If you've ever had a loved one with a Heart problem you might have wondered who treats them? Well the specialist in this field is the Cardiologist. To become a Cardiologist will take 15 years from the start of your Bachelor’s Degree. This page will walk you through the steps required on how to become a Cardiologist. The first step is to obtain your Bachelor's Degree.

As a Cardiologist, you make life and death decisions everyday. Cardiologists have an important role to play in the world of medicine and treat patients with conditions such as heart attacks, stroke and heart failure. Read on for information on the training and career path you'll need to take to become a Cardiologist.

The first step in the process is to take a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a related discipline. Subjects such as General Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics are ideal, it’s best to have a degree in as close a related subject as you possibly can. This would make future studying much easier. A Bachelor’s Degree will take about 4-5 years to complete.

It’s preferable whilst you’re taking your Bachelor’s Degree to undertake some extra-curricular activity as well. In particular having a part-time job in the Medical field will help your application to Medical School later. As to would becoming a volunteer, working for a charity or within a Church typically support your Medical School application later on.

From the start of your degree to becoming a Cardiologist takes approximately 15 years http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080313121648AAx9BF0<ref> The length of qualification is why a career in Cardiology is so rewarding, a 2005 survey revealed that an experienced Cardiologist can expect to receive between $240,000 and $280,000 on average per year<ref> http://mdsalaries.blogspot.com/2005/10/cardiologist-salaries.html

You will need to take the MCAT (test). The test takes a day and focuses on sciences subjects. A strong appreciation of sciences will be essential in the first two years of medical school. The majority of MCAT questions are multiple choice; the test sifts out many of those wishing to pursue a career in medicine but wouldn’t be up to the standard.

Most medical schools (especially higher standard ones) will require at least one year of demonstrable study in General Science, Chemistry, Biology or Physics. It’s advisable to buy a copy of the MSAR book http://www.helium.com/items/1261452-how-to-become-a-cardiologist, "Medical School Admission Requirements”. As the name suggests this annual publication provides the full entry requirements for every medical school in the USAhttp://www.aamc.org/students/applying/msar.htm.

Don’t be too surprised if you have to apply to Medical School more than once, this is fairly standard, especially for the highest ranked Schools.

This four-year residency program at Medical School is likely to be extremely gruelling, even for the most talented and committed of students.

The first two years focus on core science subjects such as microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology and pathology. These core science subjects will be the same whatever Medical career is pursued afterwards, so at this point you could change path and become a different sort of Medical Practitioner.

After these first two years of medical school, students will take the first part of the USMLE examhttp://www.usmle.org/. Every medical student in the USA takes this exam after the first two years of medical school.

Once the stage one USMLE exam is passed students can move onto years three and four. These years focus on the clinical work of becoming a Doctor. It’s customary in the fourth year to apply for a residency program in your chosen discipline.

To become a Cardiologist, residencies in internal medicine would be needed. Internal medicine residencies are a three-year program, which focus on medicine for adults.

The next step is to apply for a licence to practise medicine in the state you are to work in. You will need this licence prior to applying to ABIM http://www.springerlink.com/content/v42mw5u387748503/.

At this stage become certified by ABIM (American Board of International Medicine). One in three Doctors in the USA is ABIM certified, the current lists exceeds 200,000 members.http://www.abim.org/certification/

In explanation, residents are a mixture of being both a student and a fully licensed doctor. Residents are working Doctors, but are under close scrutiny and supervision.

Typically years one and two of the Cardiology residency program is comprised of detailed learning and working through all the areas/aspects of Cardiology. The third year is typically devoted to in-depth training in one or two selected and more detailed areas of Cardiology. In the third year there is also typically the opportunity to participate in clinical research.

An example of a Cardiology Residency Program can be found at: http://lomalindahealth.org/medical-center/our-services/cardiology/index.html

Next there will be a requirement to take the American Board of Internal Medicine test to become certified as a Cardiologist.

Once you’ve completed a Cardiology Residency there is still a need for further training to become a qualified Cardiologist. Practitioners must obtain a fellowship in Cardiology. This fellowship will take an additional two to three years for those who fully commit to the process http://www.brighamandwomens.org/cvcenter/Medical/AdvancedCardioFellow.aspx.

• Step 1: Get a Bachelors Degree
• Step 2: Take the Medical College Admission Test
• Step 3: Join a Medical school, Specialize in Internal Medicine
• Step 4: Complete a four-year residency program at Medical School
• Step 5: Acquire your Licence to Practise Medicine for your State
• Step 6: Get certified by ABIM
• Step 7: Complete Three Years of Cardiology Residency
• Step 8: Become Certified as a Cardiologist