Career Definition of a Cardiac Surgeon
Cardiac surgery is a specialization in the surgical field that is dedicated to treating heart conditions. Cardiac surgeons perform coronary artery bypass surgery, heart transplants, valve replacements and repairs of congenital heart conditions, according to the American College of Cardiology (www.acc.org). Some surgeons are employed by hospitals or medical centers, but many own or co-own their own practices and perform routine office check-ups and follow-ups as well as surgeries.
| Education | Medical degree, 5-year surgery residency and 2-3 year fellowship |
| Licensure | State license required after completing residency and passing exams |
| Essential Knowledge | Cardiac and lung anatomy, medical ethics, pharmacology |
| Average Salary (2021)* | $297,800 (for general surgeons) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 3% (for general surgeons) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Requirements
The educational process to become a cardiac surgeon is one of the longest in the medical field. Cardiac surgeons must complete four years of college, four years of medical school, a 5-year general surgery residency and a 2-3 year specialized cardio or cardiothoracic fellowship. Surgeons who wish to specialize further in pediatric cardiology or heart transplant surgeries may require additional training. All cardiac surgeons must be certified in surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialists before seeking further certification for cardiothoracic surgery. Accomplished cardiac surgeons may be elected to the American College of Cardiology and earn the Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) designation.
Licensure Requirements
All physicians and surgeons must obtain a state license. Licensure requirements include attending an accredited medical school, completing a residency and passing the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cardiac surgeons must be well-versed in the subjects of anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology and medical ethics. Cardiac surgeons need to have extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. Cardiothoracic surgeons must be experts in lung anatomy as well.
Career Salary and Outlook
According to the BLS, cardiac surgeons' specialized expertise will be in continued demand, and jobs for surgeons are projected to increase by 3% from 2021 to 2031. Earning potential in the cardiac surgery field is very high. The BLS reported an average annual salary for general surgeons as $297,800 in 2021.
Alternative Career Options
Similar career options in this field include:
Podiatrist
Those interested in a career in surgery who prefer not to work on vital organs might explore the field of podiatry. Podiatrists diagnose, treat and perform surgeries to correct ailments of the feet and ankles. To become a podiatrist, one must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at a school of podiatry and then complete a residency. Like medical doctors, podiatrists must be licensed, which requires completing an accredited program and residency and passing the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam. According to the BLS in 2021, podiatrists had a median annual salary of $145,840. The BLS projects jobs for podiatrists will show 2% growth from 2021 to 2031.
Cardiovascular Nurse
Like cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular nurses care for patients with cardiovascular disease. These nurses educate patients in heart disease prevention, monitor patients before and after cardiac surgery and assist patients with cardiac rehabilitation. To work as a cardiovascular nurse, one must first become a registered nurse (RN), which commonly requires a minimum of an associate's degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After gaining some experience working in a cardiac care unit, cardiovascular nurses may obtain professional certification from organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The BLS reported in May 2021 that the median annual salary for all RNs was $77,600. Job growth for RNs in general is expected to be as fast as the average, at 6%, from 2021-2031, according to the BLS.
