Cardiologists
29-1212.00

A subset of this occupation's profile is available. Data collection is currently underway to populate other parts of the profile.

Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Administer emergency cardiac care for life-threatening heart problems, such as cardiac arrest and heart attack.
  • Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, or disease prevention.
  • Answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being.
  • Calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
  • Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standards to identify abnormalities, using the results of an echocardiogram.
  • Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
  • Conduct exercise electrocardiogram tests to monitor cardiovascular activity under stress.
  • Conduct research to develop or test medications, treatments, or procedures that prevent or control disease or injury.
  • Conduct tests of the pulmonary system, using a spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment.
  • Design and explain treatment plans, based on patient information such as medical history, reports, and examination results.
  • Diagnose cardiovascular conditions, using cardiac catheterization.
  • Diagnose medical conditions of patients, using records, reports, test results, or examination information.
  • Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
  • Inject contrast media into patients' blood vessels.
  • Monitor patient progress following cardiac surgery.
  • Monitor patients' conditions and progress, and reevaluate treatments, as necessary.
  • Observe ultrasound display screen, and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, and cerebral circulation.
  • Obtain and record patient information, including patient identification, medical history, and examination results.
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast-enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
  • Order medical tests, such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and angiograms.
  • Perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as implanting pacemakers and defibrillators.
  • Perform vascular procedures, such as balloon angioplasty and stents.
  • Prescribe heart medication to treat or prevent heart problems.
  • Recommend surgeons or surgical procedures.
  • Supervise or train cardiology technologists or students.
  • Talk to other physicians about patients to create a treatment plan.

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Technology Skills

Hot technology
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Occupational Requirements

Detailed Work Activities

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone

Title
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Related Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
SVP Range
(8.0 and above)

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Training & Credentials

State training
Local training
Certifications
State licenses

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Apprenticeship Opportunities

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Worker Characteristics

Interests

Interest code: IRS
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  • Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
  • Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
  • Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
  • Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2022)
$115.00+ hourly, $239,200+ annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
18,000 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
500
State trends
Top industries (2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data external site and 2022-2032 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

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More Information

Related Occupations

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Sources of Additional Information

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