UnisHub University Compass

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)

45
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
6
Universities & Colleges
3
Career Pathways

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.

Related Health Programs

Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.

Adult Health Nursing

A program that prepares registered nurses to provide general care for adult patients. Includes instruction in adult primary care, adult pathophysiology, clinical management...

2,457 graduates (2023-2024)
78 schools offer this
View Program

Nurse Anesthesia

A program that prepares registered nurses to administer anesthetics and provide care for patients before, during and after anesthesia. Includes instruction in the...

1,960 graduates (2023-2024)
73 schools offer this
View Program

Family Practice Nursing

A program that prepares registered nurses to provide independent general care for family groups and individuals in the context of family living. Includes...

14,847 graduates (2023-2024)
292 schools offer this
View Program

Maternal and Child Health Nursing

A program that prepares registered nurses to provide prenatal care to pregnant women and to mothers and their newborn infants. Includes instruction in...

160 graduates (2023-2024)
17 schools offer this
View Program

Nurse Midwifery

A program that prepares registered nurses to independently deliver babies and treat mothers in the prenatal, delivery, and post-delivery periods. Includes instruction in...

559 graduates (2023-2024)
25 schools offer this
View Program

Nursing Science

A research program that focuses on the study of advanced clinical practices, research methodologies, the administration of complex nursing services, and that prepares...

4,245 graduates (2023-2024)
150 schools offer this
View Program