Cardiology

CARDIOLOGIST:  A cardiologist is a physician who treats heart diseases and defects as well as provides preventative care and diagnosis of the cardiovascular system. There are many different types of cardiologists – some focus more on diagnosis, prevention, and medications, while other cardiologists are more procedure-oriented, performing angioplasties and other life-saving operations.  

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NURSING CAREERS IN CARDIOLOGY:  There are a variety of nursing careers in the field of cardiology. If you’re interested in working in a medical office environment, you could work in the medical office of a cardiologist. Or, if you prefer to work in a hospital, you could be part of a cardiac care unit. Additionally, if you’d like to become an advanced practice nurse, you may also want to consider becoming certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in cardiology.  

MEDICAL CAREERS IN CARDIOLOGY:  Allied Medical Professionals are generally classified as any medical professionals, other than medical doctors or nurses, who have direct contact with patients in a clinical setting. There are several types of cardiovascular technicians and technologists who work in the field of cardiology. Some are diagnostic and become experts in running the EKG machine. Other technologists are involved with nuclear cardiology, working the equipment which helps to take computerized images of the heart. Additionally, some technicians work in the cath lab and assist cardiologists with more invasive procedures.  

A cardiologist is not a surgeon. Cardiologists start by training as internists including 4 years of medical school, plus three years of residency training. After completing the internal medicine residency, a prospective cardiologist may enter one of many different types of cardiology fellowships. Cardiology fellowships are 2-3 years depending on the type of fellowship.  

There are three educational paths to becoming a nurse. A diploma from an accredited nursing program or hospital (CNA, LPN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN – a two-year program), or a bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN). Nurses are involved with nearly all aspects of a patient’s care. Schedules and duties vary based on the type and level of the nursing role. Nurses can be generalists or obtain Master’s degrees and additional certifications to specialize in a specific area such as cardiology.  

Most Allied Health jobs require an Associate's Degree, which is a 2-year program typically from a vocational or technical school, or community college. Allied personnel typically have regular interaction with patients, so you should enjoy working with people to be in Allied Health. Also, as a technician or assistant, you will be working in a supportive role, assisting nurses and doctors with their work.  Most technologist or technician roles entail learning how to use a specific type of complex, high-tech equipment such as surgical equipment used during operations.  Typically, allied healthcare professionals work on a shift-based schedule, and therefore they are paid per hour or per shift, not on a set salary.  

Earning Potential Averages For Anesthesiologists: (Jobs.Utah.Gov) 

Earning Potential Averages For Cardiovascular Technicians: (Jobs.Utah.Gov)