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Cardiologist (MD)

Occupation Information table
Overview: Cardiologists treat diseases of the heart. They use electrocardiograms, and miniaturized cameras inserted into the heart's arteries to diagnose heart problems. They also use physical stress tests to measure the impact of exercise on the patient's heart. They decide if heart surgery is needed.
Duties: They diagnose malfunctions and diseases of the heart and blood vessels by means of electrocardiograph instruments, stress testing and the use of radioactive materials injected into the blood stream.

They perform detailed analyses of the heart by angiograms that require a miniature camera be inserted in a vein and then manipulated by the cardiologist into the heart.

They confer with heart surgeons to determine whether surgery is appropriate and the types of surgery to use. They may recommend open heart surgery, valve replacement, a pace-maker or angioplasty.

They recommend prescriptions to reduce heart fatigue, blood clotting, and cholesterol reducing medication. They prescribe exercises and diets to reduce possibilities of heart attack or stroke.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $115,000 to $130,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: This occupation generally requires an advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.). The typical commitment is a minimum of 3 years of study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
Additional Training/Education: All states require cardiologists to be licensed. Licensing involves graduation from a medical school (usually 4 years), passing an examination, and up to 7 years of "residency" graduate medical training in cardiology. The minimum educational requirement for acceptance to most medical schools is 3 years of college study.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Analyzing the symptoms of a problem and deciding what actions should be taken to resolve the problem.
Recommended Values:
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.