Best Medical Schools for Cardiology

August 17


Table of Contents

Cardiology is a subspecialization of internal medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders in the heart and the cardiovascular system. Undeniably, heart problems are prevalent in various age groups in the population nowadays. 

Thus, making cardiologists one of the sought-after medical professionals out there. Becoming one is more challenging than it seems, as it takes a lot of studying in medical school for you to be a licensed heart specialist. 

Choosing the medical school where you can take up this specialization is a must, as it will be the foundation of your knowledge and help you build up your medical skills. That is why it is always good to choose the best medical schools for Cardiology is always a top priority.

And to help you decide which medical school is best for Cardiology, we present a list of the leading institutions that offer impressive residency and fellowship programs for this specialization. 

What is a Cardiologist? 

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who deals with acute or chronic heart and cardiovascular conditions. 

Also, they conduct physical exams, request laboratory tests, and assess the medical history, including the patient's medical family history. Which are all necessary to ensure the overall health of one’s heart and cardiovascular system. 

In addition, these doctors are licensed to give medical subscriptions or suggest surgery for the treatment depending on the severity of one’s condition. Also, they may perform certain medical procedures such as heart catheterizations, angioplasty, and more. 

They usually work in hospitals and also do private practices in clinics. Moreover, cardiologists educate and help people stay healthy to avoid heart disease. 

Below are some heart and vascular disorders that Cardiologists diagnose and treat. 

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Angina (Chest Pain)
  • Sudden Cardiac Arrest
  • Blood Clots
  • Atrial Fibrillation/Heart Rhythm Disorders
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Coronary Heart Disease
  • Congestive Heart Disease
  • High Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides
  • Hypertension
  • Pericarditis
  • Myocarditis
  • Ventricular Tachycardia
  • High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
  • Problems with arteries (Peripheral Artery Disease, Subclavian Artery Disease, Renal Artery Disease, Coronary Artery Diseases)

There are different specialization that cardiologists can choose to focus in which specifically helps in providing the most suitable treatment and intervention needed by patients. 

Also, some of these specialists work and collaborate to address the different heart conditions fully. 

Here are some of the specializations in this medical field.

  • General Adult Cardiologists
  • Pediatric Cardiologists
  • Cardiac Imaging Specialists
  • Electrophysiologists
  • Adult Congenital Heart Specialists
  • Interventional Cardiologists
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists
  • Heart Failure Specialists
  • Heart Surgeons
  • Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant Specialists
  • Cardio-Oncologists

How Much Do Cardiologists Earn?

One of the top-earning medical professionals in medicine is a Cardiologist. And the demand for these specialists is increasing yearly, so many opportunities are available for aspiring cardiologists. 

Moreover, the salary of these medical specialists is based on the area of specialization, years of practice, education level, and more. And note that newly practicing cardiologists will usually earn less than those with higher experience in the field. 

For example, Cardiologists in the US have an average salary of USD 451,991 and a starting salary of USD 305,175 for entry-level positions in this field. At the same time, some Cardiologists with good experience can earn as much as USD 664,871

Cardiologists in the United Kingdom can receive an average rate of GBP 260,772 in a year. And the entry salary of Cardiologists in the same country is around GBP 172,172 up to GBP 200,000.

A Cardiologist based in Canada can earn an average annual income of CAD 387,110  and an entry-level wage of CAD 255,586. In addition, a senior Cardiologist may make around CAD 521,018

And in India, the average annual salary for these specialists is INR 1,434,841, and those with a vast experience in the field can earn up to INR 6,000,000

In Australia, Cardiologists have an average salary of AUD 477,149 and an entry-level salary that ranges from AUD 315,545 up to AUD 400,000

Summary Table: Average Salary Rate of Cardiologists Different Countries

Country

Average Salary Rate

United States

USD 451,991

United Kingdom

GBP 260,772

Canada

CAD 387,110

India

INR 1,434,841

Australia

AUD 477,149

What are the Best Medical Schools for Cardiologists?  

If you want to pursue a specialization in Cardiology, we list the medical schools with impressive rankings in terms of medical education.

Moreover, all these medical schools are highly respected and offer outstanding medical degree programs. They are also affiliated with the finest and top-level heart institutes and hospitals in the country.

1. Harvard University 

Harvard University is one of the founding members of the Association of American Universities, which includes a total of 65 universities in the country. Also, the institution is classified with a Carnegie R1 research classification for doctoral universities.  

In addition, Harvard has earned a good reputation for its medical school and is globally respected for its excellence in delivering quality learning experiences.

Why Study Cardiology at Harvard?

The Harvard Medical School has a solid and competitive residency and fellowship program in Cardiology. The department is full of competent and brilliant professors who are specialists in General Cardiology and other subspecialization in this field. 

The program provides in-depth clinical training allowing its residents to handle inpatient and outpatient cases. Also, the students are fully exposed to general cardiology, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and cardiovascular imaging. 

Moreover, they will also be immersed in cardiac transplantation, vascular medicine, electrophysiology, and many more. They will also have the chance to do immersion in clinics and hospitals to evaluate different patient cases. 

The department also offers additional subspecialty program electives such as cardio-oncology, cardiovascular diseases and pregnancy, cardiovascular genetics, adult congenital heart diseases, and other clinical opportunities.

Educational Institution

Harvard University

Cardiology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

  • 5%

Tuition Fee:

  • USD 67,610

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

  • 519 to 520 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

  • 3.9

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

  • Internal-Offered By Harvard Medical School (HMS)
    • Dean’s REACH Scholarship Award Program
    • General Restricted Scholarships
    •  Resident Tutor Policy
    • MD-PhD Funding
  • Private Scholarships Coordination with Harvard Medical School (HMS)
    • Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship
    • National Medical Fellowships (NMF)
    • F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs (AFHP SP)
    • Veterans Affairs Health Professions Scholarship Programs (VAHP SP)
    • National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
  • Loans (Institutional)
    • Harvard Medical School Revolving Loan (HMSRL)
    • HMS Wolfson Loan

2. Columbia University

Columbia University is a reputable educational institution in New York. And it is known for its Nobel Laureates, with 100 awards as of 2022. 

In addition, the university’s medical school (Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons) is known for its excellence and is at the forefront of advanced medicine programs. Also, it aims to deliver world-class medical education, patient care programs, medical research, and more.

Why Study Cardiology at Columbia University?

The Seymour, Paul, and Gloria Milstein Division of Cardiology of Columbia University produces top-tier heart specialists in the country.

Moreover, the department offers a three or four-year fellowship program for the specialization. And it includes the following programs: a general cardiology fellowship, an interventional cardiology fellowship, and an advanced fellowship training. 

These fellowship programs deliver comprehensive courses and training experience in diagnosing and managing patients with various cardiovascular conditions. 

In addition, aspiring cardiologists will receive the best training programs under the supervision of world-renowned faculty. And they will get to experience clinical rotations in underserved hospitals and clinics. 

Plus, the program has different research opportunities for its residents that focuses on basic, clinical, and translational approaches in cardiology.

Educational Institution

Columbia University

Cardiology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

  • 3.6%

Tuition Fee:

  • USD 111,516 (For Residents)
  • USD 152,697 (For Non-Residents)

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

  • 512 to 528 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

  • 3.93

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

3. Duke University 

Duke University is a prominent educational institution in North Carolina is among the finest universities in the country. 

In addition, Duke University is ranked as #10 out of 443 universities for best university in the national category. And it is also recognized as the #11 Best Undergraduate Teaching university in the country. 

Its School of Medicine is also identified and included among the best and leading medical schools to pursue any medical specialization. And it strives to transform the healthcare system through its medical graduates. 

Why Study Cardiology at Duke University?

DukeMed’s Division of Cardiology is internationally recognized for its quality medical programs and advanced research practices. And it is also known for its development research in genomics and genetics initiatives for this field of medicine. 

Moreover, the department offers advanced training programs in interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, advanced heart failure and transplantation, adult congenital heart disease, and more. 

They also take pride in producing future cardiologists that are fully equipped in cutting-edge preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic patient care interventions.

Educational Institution

Duke University

Cardiology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

  • 8%

Tuition Fee:

  • USD 89,446

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

  • 519 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

  • 3.4

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

  • Internal Scholarships
    • Barr-Spach Medicine and Engineering Scholarship
    • Basic Science Research Track Scholarship for MHS Degree
    • Donald B. Hackel Fellowship in Cardiovascular Pathology
    • Dr. Bernard J. Carroll Research Scholarship in Psychiatry
    • Duke CTSA Pre-Doctoral Scholarship
    • Duke Global Health Institute
    • Duke Institute for Health Innovation (DIHI) Clinical Research and Innovation Scholarship
    • Duke Physician Scientist  Institutional Award (BWF) Research Fellowship for Medical Students
    • Duke-Singapore Student Scholar Fellowship
    • Eugene A. Stead Student Research Scholarships
    • Eva J. Salber Award
    • Gynecologic Cancer Research Fellowship
    • Margolis Scholars in Medicine
    • Michael R. Nathan Memorial Fund Award
    • Pointdexter Award
    • R. Randall Bollinger Surgical Scholarship
    • Snyderman/Moore Scholars in Health Care
  • Some External Scholarships
    • American Society of Hematology - Physician-Scientist Career Development Award
    • The Fogarty Global Health Fellowship
    • Gertrude B. Elion Award
    • Intramural Research Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS)
    • National Institute of Health (NIH) Medical Scholars Program
    • Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation

4. The University of Toronto 

The University of Toronto is the #1 university in Canada and is currently ranked #18 worldwide. And it is highly regarded for its intensive research programs involving different undergraduate and graduate programs.

Furthermore, it is highly diverse in its educational system that aims to deliver an exceptional learning environment for its students. 

And the university is also recognized for its School of Medicine (The Termenty Faculty of Medicine). It is ranked #1 as Canada’s best medical school last 2022. In addition, it is dedicated to providing excellent and advanced M.D. and Ph.D. medical degrees.

Why Study Cardiology at the University of Toronto?

University of Toronto’s Cardiology Division is the largest one in Canada. It is also affiliated with the best five teaching hospitals and cardiology clinics in the country. 

The department is composed of experts and medical professionals committed to giving its residents the best educational experience to its residents. Also, the cardiology program of the school is a student-focused learning program that its faculty highly supports. 

Furthermore, it fosters the development of its resident's knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes, which are all essential in providing the best and most effective patient care. 

Also, the department offers different fellowship programs in Cardiology that students can choose from. It includes cardio-oncology, adult echocardiology, ambulatory cardiology, cardiac intensive care, integrative cardiovascular biology, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and more.

Educational Institution

University of Toronto

Cardiology Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

  • 5.99%

Tuition Fee:

  • CAD 25,061 (Ontario Domestic Applicants)
  • CAD 25,751 (Non-Ontario Domestic Applicants)
  • CAD 94,451 (International Applicants)

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

  • 125 Points Per Test Section

Average GPA Score Requirement:

  • 3.6

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

5. Stanford University

Stanford University is a prominent educational institution in California and one of the world’s leading research and higher education institutions. The school is also among the top-ranking universities in the US. 

Besides that, Stanford is also identified as among the best institution for medicine.  And its School of Medicine is in partnership with world-class hospitals in the country to provide a premier medical education for aspiring medical professionals.

Why Study Cardiology at Stanford University?

Stanford University’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine is centered on excellence and dynamic medical education. It also takes pride as it is the largest academic and clinical unit of the school's Department of Medicine. 

In addition, residents of this program are highly trained in cardiologic procedures that focus on non-invasive and invasive medical interventions. Also, the program is integrated with clinical research and didactic lectures in cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, and physical diagnosis. 

Medical students are exposed to more advanced topics and hands-on experiences in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various cardiovascular conditions. They will also experience inpatient service in the cardiology department of the school’s affiliated hospitals and coronary units

Summary Table: Best Medical Schools for Cardiology

Educational Institution

Cardiology Program/Institution Ranking

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fee

Average MCAT/BMAT Score Requirement

Average GPA Score Requirement

Harvard University

5%

USD 67,610

519 to 520 Points

3.9

Columbia University

3.6%

USD 111,516 (For Residents)

USD 152,697 (For Non-Residents)

512 to 525 Points

3.93

Duke University

8%

USD 89,446

519 Points

3.4

University of Toronto

5.99%

CAD 25,061 (Ontario Domestic Applicants)

CAD 25,751 (Non-Ontario Domestic Applicants)

CAD 94,451 (International Applicants)

125 Points Per Test Sections

3.6

Stanford University 

2%

USD 63,747

519 Points

3.89

Additional Reading – Best Medical Schools:

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