How to Become a Cardiologist in Usa

A cardiologist is a doctor who has specialized in diagnosing and treating heart related diseases. They also prevent multiple medical conditions of the blood vessels and heart. Cardiologists have to conduct multiple tests to examine the condition of the patients.

Cardiologist Schools Near Me

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Cardiology is a field which is chosen by many aspiring doctors. These professionals receive their training in their specialty area. Cardiologists have long and irregular work hours. They usually have scheduled appointments; however, sometimes they have to show up in case of an emergency.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 375,390 doctors employed in the US that fall in the category of “Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” in the US in 2020. It is also reported that they are expected to witness 5% growth from 2020-2030. An ageing population will play an essential role in the rise of this profession. People will seek doctor’s services frequently due to the rise of various illnesses.

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

To get an admission in a medical school, students have to obtain a bachelor’s degree. They have to complete a few mandatory courses including biology, chemistry and physics, etc.

2. Clear the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Aspiring cardiologists have to clear the MCAT as it is a mandatory part of the admission process. It is a standardized test which is required by all medical schools across the nation. Along with MCAT scores, students need to have a good CGPA and a letter of recommendation.

3. Obtain a Graduate Degree

Students need to complete their 4-year graduate program to obtain a medical degree. It is a combination of classroom learning and practical experience. Pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology and anatomy are some of the courses studied during this program. These aspiring cardiologists also get a chance to work with experts and gain practical exposure.

4. Obtain a License

Candidates have to pass state exams to obtain licensure. Allopathic physicians have to take the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), while osteopathic physicians have to take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX). Other requirements vary with each state.

5. Completing Residency Program

It is mandatory for all cardiologists to complete their residency program. It is a 3-year training in internal medicine where students rotate in multiple internal medicine specialty departments like oncology, respiratory medicine and endocrinology, etc. Some students also conduct a research during this program. Prior to obtaining a sub-specialty in cardiology, students have to get certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

6. Serve a Fellowship

Cardiology fellowships last for 3-4 years during which students have to complete cardiology rotations. They are also required to conduct a basic clinical research. On completion, allopathic doctors receive their certificate from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), while osteopathic doctors receive it from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

These professionals have to study for 8 years, including 4 years of undergraduate and 4 years of graduate program, before they can apply for licensure. Later on, they have to complete a 3-year medical residency and 3-4 years of fellowship program in cardiology.

Following are the requirements to become a Cardiologist:

 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean salary of Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric was $218,850 in 2020.