How to become a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist

How to become a Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist

Becoming a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist involves completing formal physiotherapy education, gaining clinical experience, and often pursuing additional training in cardiorespiratory care. Here’s the typical pathway:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Pre-Physiotherapy Studies)
In many countries, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as kinesiology, exercise physiology, biology, or health science, to qualify for entry into a physiotherapy program. Some universities offer direct-entry physical therapy degrees that combine undergraduate and professional training.

Regardless of the specific undergrad route selected, coursework should provide foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation principles.

Complete a Professional Physiotherapy Program
Obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Programs are comprised of advanced coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, rehabilitation techniques, and clinical skills, as well as clinical placements in various areas, including cardiorespiratory care.

Countries that generally offer a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) as a professional degree, rather than a Doctor of Physical Therapy, include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as many countries in Europe.

Obtain Licensure or Registration
You must pass a licensing exam to practise:

• US – National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The NPTE is only one part of the evaluation process used by licensing authorities to assess your competence. Contact your jurisdiction to find out what additional requirements there are, such as taking a jurisprudence exam which tests your state’s laws and rules.
• Canada – To become licensed as a physiotherapist, all provincial regulatory colleges, except in Quebec, require candidates to first pass the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). The written component of the PCE is administered by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR). Graduates of accredited Canadian programs are automatically eligible to write the PCE.
• UK – Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to be officially licensed to practise and use the protected title ‘physiotherapist.’
• Other countries have their own regulatory bodies.

Gain Clinical Experience
Work in general physiotherapy settings to build foundational skills. Seek placements, internships, or job opportunities in cardiorespiratory departments (e.g., ICUs, cardiac rehab units, respiratory wards).

Complete a Clinical Residency in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (Optional but Preferred)
The year-long clinical residency in cardiorespiratory (cardiovascular and pulmonary) physiotherapy or physical therapy is designed for physiotherapists wishing to advance their clinical skills in the field. Residents gain experience in treating patients with a wide range of cardiorespiratory conditions and diagnoses, including the following:

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack) recovery
• Heart failure
• Post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation (e.g., bypass, valve replacement, transplant)
• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension with exercise limitations
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Congenital heart disease (pediatric and adult)

Respiratory Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Pulmonary fibrosis/interstitial lung disease
• Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
• Post-COVID and Long COVID complications
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Pre- and post-thoracic surgery recovery
• Ventilator dependency / weaning in ICU

Critical Care / Complex Cases

• Patients in intensive care units (ICU) requiring airway clearance, mobilization, or ventilator support
• Multisystem conditions where cardiac and respiratory systems are affected (e.g., neuromuscular disorders impacting breathing)

Upon completion of this specialized training, residents are prepared for the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS) certification examination. Candidates for the exam must also be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) by the American Heart Association.

Recognized in the US, the CCS is an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) credential governed by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). It demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy.

Alternatively, in countries that offer a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) as a professional degree, students may choose to pursue a specialty Master’s Degree in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy or Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Pursue Additional Certifications
In addition to the CCS certification, there are other advanced credentials that cardiorespiratory physiotherapists can pursue to demonstrate specialized expertise in cardiovascular and pulmonary care. Among the most prominent are:

• Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) – This certification is awarded by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The CCRP exam evaluates concepts and processes required to complete tasks in patient assessment, nutrition management, weight management, blood pressure management, blood lipid management, diabetes management, tobacco cessation, psychosocial management, physical activity counseling, and exercise training.
• Certificate in Pulmonary Rehabilitation – Also administered by the AACVPR, the pulmonary rehabilitation certificate course consists of a series of 12 modules: pulmonary rehabilitation, pathophysiology and assessment of COPD, assessment and management of patients other than COPD patients, pharmacologic interventions, supplemental oxygen administration, exercise assessment and training in pulmonary rehabilitation, tobacco cessation, nutrition and pulmonary disease, psychological assessment and intervention in pulmonary rehabilitation, collaborative self-management, outcomes measurement in pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Critical Care or ICU Physiotherapy Certifications – Various programs offer certifications in critical care physiotherapy, focusing on management of ventilated patients, early mobilization, and ICU-specific cardiorespiratory care.

Continue Professional Development
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences on cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. Keep up with evidence-based practices and evolving treatment techniques.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Clinical Residency in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Additional Certifications sections, the following organizations also support the cardiorespiratory physiotherapy community:

• Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) – Cardiorespiratory Division – Offers advanced practice recognition, professional development, and networking for cardiorespiratory physiotherapists
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Cardiac Rehabilitation (ACPICR) – A UK-based association providing a platform for members interested in cardiac care to exchange ideas, access resources, and collaborate on projects, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practice in cardiovascular rehabilitation and related areas
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (ACPRC) – Promotes health and best practice in respiratory physiotherapy in the UK
• Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) – Cardiorespiratory Group – Focuses on professional development, education, and advocacy for cardiorespiratory physiotherapists
• World Heart Federation – Formally recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), with the mission to fight cardiovascular disease and promote heart health globally
• Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI) – A UK-registered global medical research charity for doctors and scientists from around the world with a special interest in pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary vascular disease.