Cardiopulmonary Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Cardiopulmonary Technology is a specialized healthcare discipline focused on equipping professionals to support the diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung conditions under the guidance of medical physicians and nurses. This program integrates clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic techniques to deliver critical care in both acute and chronic respiratory and cardiovascular settings.
- Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology: Study of medications used in treating heart and lung disorders, including mechanisms of action, dosing, and therapeutic monitoring.
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems: In-depth exploration of the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and related physiological processes.
- Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Disease Pathophysiology: Analysis of the underlying causes, progression, and clinical manifestations of respiratory and cardiac conditions.
- Peripheral Vascular Doppler Procedures: Training in non-invasive ultrasound techniques to assess blood flow and detect vascular abnormalities.
- Invasive and Non-Invasive Cardiology: Hands-on experience with procedures ranging from electrocardiography to catheter-based interventions, emphasizing safety and precision.
- Pulmonary Function Testing: Mastery of diagnostic tests measuring lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange to evaluate respiratory health.
- Blood Gas Analysis: Interpretation of arterial blood samples to assess oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance in critically ill patients.
- Echocardiography: Application of ultrasound imaging to visualize heart structure and function, supporting diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Bronchoscopy: Training in the use of endoscopic tools to examine airways, collect samples, and perform therapeutic interventions.
- Advanced Patient Management: Development of skills in assessing, monitoring, and responding to patient needs across diverse clinical environments.
- Medical Documentation and History Taking: Emphasis on accurate, ethical, and comprehensive patient record-keeping and clinical interviewing techniques.
- Clinical Research Applications: Exposure to research methodologies and data collection processes relevant to advancing cardiopulmonary care practices.
- Emergency Response Protocols: Preparation for rapid, effective intervention during cardiac and respiratory emergencies, including life-support procedures.
Cardiopulmonary Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Cardiopulmonary Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Cardiopulmonary Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians and Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 464,960 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 29-2031 | $67,260 | $37,890 - $108,900 | 61,180 | $32.34 |
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other 29-2099 | $48,790 | $37,290 - $81,290 | 174,060 | $23.46 |
Cardiopulmonary Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,927 in Oklahoma to $100,287 in District of Columbia—a 97% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Arkansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 464,960 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Cardiopulmonary Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Cardiopulmonary Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Cardiopulmonary Technology is found at Spokane Community College (SCC) (12 graduates), Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) (11 graduates), American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education (AIMS Education) (10 graduates), Nova Southeastern University (NSU) (9 graduates), and Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 45 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fsw.edu |
American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education (AIMS Education) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Piscataway, New Jersey | Private | aimseducation.edu |
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Residency
|
2 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Associate's
|
1 | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | Private | aguadilla.inter.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cardiopulmonary Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Cardiopulmonary Technology degree?
Salaries for Cardiopulmonary Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians earn around $67,260. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $100,287 compared to $50,927 in Oklahoma. Approximately 464,960 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Cardiopulmonary Technology programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Cardiopulmonary Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Spokane Community College (SCC) (12 graduates), Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) (11 graduates), and American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education (AIMS Education) (10 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Cardiopulmonary Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 27 in 2010 to 45 in 2023-24. This represents a 67% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Cardiopulmonary Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, and Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 464,960 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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