How to Become a Heart Surgeon: Steps, Education & Career Guide

Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon

Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon takes the longest training process in the medical field as the aforementioned education and training can take up to as long as 16 years or more. Here are the steps needed to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Earn an undergraduate degree

Students need to obtain a bachelor’s degree and complete the required courses to apply to a recognized medical school. It is recommended that pursue a degree in a science with a concentration on chemistry, biology, and math. In preparation for medical school students need to maintain an outstanding GPA, typically 3.5 or above. Additionally, as an undergraduate, students need to attend Medical College Admission Test, the results of which will be included in student’s medical school application.

Volunteer at hospitals and clinics

Volunteering at hospitals and clinics can offer experience and help students to figure out if they are interested in a medical career. Volunteer work is also a good addition to resume. To look for volunteer positions, students can check local hospitals and see if they have any positions available.

Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

For applicants interested in attending medical school, they must complete the MCAT to be considered for admission, divided into four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. The test will give candidates a challenge on their problem-solving, critical thinking, writing, and the principles of science knowledge they possess. To get ready for the MCAT, applicants should consider finding an online course or a tutor.

Graduate Medical School

To become a cardiothoracic surgeon, first earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. This will require four years of medical school. The first two years will mainly be lectures and labs in a classroom environment, however, students can participate in a surgery elective at this time. A last two years will consist of clinical experience, which includes surgery, cardiothoracic, or other rotations that may be relevant to a cardiothoracic career. When looking to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, students can look at a medical school program that has a cardiothoracic surgical specialty. This way, they can stay ahead with knowledge and prepare themselves more effectively. 

The world's top institutions to study heart surgery include Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, New York–Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia and Cornell), Stanford University / Stanford Health Care, Mount Sinai Hospital – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, University of Pennsylvania – Perelman School of Medicine, Cedars–Sinai Medical Center, Royal Papworth Hospital, and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Become a licensed physician

Before going on to post-medical school education, candidates must be a licensed physician. The processes of licensure vary by state, but most will require candidates to pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Complete a general surgery residency

Graduate education in surgery most often combines clinical experience, research, conferences, and time in the operating room. This is usually a five-year program. The first two years will mostly focus on study in important surgical specialties, such as cardiovascular surgery. The latter years will include assisting in and performing surgeries, as well as opportunities for rotations in surgical specialties. Typically, residencies are organized through your medical school.

Complete a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship

A thoracic surgery fellowship provides educational and advanced training via hospital-based practice. This allows you to further sub-specialize in cardiothoracic surgery, as well as the case requirements established by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) for certification. Generally, a thoracic surgery fellowship can take two to three years to complete. However, some practitioners choose to participate in a six-year integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency for additional experience.

Obtain board certification

Candidates might also want to consider getting a thoracic surgery certification through the ABTS, which can expand their job options. To be certified, most future cardiothoracic surgeons complete a state medical license, complete general and thoracic surgery residencies, and pass a board exam. The requirements can vary, but will typically include completing additional hours of medical education, submitting letters of reference, and case summaries, and passing an exam every 10 years.