Back to Career Guides

How to become a Cardiologist

Cardiologist jobs

Cardiologist courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Cardiologist

Cardiologist

| Up to £40,000

Senior Cardiologist

| Up to £90,000

Cardiology Consultant

| Up to £140,000

The role of a Cardiologist

What does a Cardiologist do?

Thinking about becoming a Cardiologist? You just need to put your heart into it…

Cardiologists are doctors who specialise in dealing with the cardiovascular system, including issues affecting the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries).

They’re generally found working in hospitals and private health clinics, working with patients who have been referred to them by their GP. The treatment they provide may affect people of all ages, ranging from babies and prenatal patients, through to elderly individuals, who may be reaching the latter stages of their lives.

Typical ailments treated by a Cardiologist include angina, irregular heartbeats, heart murmurs, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Day-to-day duties for a Cardiologist could include:

Examining patients to assess their condition
Investigating their medical backgrounds
Carrying out tests, such as echocardiograms and CT scans, to measure the heart’s performance
Performing specialised procedures, such as cardiac catheterisations and coronary angiography, to monitor and treat blockages
Using interventional cardiology to diagnose and treat conditions
Prescribing medication and fitting pacemakers
Following up with patients that require regular care

Is a career as a Cardiologist right for me?

Aside from dedicated medical training, it will take a steady hand, not to mention a meticulous attention to detail, in order to become a Cardiologist.

Cardiology can be an extremely high pressure profession, which will require you to make difficult decisions quickly and effectively. The ability to be decisive, and ultimately keep calm in stressful situations, will similarly be key to your success. And, as many Cardiologists work on call as part of their job, flexibility is absolutely essential. If you’re looking for something that’s more 9-to-5, this might not be the role for you.

Other key skills for a Cardiologist include:

Excellent interpersonal skills
Confidence
Manual dexterity
Assertiveness
Persistence
An analytical approach to your work

What's it like to be a Cardiologist?

"Cardiology sits somewhere between medicine and surgery really, which is why I like it so much. It can be incredibly practical and hands-on at times, and I could be performing emergency procedures or fitting lifesaving cardiovascular equipment. But it can also be really mentally complex, taking all my analytical and problem solving skills to help diagnose someone with a rarer condition. The hours can be long, and I often have to work on call, but it’s amazing to have a job that positively impacts so many people’s lives."

Get qualified as a Cardiologist

To become a Cardiologist, you will need to have completed a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council, as well as a two-year foundation programme which specialises in cardiology.

Recommended Cardiology courses

Cardiology: Basic Cardiac (Heart) Care - Level 3

One Education

2 in 1 Basic to Advanced Cardiology Diploma | FREE PDF Certificate | CPD Accredited | 24/7 Student Support
- Compare
- Online
- 10 hours · Self-paced
- 10 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

Did you know that 1 in 4 deaths in the UK is caused by cardiovascular disease , which also accounts for the largest gap in healthy life expectancy? With the demand for skilled cardiology professionals on the rise, now is the perfect time to enhance your expertise through our com …
Save 14%

£12 £14
Cardiology : Cardiac (Heart) Care

Training Express Ltd

CPD Accredited | Free PDF & Hardcopy Certificate included | 24/7 Tutor Support | Free Retake Exam | Lifetime access
- Compare
- 12 students
- Online
- 1 hour · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 10 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

[Updated 2025] Are you passionate about heart health and eager to enhance your skills in caring for cardiac patients? Our Cardiology: Cardiac (Heart) Care course is just what you need! This comprehensive program offers an in-depth exploration of the anatomy and physiology of the …
£12