How to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

What does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon do?

The Cardiothoracic Surgeon determines which instruments and method of surgery will be most successful in achieving desired outcome. Specializes in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of patients with diseases of the heart and lungs. Being a Cardiothoracic Surgeon reviews patient history and confirms need for surgery. Identifies need for tests or follow-up visits. In addition, Cardiothoracic Surgeon may provide medical personnel with direction concerning patient care. May provide in-service training as needed to address new technology in health care treatment. Provides charting in compliance with all laws and regulations. Requires a special degree in medicine from an accredited school. Typically reports to the chief of surgery. Requires a license to practice. Cardiothoracic Surgeon's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

People's Opinions on Cardiothoracic Surgeon responsibilities

Cardiothoracic surgeons see the immediate and often life-changing results of their work.

11/14/2019: High Point, NC

Since the end of the Second World War cardiothoracic surgery has seen accelerated growth, along with rapidly evolving technological changes.

10/31/2019: Akron, OH

Cardiothoracic surgeons play an important role within the healthcare team.

10/02/2019: Springfield, MO

Within the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery, there are specific specialties - adult cardiac surgery, children's cardiac surgery, general thoracic surgery (disorders of the lungs and esophagus), congential cardiac surgery, and heart and lung transplant surgery.

11/11/2019: Asheville, NC

Cardiothoracic surgeons will graduate from medical school and go on to complete either a 5-year general surgery residency followed by a 2- or 3-year cardiothoracic surgery residency program, or enter into a 6-year integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency.

12/08/2019: Miami, FL
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Best tips for those who want to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Here are some tips to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

People's Opinions on best tips

Just a small amount of exercise can really benefit your heart.

12/06/2019: Bloomington, IN

Some types of hypertension are more dangerous than others.

11/25/2019: Los Angeles, CA

You could have atrial fibrillation and not know it.​.

10/25/2019: Lawrence, MA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Best colleges and universities for Cardiothoracic Surgeon

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Is being a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

The heart cardiothoracic surgeon lifestyle, which it likes to hold the lives of others in your hands, day after day.

11/17/2019: Norfolk, VA

As a heart surgeon, you always have to be on the frontier of new surgeries, procedures and technologies.

10/17/2019: Sacramento, CA

The earnings of each and every cardiothoracic surgeon will depend on the number of worked hours daily, but also on the weekly basis of worked hours.

12/13/2019: Boston, MA

Most of the surgeons in this medical field specialize by performing a specific type of operation or by working with a certain population of patients.

10/14/2019: San Francisco, CA

When you are ready to start your career of being a cardiothoracic surgeon you can work with people of all ages or specialize in the field of working entirely with the elderly, adults, or children.

10/03/2019: Lafayette, LA
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

What skills do you need to be a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

When looking into a role like this one, you need to take account of your skills and abilities.  The ability to succeed in this role depends upon the possession of the following skills: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Patient Assessment, Medical Specialty: Cardiothoracic, Medical Specialty: Surgery.  Although not always necessary, a grasp of these skills can help: Electronic health records (EHR) Software, E-Prescribing Software, Medical Practice Management Software.  During an interview, try to convey your knowledge of these skills.

People's Opinions on Cardiothoracic Surgeon skills

Many years of schooling are required to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

10/22/2019: Asheville, NC

To be successful as a cardiothoracic surgeon, a person must possess physical skills, leadership abilities, and emotional capacity.

09/29/2019: Rock Island, IL

A residency as well as years practicing as a cardiothoracic surgeon are required.

10/24/2019: San Jose, CA

Joining 2 Cardiothoracic Surgeons, a Thoracic Surgeon and a Vascular Surgeon, the successful candidate will be a BE/BC surgeon with experience in both routine….

09/29/2019: Lawrence, MA

Record of scholarly activity, grant funding and 5+ years of experience as a cardiothoracic surgeon.

12/16/2019: Asheville, NC
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Step 6: View average salary for Cardiothoracic Surgeon

How much does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon make?

The average salary range for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon is from $430,400 to $673,100. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon
$430,400 to $673,100

Average salary for Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs

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Step 7: Find relevant Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs, and apply.

Looking for Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs?

Here are some Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs in the United States.

Search Cardiothoracic Surgeon Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Cardiothoracic Surgeon