Cardiology NP

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 19, 2015

NP programs must follow a blueprint based on the Consensus Model. The curriculum must be broad based and inclusive of the age-based and/or primary vs acute care focus of the program. That makes it impossible for programs to just have a Cardiology focus.

That said, Cardiology was a popular specialty when I was starting out in my ACNP program because I lived in an area with large hospital-based Interventional Cardiology programs that were competing against each other and adding a group of NP's was a smart move to improve the over-all patient care experience when the physicians were busy cranking out cases in the cath lab.

I think it's still largely a viable and popular option for NP's. For training, I would consider an ACNP program that will allow you a rotation in a large medical center with a variety of services in cardiovascular disease. I would also make sure to network early with potential employers and establish a good reputation with Cardiologists where you work.

allnurses Guide · May 25, 2015

Pitt has a cardiopulmonary track. Really it just means you focus your clinicals in that area.

Cardiology EP NP · Jul 31, 2015

Hello. I have worked as a cardiology NP since 2009. I started out working at a university medical center as a staff nurse on a telemetry unit. During this time, I became acquainted with many of the cardiologists on staff. Also, when I was in NP school, I also did a cardiovascular nurse specialist program. This was at Loyola university in Chicago. I don't know if that program is still around but it was great. I landed a job as an NP in the cardiac EP department post graduation. My suggestion would be to work at a place that has a large cardiology department where opportunities would be plentiful. And yes a specialization while you're in school is always helpful. Hope that helps!