Dear Career Advisor,

I have always wanted to specialise in the field of cardiology. I did some research and found out that I would have to do cardiovascular science in order to pursue this course, but upon applying to a local university I discovered that the school does not offer that course of study.

My family is not wealthy, and my mother is the only financial aid I have. I have attained five CXC subjects, which puts me in a good position to carry out my studies, inclusive of human and social biology and chemistry. I have considered doing phlebotomy and saving from there to pursue cardiology. Would you consider this to be the right path for me, and if not, what choices would you recommend?

Yours truly,

Rochell

Dear Rochell,

Good day. Allow me to try to put the points you have raised in perspective, beginning with your career goal of becoming a cardiologist. A cardiologist is a phy sician who, having completed studies to become a medical doctor, advances to gain additional training and experience, which allows for specialisation in the branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the heart.

Therefore, your first step in pursuit of this goal would be to ensure that you meet the matriculation requirements for entry to an institution that offers medical sciences – either the bachelor of medicine or the bachelor of surgery. Typically, to gain entry you would need a solid science foundation at the CXC/CSEC level with passes in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and English language. In addition to this, you would need passes in three or more double units at the CAPE level, which should include chemistry and biology. The possession of a basic science or biology degree provides a distinct advantage.

If you are very serious about pursuing a career in medicine, it would be prudent to enrol in a pre-university programme that would allow you to fortify your foundation in biology, chemistry and physics, bearing in mind that a pass in human and social biology would not satisfy the matriculation requirements for the sciences. Many local tertiary institutions offer excellent pre-university programmes from which you may choose.

Phlebotomy, though a very useful skill for a potential physician, is not a degree programme, nor will it, by itself, help you to meet the matriculation requirements for the degree in medicine, medical laboratory sciences, or medical technology.

Never let the lack of abundant financial resources be a limitation to the attainment of your career goal. Always remember the adage, “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” There are many avenues through which you can fund your tertiary education, including scholarships, student loans, work/study programmes, etc.

Lastly, we are strongly recommending that you seek to have a personalised consultation with your guidance counsellor or career specialist who will help you refine your research on the potential pathways to becoming a cardiologist.

All the best.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu. edu.jm