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Cardiology, the specialized field of medicine focused on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of heart-related disorders, plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Now, comes the question: who is a cardiologist?
A cardiologist, as a medical professional specializing in cardiology, carries the responsibility of preventing, diagnosing, and treating heart diseases and conditions. With a combination of extensive knowledge, exceptional diagnostic skills, and advanced treatment techniques, cardiologists aim to improve patients’ heart health and overall well-being. To embark on the journey of becoming a cardiologist in India, aspiring individuals must possess a passion for cardiology, a strong academic foundation in medical sciences, and the dedication to undergo extensive training and specialization.
Further in this article, let’s discuss the steps and know how to become a cardiologist in India. In addition to the qualifications required, and the skills needed to excel in this field.
How to Become a Cardiologist in India After 12th
Know how to become a cardiologist after the 12th:
1. Choose the Science Stream
To get a cardiologist degree, it is vital to have a strong foundation in the Sciences. The first step towards pursuing a career in medicine is to choose the Science stream in your 11th and 12th standard. And, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology should be the main subjects.
Here, you will learn the fundamental concepts and principles of these subjects. Study hard to get admission to a good medical college. And, polishing the core concepts is also important. Plus, you need to score well in your board exams as well as competitive exams like NEET-UG.
Some of the important attributes to cultivate while pursuing the Science stream are:
- Good Communication and Analytical Skills
- Attention to detail
- The Ability to Work Well Under Pressure
2. Complete an MBBS Degree
After completing your 12th standard and clearing the NEET-UG exam, you need to complete an MBBS degree. To pursue an MBBS degree, enrol in a medical college. It is the next step towards becoming a cardiologist in India.
MBBS is a five-and-a-half-year course, which includes one year of mandatory internship. During the course, you will learn about:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology, and
- Other Subjects Related to Medicine.
The curriculum also includes practical training. Here, the experienced doctors will guide you to treat patients. Upon completion of the MBBS degree, you will be eligible for postgraduate studies in cardiology.
3. Pursue a Master’s Degree
After completing your MBBS degree, the next step is to pursue a Master’s degree in Cardiology.
This is a three-year postgraduate course. It specializes in the study and treatment of heart-related diseases. During the course, you will learn about various aspects of Cardiology, including:
- Preventive cardiology
- Non-invasive cardiology
- Interventional cardiology
- Electrophysiology
You will also receive hands-on training. Here you’ll learn how to treat patients with heart-related problems.
Upon completion of the Master’s program, you can choose to specialize further in a particular area of cardiology.
4. Complete a Super Specialty Course
Now the next step is to pursue a super speciality course in Cardiology.
This is a two-year course. It focuses on advanced topics in cardiology, including:
- Interventional cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Heart transplant
- Heart failure management
After completing the super speciality program, you will be eligible to practice as a cardiologist in India.
5. Obtain a Medical License
After completing all the required courses, the next step is to obtain a medical license. It is from the Medical Council of India (MCI) to practice as a cardiologist in the country.
You need to apply for the license and clear the MCI screening test. It is also known as the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE). This test evaluates your knowledge and skills. It’s in various areas of medicine, including cardiology.
This test is conducted twice a year. And, you need to score at least 50% marks to pass the exam. Once you pass the exam, you will be eligible to apply for a medical license to practice as a cardiologist in India.
6. Gain Experience
Once you get the medical license, you need to gain experience. It is the next step towards becoming a successful cardiologist in India.
You can work as an assistant cardiologist. Or, as a consultant in a hospital to gain experience and develop your skills. During this period, you will get opportunities like:
- To work with senior cardiologists
- Observe various cardiac procedures
- Learn the latest techniques and technologies in the field of cardiology
7. Continue Professional Development
As a cardiologist, continuing professional development is essential. It helps you to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
You can do the following to enhance your knowledge and skills:
- Attend various conferences, workshops, and seminars
- Read medical journals
- Participate in research projects
These activities can help you provide the best care to your patients.
These Steps helps how to become a cardiologist in India.
Degrees Required to Become a Cardiologist in India
How to become a cardiologist? To become a cardiologist in India, you need to complete several years of education and training. The degrees required to become a cardiologist in India are:
1. Post-graduate degree in General Medicine (MD)
Eligibility- A Bachelor’s degree in Medicine (MBBS). It should be from a recognized medical institution in India.
The duration of the MD course is three years. And, the curriculum includes subjects such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- General Medicine
During the study of cardiology, you will also gain practical experience. It’s by working in hospitals and clinics.
2. Super-specialization degree in Cardiology (DM)
After completing your MD in General Medicine, you need to pursue a super-specialization degree in Cardiology. It is known as DM in Cardiology.
Eligibility- MD in General Medicine. Or, an equivalent degree from a recognized medical institution.
The duration of the DM course is three years. And, the curriculum includes subjects such as:
- Cardiac Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Electrophysiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
How Long Does it Take to Become a Cardiologist in India
Becoming a cardiologist in India requires several years of education and training. The duration of each degree required to become a cardiologist in India is as follows:
1. Duration of MBBS
To become a cardiologist in India, you need to complete an MBBS degree. The duration of the MBBS course is five and a half years. It also includes one year of mandatory internship.
2. Duration of MD
After completing the MBBS degree, you need to pursue an MD degree in General Medicine. The duration of the MD course is three years.
3. Duration of DM
After completing your MD in General Medicine, you need to pursue a super-specialization degree in Cardiology. It is known as DM in Cardiology. The duration of the DM course is three years.
Therefore, it takes approximately 11 and a half years to become a cardiologist in India. This is after completing your 12th standard with the Science stream.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Cardiologist in India
Know how to become a cardiologist with this skills. Becoming a successful cardiologist in India requires more than just obtaining the necessary degrees and licenses. Some important skills that every cardiologist should have are:
1. Strong Academic Background
A cardiologist needs to have a strong academic background. It should be in the field of medicine, especially in cardiology.
2. Dedication and Perseverance
The path to becoming a cardiologist is long. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Therefore, successful cardiologists should be dedicated and perseverant in achieving their goals.
3. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Cardiology is a complex and challenging field. A successful cardiologist should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It helps to diagnose and treat patients.
4. Compassion and Communication Skills
Cardiologists should have strong compassion and empathy toward their patients. Plus, they should have excellent communication skills. It helps to explain complex medical concepts clearly.
5. Ability to Work Under Pressure
Cardiologists often work in high-pressure environments. Like, emergency rooms or critical care units. Therefore, a successful cardiologist should be able to work under pressure.
Renowned Institutes in India for Cardiology
Here are the top 5 institutes for cardiology in India along with their rankings:
| College | NIRF Ranking |
| AIIMS, New Delhi | 1 |
| PGIMER, Chandigarh | 2 |
| CMC Vellore | 3 |
| SGPGIMS, Lucknow | 4 |
| BHU, Varanasi | 5 |
Career Opportunities and Salary of a Cardiologist in India
Here are the career opportunities and salaries of a cardiologist in India:
1. Job Opportunities in Government and Private Hospitals
Cardiologists in India have a wide range of career opportunities. It’s in both government and private hospitals, as well as in research and academia.
| Job opportunities in government hospitals | Job opportunities in private hospitals |
| Consultants | Senior Consultant |
| Medical officers | Department head |
| Professors in medical colleges | Director |
2. Career Growth Opportunities in Research and Academia
Cardiologists can also choose to pursue careers in research and academia. They can work in:
- Universities
- Research Institutions
- Pharmaceutical Companies.
We can see a growth in the demand for healthcare services in India. Thus, cardiologists need to conduct research and develop new treatments.
3. Average Salary of a Cardiologist in India
The average salary of a cardiologist in India varies. It depends on their experience, skills, and location. According to some analysis, the average salary of a cardiologist in India is around INR 13.2 Lakhs per year.
Steps to Become a Cardiologist
In conclusion, you need to have a strong academic background, and dedication to become a cardiologist in India. This guide covers step by step process of how to become a cardiologist.
The path to becoming a cardiologist starts with choosing the Science stream in 11th and 12th standard. And, then completing an MBBS degree.
After that, pursuing a Master’s degree and a super-specialization degree in Cardiology is essential. It helps to gain expertise in the field.
Once you have obtained a medical license, you can gain experience. This can be done by working in a hospital or clinic. And, continuing your professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Renowned institutes for cardiology in India offer excellent academic programs and research opportunities. Multiple job opportunities for cardiologists are available. It’s in government and private hospitals, as well as in research and academia. Plus, it offers a decent salary package.
Overall, it requires an investment of time, effort, and resources to become a cardiologist in India. But, it can be a rewarding career for those who are passionate about improving the health and well-being of others.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our guide on Career Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
To become a cardiologist in India, one needs to clear several exams.
1. The first step is to appear for the NEET-UG exam after completing the 12th standard.
2. After clearing it, appear for the NEET-PG exam. It is to get admission to the postgraduate courses.
3. After completing the postgraduate course in General Medicine, appear for the NEET-SS exam. It is to pursue the super-specialization course in Cardiology
To become a cardiologist in India, you need to complete the following educational requirements:
1. Science stream in 11th and 12th standard. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the main subjects.
2. Complete an MBBS degree from a recognized medical college in India.
3. Pursue a Master’s degree in Cardiology.
4. Complete a super-speciality course in Cardiology.
5. Get a medical license from the MCI.
In India, the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme typically lasts 5.5 years. This involves 4.5 years of academic education as well as a year of mandatory internship. The academic study involves both theoretical and practical training in various medical subjects. After completion of the course, graduates can register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) and start their medical practice.
Are you wondering how many years to become a cardiologist? Then, it takes around 10-12 years.
1. After completing the 10+2 education with the science stream, one needs to pursue an MBBS degree. It takes 5.5 years to complete. Plus, it includes one year of internship.
2. After that, one needs to pursue a Master’s degree in Cardiology. It takes 3 years to complete.
3. Following that, one needs to complete a DM. It takes 3 years to finish.
The basic difference between an MD and DM in Cardiology is:
1. MD in General Medicine is a postgraduate degree. It deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of internal diseases.
2. DM in Cardiology is a super-specialization degree. It focuses on the study and treatment of disorders related to the heart and blood vessels.
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