What Is Cardiology
Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart as well as some parts of the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology.
Entry Requirements To Study Cardiology In South Africa
Educational Background
Primarily, the subjects you choose in high school determine your future. If you prefer to take up medicine as your career, you must pass your Grade 12 with English, Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry, and Life Science.
Marks Required to Get into Medical Schools in South Africa
In South Africa, medical aspirants have two options to get into a medical school. The requirements to join an MBChB degree differ based on your choice between the options:
- MBChB Right After High School
Limited medical seats and strict quotas make entry into a medical course extremely difficult. However, if you satisfy all the requirements to study medicine in South Africa, you can make it with a little more effort. The best part about medical universities in South Africa is they are transparent with their selection criteria.
Most South African medical universities have different requirements for students to enroll in their medical programs. However, there will not be much difference. Besides academic grades, medical aspirants have to take up National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
Students will be expected to perform exemplary to secure a medical seat in one of the best medical universities in South Africa. Above all, non-academic performance is also included in the selection criteria.
Here is a breakdown of what medical schools in South Africa expect in your application:
| University of Cape Town | University of Witwatersrand | Stellenbosch University | |
| Grade 12 | 60% | 40% | 45% |
| NBT | 30% | 40% | 30% |
| Non-Academic Performance | 10% | 20% | 25% |
Source:Â EduConnect
The shared score is for you to get an overview of understanding what is expected in general. Besides, medical universities consider quotas in their selection criteria to benefit the disadvantaged students.
After General BSc
Students who could not make it directly to the MBChB course opt this. Even in medical schools, there will be dropouts that give a second chance for students who narrowly lost their opportunity to get into a medical degree. Students who could not make it in their first try start pursuing a general Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, which is similar to the MBChB degree.
When they are in their first year or at the beginning of their second year, they can get the opportunity to transfer to medical schools. However, you can get this transfer opportunity only if secured excellent academic performance in your BSc degree.
Even though this option is highly competitive, you will have a clear idea of what is expected and work toward getting into the medical program through this transfer program.
Course Duration
An MBChB degree takes 6 years, including the foundation program. If you want to specialize further, it may take 10 years, depending on your choice of specialization.
Schools Offering Cardiology In South Africa
University of Cape Town
University of Witwatersrand
Stellenbosch University
University of KwaZulu Natal
University of Pretoria
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
University of the Free State
University of Limpopo
Walter Sisulu University
University of Johannesburg
University of Western Cape
Northwest University – South Africa
Nelson Mandela University
What subjects are needed to become a cardiologist in South Africa?
High School
Take plenty of challenging science and math classes including advanced placement courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus.
Enhance communication skills through English composition, speech, foreign language, and drama classes.
What are the educational requirements for a cardiologist?
Cardiology Career Facts
| Required Education | Medical school (4 years), Internal medicine residency (3 years), Cardiology fellowship (2-5 years) |
|---|---|
| Licensure & Certification | State licensure required, Board certification desired by most employers |
| Projected Job Growth (2016-2026) | 13% for all types of physicians and surgeons* |
How many years does it take to become a cardiologist in South Africa?
16 years
It takes 16 years to become a cardiologist in South Africa. South Africa currently has about 175 active, registered cardiologists practising in the country, of which only about 35 are in public service or working in training centres.
Where can I study cardiology in South Africa?
Programmes by Study Institutions
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
University of Cape Town.
University of the Free State. Premier.
How long does it take to become a cardiologist?
It will usually take someone about 14 years to earn their bachelor’s degree, attend medical school and complete a residency and fellowship program. Cardiologists may also complete additional subspecialty fellowship programs that can take another one to two years to complete.
How many cardiologists are there in SA?
‘In South Africa, we have 163 cardiologists for a population of 55 million which is clearly not enough. We produce only 10% of cardiologists per million of the population compared to Brazil which is also a poor country.
Do cardiologist work in hospitals?
Cardiologists work in hospitals and in private practices. They may: Give you a physical exam. Order tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, exercise stress test, or echocardiogram.
Who is the best cardiologist in South Africa?
Dr. Ao Adeyemo. Cardiologist. 3 reviews.
Dr. Chevaan Hendrickse. Cardiologist. 3 reviews.
Dr. N Hendricks. Cardiologist. 3 reviews.
Dr. Pieter Blomerus. Cardiologist. 12 reviews.
Dr. Jeff King. Cardiologist. 10 reviews.
Dr. Nico Daniel Van Der Merwe. Cardiologist.
Dr. Jean Vorster. Cardiologist.
Dr. John David Benjamin. Cardiologist.
How much does a cardiologist make in South Africa?
R2,467,163 (ZAR)/yr.
Which university is best for cardiologist in South Africa?
The Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town (UCT), one of South Africa’s premier hospitals, is renowned as the training ground for some of South Africa’s best doctors, surgeons and nurses.