How to Become A Cardiologist
A cardiologist is a doctor who focuses on the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose and treat things like coronary artery disease, heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Cardiology is one of Australia’s most demanding and rewarding medical careers.
The job means seeing patients, running tests and choosing treatments. Cardiologists do procedures like echocardiograms and cardiac catheterisations. They also prescribe drugs, order tests and work closely with other health staff.
Getting there takes time and effort. You need a medical degree, basic physician training and RACP Advanced Training in Cardiology. The full path takes at least 12 years from the start of your medical degree.
But the rewards are real. Cardiologists earn some of the highest pay of any job in Australia. They work in a field where their choices can save lives every day.
Career Outlook for Cardiologist
Cardiology is one of Australia’s most in-demand medical fields. Around 1,100 cardiologists work across the country. New South Wales and Victoria are home to most of the workforce (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021). Most cardiologists work full-time, averaging 49 hours per week, and the median age is 47. Women make up 19% of the workforce.
Cardiologist pay is among the highest of any job in Australia. In 2022-23, cardiologists had an average taxable income of $511,535. This was the highest among all internal medicine fields (Australian Taxation Office, 2022-23). Pay varies between public hospital roles and private practice, with private work typically paying more.
Australia’s ageing population is pushing up demand for heart care. Heart disease is still the country’s top cause of death. The need for skilled cardiologists is set to grow in the years ahead. This makes cardiology a strong choice for doctors who want long-term job security.
About the author
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
