How long does it take to become a cardiology physician

Cardiologists are in high demand, making it easy to find career opportunities after completing school and earning the required certifications. The average cardiologist spends about 14 years training to work in cardiology but can earn a decent income while in residency and a lucrative salary once in practice.

Pursuing a career in cardiology is a long and stressful process requiring more than a decade of training. The extensive educational requirements and long hours can be worth it, however. Cardiologists earn a lot of money while saving the lives of their patients. 

What is a Cardiologist? 

A cardiologist is a specialist trained to diagnose and treat heart and cardiovascular disease. People may see a cardiologist for an irregular heartbeat, symptoms of heart failure, poor circulation or advanced-stage cardiovascular disease. 

It is a common misconception that cardiologists can perform surgery. Not all are surgeons. They do coordinate with cardiothoracic surgeons when appropriate for their patients.

What Does a Cardiologist Do?

A cardiologist’s job is to find the underlying cause of many cardiovascular conditions and recommend a treatment plan. Cardiologists are members of a larger team of physicians, so one of their duties is to work with the patient’s primary care physician and other specialists when evaluating their condition. 

They may order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and perform follow-up care after medical procedures. There are additional specialties within cardiology that a cardiologist may pursue that can dictate what conditions they treat.

How Can I Become a Cardiologist? 

The path to becoming a cardiologist can be long and difficult. Cardiologists go to school for an average of 14 years before they can practice in their field. 

They begin by going to college and completing medical school. Most specialists work as doctors at hospitals or clinics while they’re earning advanced degrees and certifications in their area of interest.

Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree 

Before someone can become a doctor, they must earn a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field. The best fields to major in include health, biology and physical science. 

Those who know they intend to specialize in cardiology can choose a specific major. For example, undergraduates can major in cardiovascular technology, which offers the basic training medical students need later to become cardiologists.

Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) 

Anyone looking to enroll in medical school in the United States must complete the MCAT exam. Before someone can go on to cardiology, they must earn a degree in internal medicine. 

Medical schools consider students’ undergraduate transcripts and MCAT scores when deciding who gains admittance, so it is important to study for the test and perform well.

Enroll in Medical School 

When choosing a medical school, people may apply to schools with respected cardiology programs to take electives that help them pursue a career in that specialty. The first step, however, is to become a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). 

Osteopathy is becoming a more popular career path for many medical students, but it doesn’t matter if someone earns their MD or DO before becoming a cardiologist.

Pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) 

After completing medical school, all graduates must take and pass the USMLE before practicing medicine legally. The exam has three steps and evaluates how well doctors can apply what they have learned to real-world patient problems. 

Once someone completes this test, they obtain their license to practice as a doctor in general medicine. Many continue their education and pursue fellowships and board certifications in specialized medicine.

Complete an Internal Medicine Residency 

A residency is a paid internship program many doctors participate in to learn valuable skills. Most residents work in hospitals and treat patients in the emergency room or intensive care unit. They spend time diagnosing and treating a wide variety of common conditions and working with specialists when the problem is beyond their scope. 

Residents work with supervisors who offer them guidance and training in specialized medicine, such as what’s needed to become a cardiologist.

Residencies can last up to seven years. While this is a significant amount of time spent on education, doctors earn decent salaries while residents. They can usually afford to pay for their courses while working with real patients in the field.

Find the Right Fellowship Program 

A fellowship program is an advanced training course that doctors complete to become specialists in their desired field. Resident doctors can enroll in a fellowship program while completing their residency. 

It is normally a good time to pursue a fellowship with about one to two years left in a residency. Fellowships aren’t required for doctors to advance their careers, but they do help them gain acceptance in their field and secure higher salaries.

Get Board-Certified in Cardiology 

Board certifications aren’t necessary either, but many patients prefer to see doctors who are board-certified in their fields. The certification process is similar to the MCATs and USMLE. 

Cardiologists take exams that test their knowledge and experience with cardiology. Becoming certified can significantly boost income and open doors for cardiologists at prestigious hospitals.

Create an Impressive Resume 

Cardiologists acquire valuable experience while they are in residency and fellowship programs. The perfect resume highlights someone’s greatest achievements and skills. By the time cardiologists complete their residencies, they should have the experience to show when selling themselves to potential employers.

Start the Job Search 

Cardiologists work in hospitals, clinics and private practices, so plenty of places to look for employment exist. When completing their fellowships and certifications, they also gain contacts who can direct them to job openings. Networking with mentors, supervisors and other influential doctors can help cardiologists find jobs that fit their career goals and personal desires.

Average Salary of a Cardiologist 

Cardiologists earn an average salary of over $434,000 per year. Earnings can vary depending on how long someone has practiced, whether they are board-certified and where they completed their residency and fellowship programs. Beginning cardiologists shouldn’t expect to earn the average salary right away, but they often see steady raises throughout their careers.

Am I the Right Person for Cardiology? 

Becoming a cardiologist can take up to 14 years, requiring dedication and hard work. Cardiologists may work up to 60 hours per week during residency and in the field.

Cardiologists typically have the desire to help other people. Patients who need to see a cardiologist often worry about serious health complications and need their doctor to approach their concerns with empathy and compassion. Successful cardiologists may believe their positive impact on other people’s lives is worth more than financial gains.

Benefits of Becoming a Cardiologist 

The benefits of becoming a cardiologist include significant pay, working in a highly respected field and developing close relationships with patients. Cardiologists can also choose an advanced specialty if they want to help people suffering from chronic conditions. Cardiologists are in high demand, so it is not difficult to land a job once someone completes their training.

Top Takeaways 

• Cardiologists invest a lot of time and money in their education and training. 
• Cardiologists work long hours and experience a great deal of stress. 
• Cardiology is a rewarding field with high demand, a lucrative average salary and many career advancement opportunities.

(Reporting by NPD)