Education for a Cardiologist

Cardiologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat health problems that affect the heart and the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists typically see patients who have been referred to them by a general practitioner. They will conduct exams, such as a stress test, to check how well a patient's heart and cardiovascular system function.

College

• A college degree isn't necessary to go to medical school, but potential students do need to take college classes in math, chemistry, biology and physics. Potential students must also pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to get into medical school.

Medical School

• Medical students spend the first two years studying anatomy, microbiology, chemistry and other basic sciences, and the next two years putting what they've learned into practice to get hands-on experience.

Residency & Fellowship

• After medical school, future cardiologists complete a three-year residency in internal medicine where medical skills are honed. They then go into a three- to six-year fellowship for specialized training in cardiology.

Testing

• After graduation, future cardiologists must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam and the internal medicine board certification exam. After completing residency, cardiologists may take the American Board of Internal Medicine cardiology exam to become board certified.

Salary

• The average cardiologist can expect to earn $241,000 annually, according to salary.com. Pediatric cardiologists will earn less at an average of $229,000 each year.