Workforce Development

With no current dermatology residency in North Dakota, the UND Department of Dermatology is working to fill a critical shortage of dermatologists across the state.

Current Workforce

There are currently only 29 practacing dermatologists and 27 dermatology advanced practice registered nurses [ARPNs] in the state of North Dakota. In 2023, North Dakota was found to have one dermatologist for every 39,354 people. That ratio ranks 41st of all states in the U.S., and is nearly double the rate in Minnesota, 45% than South Dakota, and 40% higher than Montana.

Dermatology Physicians

97% of those physicians practice in urban communities: Fargo (13), Bismarck (9), Grand Forks (3), Minot (3) and Williston (1). Most rural counties in North Dakota have no local dermatology provider, meaning patients seeking dermatology care must drive to one of these urban communities to see their specialist.

Dermatology ARPNs

88% of ARPNs also practice in urban communities: Fargo (10), Bismarck (7), Grand Forks (5), Minot (2), Grafton (1), Jamestown (1) and Mayville (1). While the ARPN dermatology workforce has more representation in rural communities, most are located in the Red River Valley. This causes an increased lack of dermatological care in the western half of North Dakota.

Current Training Pipeline

North Dakota is located in a dermatology training gap region. No ACGME-accredited dermatology residency program exists between Minneapolis and Seattle. Many prospective students have to look outside of the state to continue their healthcare education. Some may attend dermatology programs located in the West North Central part of the United states, which includes Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri (10 total programs).

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges [AAMC], 58.6% of physicians practice in the same state where they complete residency training. States without residency programs, including North Dakota, must repeadetly recruit physicians trained elsewhere instead of growing their own workforce.

Our Vision

Once established, the UND Department of Dermatology's residency program will train North Dakota's future dermatology providers right at home.

Our department also recognizes the importance of exposing medical students to dermatology earlier in their training. That includes increasing opportunities for them to explore the field during their undergraduate studies.