The Lahey Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Training Program is a comprehensive, ANCC accredited two-year training program that begins in September of even-numbered years (2022, 2024, 2026, etc.). Launched in 2003, it is the oldest nurse practitioner training program, and the first accredited dermatology NP training program in the country.
We accept applications from Dec. 1 through Feb. 1 of year preceding the next cohort start. Please see the information below for more details.
Overview
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center offers a unique, intensive, full-time dermatology specialty training program for certified nurse practitioners.
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 Hospital & Medical Center, this 40-hour per week residency-style training program allows for trainees to be hired as full-time nurse practitioner employees with full benefits.
Lahey dermatologists practice in Burlington, Lexington, Lynnfield and Peabody, MA, and a portion of the training will likely occur at each site. All department physicians and nurse practitioners participate as preceptors in the program.
Affiliations
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology is affiliated with the Harvard Medical School Dermatology Residency Program. This affiliation lets 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 certified nurse practitioners who desire a career in dermatology and are committed to learning. Clinical experience as a nurse practitioner in a general medical setting is strongly preferred, although prior work experience isn’t necessary.
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
Applications are accepted from Dec. 1 to Feb. 1 the year prior to admission. The next cohort runs from Sep. 2024 to Aug. 2026. Applications will be accepted from Dec. 1, 2023 through Feb. 1, 2024. A personal interview with potential candidates is required when possible.
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
- Fee – a $200 donation made payable to Dermatology NP Fellowship
Questions and applications, including recommendation letters, should be directed to:
Victoria Garcia-Albea, NP, program director.
Applications may be mailed to:
Lahey Dermatology NP Training Program
Attn: Victoria Garcia-Albea, NP
Lahey Clinic and Medical Center
Department of Dermatology
41 Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01805
All applications will be reviewed by Victoria Garcia-Albea, NP.
For questions, please email Victoria Garcia-Albea, NP or call 781-744-8443.
Finalists for the positions will be offered an interview in late winter with selections completed by the end of April. The training program will commence in September.
The Lahey Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Training Program is a comprehensive 24-month program that begins in mid-September and ends on Aug. 31. Trainees are exposed to all aspects of dermatology over the course of the program. 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.
A wide range of clinical disease is presented, but continuous self-learning and independent research is an essential component to this program. Experience is gained in other aspects of dermatology including:
- Dermoscopy
- Phototherapy/PDT/XTract Laser
- Cryotherapy
- Wound care
- Pharmacology/biologic therapies
- Surgical procedures
- Biopsies
- Excisions
This program covers the full spectrum of clinical dermatology for nurse practitioners interested in pursuing a career within this specialty. It’s an intense and demanding experience with unique opportunities for clinical advancement and options for elective prospects.
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: We currently accept two candidates for each cohort.
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. The second year also comes with an increased salary.
Q: How much experience do you require?
A: One to two years of experience in a nurse practitioner role is required. A strong foundation in internal medicine is also required, although clinical experience in dermatology isn’t 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, 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 teaching hospitals in collaboration with the the Harvard Dermatology Residence Program. Every other week, each trainee is responsible for delivering a clinical presentation 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 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. A large number of our graduates have found opportunities out of state. All graduates have been employed after completing our program.