Qualification Details to Become a Cardiac Surgeon
Career News October 25, 2015If you have a dream of becoming a cardiac surgeon one day, read this article to learn what qualification details are required before joining the profession. Also, expect to learn the licensing procedure of a cardiac surgeon and some other related career options you can choose from.
Career Overview of a Cardiac Surgeon
The daily job of a cardiac surgeon revolves around treating the heart and all its components. For instance, you may have to perform coronary bypass surgical procedures, heart transplants, valve replacements, repairing congenital heart conditions and other minor or major surgeries that are related to the heart.
In case you fulfill all the training and licensing requirements of a cardiac surgeon, you can seek employment in hospitals, medical centers or you can choose to own your cardiac operation room, where you offer normal cardiac surgical procedures, offer checkups to patients with heart problems and do follow ups after performing surgical procedures.
Compulsory Education achievements
Students wishing to become cardiac surgeons take quite a long time in medical school. To start with, you have to attend college for four years, complete another four years in medical school, attend a 5 year residency program plus another 2-3 years in some specialized training.
Moreover, if you wish to become a pediatric cardiac surgeon, or if you have a dream of doing heart transplants as a qualified cardiac surgeon, your training in school is often longer. Once you become a cardiac surgeon, you must then acquire licensure from the American Board of Medical Specialists before you can operate in the cardiothoracic field. Note that you can also become a board member of the American College of Cardiology if you accomplish a lot in this profession.
Licensing Details
After completing the lengthy education process, you can now obtain a state license, which may ask that you attend to an accredited medical school, complete a residency and pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. This last test is however optional if you pass in the Osteopathic Medical licensing Examination.
Skills to learn in medical school
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) argues that the following are the skill one should learn while pursuing a profession in cardiac surgery. First, you must master anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology and most importantly, be well versed on what medical ethics mean. Additionally, you must deeply learn about the heart and its surrounding vessels.
Job Availability
The services of a heart surgeon are always in demand, and as such, their salary is admirable. In 2012, the BLS estimate that an average physician or surgeon earned $367,885. Their job growth rate also increases at a stable figure of 18%.
Alternative Professions
In case you can’t endure the lengthy education that a cardiac surgeon must undergo, you can choose to become a cardiovascular nurse. The education requirements here is to first get registered as a nurse, which may only demand a associate’s degree plus a license. However, if you still want to become a surgeon, but do not operate on the heart, a career as a podiatrist can be ideal for you.
