What college courses do you have to take to become a Cardiac surgeon?

Hello Melody,

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Education Requirements:

Cardiothoracic surgeons have specialized training in operating on organs within the human chest cavity. Training in this field is completed during a cardiothoracic residency, usually after a general surgery residency. Explore what you'd learn and practice in your general and specialized surgery residencies. Get info on the prerequisites for entering a residency, and learn about integrated program options for cardiothoracic residencies.

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  In order to pursue this career and enter a residency (graduate education) program, you would need to have graduated from a Liaison Committee on Medical Education-accredited medical school. Upon completion of training, successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination and receipt of state licensure is required to work as a cardiothoracic surgeon.

  
  


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  During your cardiothoracic residency, you learn how to perform a number of surgical procedures on the heart and respiratory systems, and thorax. The American Board of Thoracic Surgery requires surgeons to complete a certain number of operative procedures, between 250-375 major cases, depending on the length of your program (www.abts.org). The following operations may be performed:

  
  

Removing tumors from the lungs
Esophageal repair
Repairing deformities of the chest
Vascular surgeries
Cardiopulmonary bypass
Transplants

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  If you recently graduated from medical school and have yet to apply, or be accepted, to a general surgery residency program, you may be able to complete your general surgery and cardiothoracic surgeon education requirements under an integrated program at the same university.

  
  


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  In an integrated 6-year program, your general surgery education and cardiothoracic training will be divided over six years. The exact breakdown may vary by program. Your cardiothoracic instruction will remain the same, and you'll complete the same rotations.

  
  

Source: http://learn.org/articles/Cardiothoracic_Surgeon_Education_Requirements_FAQs.html

I wish you all the best in your journey!!