Introduction
A cardiologist is a doctor of the heart, veins, and arteries. He analyses and deals with cardiovascular or circulatory illnesses and disorders. The need for cardiologists is growing consistently with the rapid increase in cardiovascular diseases around the world. An individual interested in making a career in this field is required to devote 10-13 years of his life to it since becoming one demands years of training beyond an MBBS degree as well as the necessary licensing and board certification.
This article explores a career in the field of cardiology in India. Read on!
Educational Qualifications Required
In India, there are primarily three types of cardiology programs, which are described below:
Degree Courses: Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate-level degree programs are available in the field of cardiology. The duration of these programs usually varies from 2 to 5 years.
Diploma Courses: Diploma courses in cardiology are available at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels which may vary from 1 to 6 years.
Certificate Programs: Certificate programs in cardiology are offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels1. Their duration might range from 2.5 hours to 4 weeks.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES
Course Name
|
Duration
|
Fees
|
MBBS
|
5.5 years (including one-year internship)
|
INR 10,000-6,00,000
|
B.Sc. in Cardiac Technology/Cardiology
|
4 years (including a one-year internship)
|
INR 1000- 4,00,000
|
B.Sc Cardiovascular Technology
|
4 years (including one-year internship)
|
INR 25,000-5,00,000
|
Source: Collegedunia, Collegedekho
Eligibility for Undergraduate Courses
-
Students are required to obtain at least 50% marks in 10+2 or any equivalent examination in the science stream (with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as main subjects) from a recognized board.
-
Students have to clear NEET UG and/or entrance exams conducted by the respective universities (wherever applicable).
UG DIPLOMA COURSE
Course Name
|
Provider
|
Duration
|
Average Fees
|
Diploma in Cardiology Technician
|
NRI Medical College (NRIMC)
|
2 years
|
INR 54,000
|
Diploma in Cardiovascular Technician (DCVT)
|
Rajiv Gandhi Paramedical Institute (RGPI)
|
2 years
|
INR 60,000
|
Diploma in cardiology technician
|
Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute
|
1 year
|
INR 1,06,000
|
Source: Collegedunia
Eligibility for Undergraduate Diploma Courses
-
Students must be passed in 10+2 or any equivalent examination in the science stream from any recognized board.
-
Students are required to clear the test conducted by the respective university (wherever required).
PG DIPLOMA COURSE
Course Name
|
Duration
|
Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology
|
2-4 years
|
M.Sc.in Cardiological Nursing
|
2 years
|
Post Graduate Diploma Community Cardiology (PGDCC)
|
2-4 years
|
DNB Cardiothoracic Surgery
|
3-6 years
|
Eligibility for Postgraduate Diploma Course
While some PG diploma courses require the basic eligibility as having completed an undergraduate course (with cardiology as a subject) from a recognized university, some others compulsorily require completing an MBBS degree or an equivalent qualification recognized by the MCI (Medical Council of India) or any of the State Medical Council.
Further, some institutes may also conduct an entrance examination for admission to the PG Diploma course or mention any other criteria(s), making it subject to final admission.
CERTIFICATE COURSES
Certificate name
|
Provider
|
Duration
|
Fees
|
Requirements
|
Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac Computed Tomography
|
edX
|
4 weeks
|
Free (charges only for certificate)
|
|
Myocardial Infarction
|
Coursera
|
25 hours
|
Free (charges only for certificate)
|
|
Echocardiography for the non-Cardiologist
|
Udemy
|
2.5 hours
|
INR 3,499
|
|
Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
|
Udemy
|
9 hours
|
INR 800
|
Basic knowledge of biological sciences
|
Cardiac Care Technician Certification
|
VIVO Healthcare
|
1 year
|
|
10+2 with Science or ECG Technician
|
Cardiac Anaesthesia
|
Seth Gordhandhas Sunderdas Medical College
|
1 year
|
INR 10,000
|
M.D./ D.N.B. in Anesthesia
|
Source: Official website of respective providers
Postgraduate Degree And Doctoral Courses
Course Name
|
Duration
|
Average Fees
|
Requirements
|
M.Sc. Cardiology
|
2 years
|
INR 5,54,178 - 6,00,000
|
Bachelor's degree in science from a recognized university with minimum marks as specified by the university
|
MD Cardiology
|
3 years
|
INR 2,000 - 20,00,00
|
An M.B.B.S or equivalent degree in science.
|
DM in Cardiology
|
3 years
|
INR 5,000 - 10,00,000
|
MD General Medicine or Paediatrics
|
M.Ch. in Cardiac Surgery
|
3-Years
|
INR 1,00,000- 6,00,000
|
Postgraduate Degree in MS/DNB
|
M.Ch. Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery
|
3 years
|
INR 10,000- 15,00,000
|
Master’s degree or Post-graduation (MD or MS) or equivalent degree from a recognized university with minimum 55% aggregate
|
D.M - Cardiac Anaesthesiology
|
3 years
|
INR 1,00,000-2,00,000
|
M.D. (Anaesthesiology)
|
D.M - Cardiology
|
3 years
|
INR 3,00,000 - 15,00,000
|
Postgraduate [MD] from the recognized Medical Council of India or any State Medical Councils
|
Ph.D. - Cardiology
|
3-5 years
|
INR 2000 - 2,80,000
|
Master's degree in either MD or DM or equivalent degree with a minimum aggregate of 55% passed from a recognized university.
|
M.Ch. Cardiac Surgery
|
3 years
|
INR 1,00,000- 6,00,000
|
Postgraduate Degree in MS/DNB
|
Source: Collegedunia, Targetstudy
Note: In addition to the requirements mentioned above, the students may be required to clear NEET PG or equivalent examination and/or entrance exam conducted by the respective universities (wherever required). Further, it is important to note that admission into both MD Cardiology and Ph.D. in cardiology is completely merit-based. This is followed by a round of group discussion and personal interview.
Top Cardiology Colleges In India
-
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
-
Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)
-
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER)
-
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute
-
Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH)
-
Christian Medical College (CMC)
-
Jawaharlal Institute Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER)
Scope Of A Career As A Cardiologist
A cardiologist can work in private as well as government hospitals. He can also choose to be a scientist, researcher in any reputed hospital, or lecturer in a medical college. Apart from this, he can work with cardiac rehabilitation centres or clinics or in the defence or railways sector. One could also sit for the UPSC examination for positions in the civil service after completing a post-graduate degree in cardiology. After gaining substantial years of experience, one can also start a private practice as a cardiologist.
Job Profiles In Cardiology
Job Profiles
|
Job Description
|
Cardiac Surgeon
|
A cardiac surgeon is a medical doctor who performs surgery on the heart and the major blood vessels around it. They are also responsible for diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses related to the heart, interpreting tests, and suggesting a cure.
|
Cardiologist
|
Cardiologists are physicians who perform duties related to the cardiovascular system. They have extra education and training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating heart conditions.
|
Cardiothoracic Surgeons
|
Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in surgeries on most organs and tissues found in the chest. They also conduct medical management and determine methods of surgical procedures.
|
Invasive Cardiologist
|
Cardiologists who perform minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases are invasive cardiologists. They also treat arteries and artery blockages.
|
Cardiovascular Technologist
|
The duty of the cardiovascular technologist is to support the physician during invasive treatments like cardiac catheterization. They support the early detection and treatment of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
|
Emergency response officers
|
Emergency response officers (EROs) are doctors who are trained to give first-line treatment in any emergency, in this case, cardiac arrest or heart failure.
|
Scientists (cardiology)
|
They conduct in-depth research on cardiac health and novel treatment protocols.
|
Professor of cardiology
|
Ph.D. holders in cardiology and expert practitioners who teach MBBS and MD students in medical colleges.
|
Junior Resident (Cardiology)
|
A junior resident in cardiology is in charge of performing non-invasive diagnostic tests on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to identify and treat diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
|
Senior Resident (Cardiology)
|
A senior resident is responsible for performing electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, Holter monitors, trans-oesophageal echocardiogram exercises, stress testing, and dobutamine stress testing.
|
Technical Assistant
|
A Technical Assistant is primarily responsible for providing technical and equipment-based assistance in heart treatments.
|
Skills Required
-
Teamwork
-
Technical knowledge
-
Communication
-
Problem-solving
-
Cognitive abilities
-
Compassion and listening ability
-
Self- Confidence
-
Good Communication and Interpersonal Skills
-
Time management
-
Analytical skills
-
Patience
-
Ability to take decisions in life-threatening situations
Expected Salary And Remuneration
Job Profiles
|
Average Salary
|
Cardiac Surgeon
|
INR 2,88,000
|
Cardiologist
|
INR 1,71,000
|
Cardiothoracic Surgeons
|
INR 1,00,000
|
Invasive Cardiologist
|
INR 8,12,000
|
Cardiovascular Technologist
|
INR 2,82,000
|
Emergency response officers
|
INR 1,08,000
|
Junior Resident (Cardiology)
|
INR 2,46,000- 3,00,000
|
Senior Resistant (Cardiology)
|
INR 3,00,000- 3,50,000
|
Technical Assistant
|
INR 3,50,000- 4,00,000
|
Source: Collegedunia, Ambitionbox
Top Entities Hiring For This Job
-
Indian Council of Medical Research
-
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science)
-
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
-
Medanta, The Medicity
-
Apollo Hospitals
-
Jaypee Hospital
-
Max Healthcare Hospitals
Conclusion
Even though a highly competitive and challenging field of medicine, cardiology is a fulfilling and rewarding career option for those candidates who are hardworking, capable, and passionate about treating heart patients. Moreover, there is a lot of scope in this particular field from the income point of view as well, especially when one gains substantial years of experience.
Medbots.in wishes you all the best!