How to Become an Invasive Interventional Cardiologist

An invasive interventional cardiologist uses sophisticated technology and surgical procedures to detect and repair abnormalities within the cardiovascular system. Following years of specialized training, an invasive interventional cardiologist can perform catheter-based interventions, balloon angioplasty procedures and mesh stent placements. A career as an invasive interventional cardiologist requires approximately 16 years of intense schooling and clinical practice. Doctors who commit to the required education and training are rewarded with ample employment opportunities and substantial salaries.

1. Earn a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university. Entrance into medical school requires a bachelor’s degree and a high GPA. Typically, students prepare for medical school by earning a degree in pre-medicine, biology, chemistry or other science. Make sure you successfully complete the required prerequisites by contacting a school counselor.


2. Prepare to take the Medical College Admission Test, MCAT. Passing this test qualifies you to apply to medical schools. Acceptance into medical school is based on MCAT scores, college GPA and personal interviews. Volunteering at hospitals or medical facilities adds valuable experience to your application.


3. Research medical schools and look for those that emphasize cardiology and cardiology specialty curriculums. The education and experience you gain at a cardiology-focused school prepares you for clinical practice.


4. Complete four years of medical school and gain general medical knowledge and clinical experience. The first two years of medical school focus on classroom and laboratory studies in general medicine. The final two years of schooling allow courses in the field of cardiology and hands-on experience through clinical rotations.


5. Enter a three-year internal medicine residency approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Invasive interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. During this period, you will practice medicine under the direct supervision of a board certified internist.


6. Sit for the medical license examination, also called the USMLE. Passing this exam allows you to practice medicine. The USMLE is comprised of three modules that test your knowledge and skills learned during medical school. 


7. Become board certified in internal medicine by passing the American Board of Internal Medicine examination. This exam tests your knowledge and skills learned during your internal medicine residency. Certification in internal medicine is a prerequisite of becoming an invasive interventional cardiologist.


8. Enter a three-year cardiology residency. The first two years include clinical training in inpatient and exceptional situations. The following year includes experience in a cardiac catheterization laboratory setting, noninvasive cardiac evaluations electrophysiology, pacemaker follow up and cardiac care consultations.


9. Take the American Board of Internal Medicine cardiology examination following successful completion of a cardiology residency. This measures your skills and knowledge in diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases of the cardiovascular system.


10. Complete a 1-to-2-year invasive interventional cardiology residency. This residency offers highly technical and specialized training in performing catheterization procedures, balloon angioplasties and stent placements. During this residency, you learn the newest technology and surgical procedures for repairing the cardiovascular system.


11. Take the American Board of Internal Medicine examination for board certification in invasive interventional cardiology. Board certifications require continuing education credits to maintain license and certification status.