Special Technologies and Services

Licensure/Certification
See "Licensure/Certification" under Cardiovascular Technologist.

Salary
On average, cardiopulmonary technologists in Florida hospitals earn $17.50/hour.

Educational Programs
Associate Degree
Santa Fe Community College

Professional Associations
Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals
Society for Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals

Cardiopulmonary technologists (CPTs) have the skill to perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to assist physicians in the detection of cardiac, peripheral vascular, and pulmonary disease and dysfunction.

Cardiopulmonary Technologist


A CPT is trained to perform the same tests and treatments as a cardiovascular technologist. In addition, they perform pulmonary tests, such as the evaluation of lung size, mechanical function and diffusion capabilities, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary stress testing, polysomnography (sleep studies), oxygenation studies, bronchoscopies, cilia function studies, and cystic fibrosis screening tests. Other responsibilities include taking medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, drawing blood samples, and explaining the procedures to patients. During the procedures, CPTs must monitor both the patient and the equipment, and respond immediately in a medical emergency.

Areas of Specialization
Cardiopulmonary technologists may also work in sales, training, and educational settings.

Work Environment
Cardiopulmonary technologists work in hospitals, medical centers, clinics, physicians' offices, mobile diagnostic units, sales and training, and education.

Job Outlook
Approximately 113 jobs are expected each year in Florida until 2008. The demand for multidisciplinary technologists like the CPT is growing, because they are trained to perform many different procedures which saves health care costs for consumers.

Length of Training/Requirements
In Florida, the approved programs are offered at community colleges which award an associate in science degree in cardiopulmonary technology. There are five semesters of classroom and clinical instructions. The core courses include studies in cardiopulmonary pharmacology, patient care, peripheral vascular doppler, invasive and non-invasive cardiology, pulmonary function test, and blood gas analysis. Students will spend the final two semesters in a clinical internship by rotating through cardiovascular, vascular, echocardiograph, and pulmonary laboratories throughout the southeast.



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