to Grand Rounds with patient viewing and didactic lectures at three major Boston area teaching hospitals in collaboration with the the Harvard Dermatology Residence Program. Every other week, each trainee is responsible for delivering a clinical presentation (lecture) to the department during a lunchtime meeting. One, four-hour session per week is designated for presentation research and preparation.

Q: Where do your trainees usually end up working? 
A: The demand for highly skilled, formally trained dermatology nurse practitioners is continuously increasing. Several graduates have been hired by Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Others have joined private practices or large, multi-specialty group practices in the Boston area and beyond. All graduates have been employed after completing our program.

Q: What makes a great applicant?
A: We prefer applicants with more years of NP work experience and leadership experience. We love to hear about your publications, your involvement in research, what positions you have held on committees in organizations or at your work institution, and experience with precepting. These items on a CV set a candidate apart.

On September 1, 2026, the application window for cohort July 2027-June 2029 will open. Applications will not be accepted prior to that date.

Applicants will be informed (by phone or email) if they were selected for an interview from the program director. We will hold virtual or in-person interviews for finalists.

At least one to two years of experience in a nurse practitioner role is strongly recommended. A solid foundation in internal medicine is preferred. Clinical experience in dermatology is not necessary.

To apply for the fellowship, please submit the following materials:

• A personal statement, including future professional goals in the field of dermatology
• A curriculum vitae, including a description of past dermatology experience, if any (not required)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, at least one from your current or recent supervising physician
• There is no application fee

Questions about the application process or the fellowship program may be directed to:

Gina Vaglica
Provider Recruiter
Lahey Hospital and Medical Center
Department of Dermatology
41 Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01805
Phone: 781-552-1424

Our Critical Care Fellowship program has earned official accreditation from the Advanced Practice Providers Fellowship Accreditation (APPFA). This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to providing top-tier training and mentorship to new graduate Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in the critical care setting.

Our accredited program ensures fellows receive comprehensive, hands-on clinical experience; expert faculty guidance and a robust curriculum — preparing them to deliver exceptional care in high-acuity environments.