# How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
Being a cardiothoracic surgeon is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in the medical field. The work involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest cavity. It’s a high-stakes job that requires a long and intense educational journey. So, how many years does it take to become a cardiothoracic surgeon?
The answer to that question depends on the individual. Generally speaking, it takes about 12-13 years of education and training to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. This includes four years of college, four years of medical school, a five-year residency program, and then a two-year fellowship.
The first step to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon is to attend an accredited college or university and obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. After that, you’ll need to attend medical school, which is a four-year program. During medical school, you’ll be exposed to the basics of cardiothoracic surgery and gain clinical experience.
Once you’ve completed medical school, you’ll need to complete a residency program. This is a five-year program that focuses on cardiothoracic surgery training. During the residency, you’ll be exposed to a variety of cases and will receive hands-on training in the operating room.
After completing the residency program, you’ll need to complete a two-year fellowship. This is an intensive training program that focuses on advanced cardiothoracic surgical techniques. During the fellowship, you’ll receive the in-depth training needed to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Once you’ve completed the 12-13 years of education and training, you’ll be eligible to take the certifying exam to become a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon. This exam is administered by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skill of the prospective surgeon.
FAQs on How Many Years to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon
## What is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
A cardiothoracic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest cavity. Cardiothoracic surgeons are highly trained and experienced in performing complex surgeries and procedures on the heart and lungs.
## What Education is Required to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
To become a cardiothoracic surgeon, you must complete 12-13 years of education and training. This includes four years of college, four years of medical school, a five-year residency program, and a two-year fellowship.
## What is the Residency Program for Cardiothoracic Surgery?
The residency program for cardiothoracic surgery is a five-year program that focuses on cardiothoracic surgical training. During the residency, you’ll be exposed to a variety of cases and will receive hands-on training in the operating room.
## What is the Fellowship Program for Cardiothoracic Surgery?
The fellowship program for cardiothoracic surgery is a two-year program that focuses on advanced cardiothoracic surgical techniques. During the fellowship, you’ll receive the in-depth training needed to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
## Do You Need to Pass a Exam to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
Yes, after completing the 12-13 years of education and training, you’ll be eligible to take the certifying exam to become a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon. This exam is administered by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skill of the prospective surgeon.
## How Long Does it Take to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
It typically takes 12-13 years of education and training to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. This includes four years of college, four years of medical school, a five-year residency program, and a two-year fellowship.
Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon is a long and challenging process, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. The years of education and training are necessary to ensure that cardiothoracic surgeons are properly trained and qualified to perform their job. The commitment is worth it for those who are passionate about helping others and advancing the medical field.
