Master in Physiotherapy (MPT) in Cardio‑Pulmonary Detail, Exams, Admission, Syllabus, Fees, Available colleges
MPT in Cardio‑Pulmonary Admission (Master of Physiotherapy – Cardio‑Pulmonary Rehabilitation)
The two‑year, semester‑wise MPT in Cardio‑Pulmonary is a postgraduate programme designed especially for physiotherapists who wish to specialise in heart‑ and lung‑related disorders. Over four semesters students blend advanced clinical science, evidence‑based practice, research methods and hands‑on training in cardiac and respiratory care.
Eligibility – A Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) with at least 55 % aggregate (or an equivalent B.Sc. in Physiotherapy). Some institutes also admit allied‑health graduates after completing a short bridge‑course.
Core Curriculum Highlights
| Year | Semester | Key Subjects & Labs |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Advanced Human Physiology, Pathophysiology of Cardiac & Respiratory Systems, Biomechanics, Research Methodology |
| 2 | Cardiovascular Assessment, Pulmonary Function Tests, Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Electro‑Therapeutic Modalities | |
| 2nd | 3 | Advanced Cardiac Rehabilitation, COPD Management, Acute Care & ICU Physiotherapy, Clinical Internship I |
| 4 | Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Exercise Testing (CPET), Tele‑Rehabilitation, Clinical Internship II (Cardio‑Pulmonary ICU), Dissertation |
Practical rotations cover cardiac surgery suites, CCUs, cath‑labs, pulmonology wards, ICUs and community‑based rehab centres.
Scope & Importance
- Disease burden: India sees more than 30 million cardiovascular cases and around 40 million people living with COPD or asthma (National Health Profile, 2023). The need for skilled cardio‑pulmonary physiotherapists is soaring.
- Government push: The NPCDCS programme stresses cardiac and pulmonary rehab; many state hospitals are setting up dedicated units.
- Teamwork: Graduates work side‑by‑side with cardiologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, intensivists, dietitians and nurses, becoming an essential part of patient‑centred care.
- Research & tech: Fields such as tele‑rehab, wearable monitoring and AI‑driven exercise prescription are emerging, demanding experts with both clinical and technological know‑how.
- Rural impact: Mobile rehab units and CHCs are expanding, allowing specialists to lead outreach for post‑MI, post‑CABG, post‑lung‑surgery and chronic respiratory patients.
Career Opportunities
| Position | Typical Employers | Salary (₹/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio‑Pulmonary Physiotherapist (Clinical) | AIIMS, PGIMER, Apollo, Fortis, cardiac surgery centres, pulmonary clinics | 5‑8 Lakh |
| Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist | Rehab centres, corporate wellness, sports institutes | 6‑10 Lakh |
| ICU/CCU Physiotherapist | Multispecialty hospitals, government medical colleges | 5‑9 Lakh |
| Lecturer / Academic (MPT) | Universities & colleges like Manipal, PTU, NITTE | 4‑7 Lakh |
| Research Fellow / Clinical Scientist | ICMR, AIIMS labs, private R&D units | 6‑12 Lakh (project‑based) |
| Hospital Administrator (Physio‑lead) | Hospital management, health‑tech start‑ups | 8‑15 Lakh |
| Entrepreneur – Rehab Centre / Tele‑rehab | Own practice, franchise, digital health start‑up | Variable, >15 Lakh with scale |
| Government Health Officer (Physio‑specialist) | State Health Departments, PHCs (NPCDCS) | 4‑6 Lakh + allowances |
Salary ranges reflect 2024‑25 data and vary by location, experience and institution.
Additional avenues include NPTI certifications (ACLS, Pulmonary Rehab), conducting workshops for under‑graduates, CME sessions for doctors, and consulting for sports teams, airlines or occupational health units.
Leading Indian Institutes
| Institute | Location | Tuition (₹) | Duration | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS, New Delhi | New Delhi | 1,00,000 (government‑subsidised) | 2 yr | Integrated rotations in AIIMS CCU & Pulmonary ICU |
| Manipal College of Physiotherapy, Manipal University | Karnataka | 2,15,000 | 2 yr | Simulation labs, tele‑rehab research hub |
| Government Medical College – Dr. RML Hospital | New Delhi | 80,000 | 2 yr | Strong community‑based cardiac rehab focus |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education | Chennai | 1,75,000 | 2 yr | Collaboration with cardiac surgery dept, fellowship options |
| NIMS, Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 90,000 | 2 yr | Dedicated cardio‑pulmonary rehab centre |
| Bapuji College of Physiotherapy, BFUHS | Karnataka | 1,20,000 | 2 yr | Rural outreach for COPD patients |
.
Admission Process (Typical)
- Entrance exams – GATE Physiotherapy, PGI CET, state‑level exams (AP EAMCET, KCET) or institute‑specific tests (AIIMS PG, JIPMER).
- Eligibility check – Minimum 55 % in BPT (or equivalent) with required practical exposure.
- Online application – Upload certificates, entrance score and a brief statement of purpose.
- Counselling/selection – Seats allotted based on rank, reservation category and seat availability.
- Document verification & fee payment – Submit originals, migration/transfer certificate (if any) and pay tuition.
Future Outlook (2025‑2035)
- The Indian physiotherapy market is projected to hit ₹ 7,500 crore by 2030, with cardio‑pulmonary rehab accounting for roughly a quarter of that.
- The Ministry of Health aims to establish 150 new cardiac rehab units in public hospitals by 2028, creating about 3,000 specialist posts.
- Wearable SpO₂ monitors, AI‑based exercise prescription tools and VR‑driven respiratory training are becoming mainstream, demanding physiotherapists who are comfortable with technology.
Summary
The MPT in Cardio‑Pulmonary equips Indian physiotherapists to tackle the nation’s rising heart‑ and lung‑disease burden. With rigorous academics, extensive clinical exposure and research opportunities, graduates can pursue diverse roles—clinical practice in top hospitals, academic positions, research, entrepreneurship or government service—while earning competitive salaries and making a tangible impact on public health.
MPT in Cardio‑Pulmonary Course Highlights
| Course Level | Post Graduate (Master of Physiotherapy – Cardio‑Pulmonary) |
| Duration | 2 years (4 semesters) |
| Examination Type | University‑conducted semester exams with internal assessments, practicals and a final project/dissertation |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹5,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 per annum (in metro cities and reputable hospitals) |
| Top Job Roles | Cardio‑Pulmonary Physiotherapist, ICU Rehabilitation Specialist, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist, Cardiac Rehab Coordinator, Clinical Research Associate (Cardio‑Pulmonary), Academic Lecturer in Physiotherapy |
MPT in Cardio‑Pulmonary Course Syllabus & Subjects
Course – MPT (Cardio‑Pulmonary Admission)
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters) Eligibility: BPT or B.Sc. (Physiology/Health Science) with at least 55 % aggregate
Programme Structure
| Semester | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | Core theory + labs |
| 2 | 20 | Core theory + labs |
| 3 | 18 | Core theory + labs |
| 4 | 22 | Core theory + labs + electives & project |
Total: 80 credits (≈ 1,600 hrs contact + 800 hrs clinical practicum).
Core Subjects (Compulsory)
| Semester | Subject (Credits) | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fundamentals of Respiratory Physiology (4) | Mechanics of breathing, gas exchange, control of ventilation, lung volumes, respiratory muscles |
| Anatomy & Imaging of Thorax (3) | Thoracic cage, lungs, pleura, major vessels, basics of X‑ray, CT, MRI | |
| Intro to Cardio‑Pulmonary Pathology (3) | COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure | |
| Physiotherapy Assessment Techniques (4) | Clinical exam, spirometry, pulse oximetry, 6‑min walk test, Borg scale | |
| Exercise Physiology (3) | Energy systems, VO₂‑max, lactate threshold, basics of exercise prescription | |
| Communication & Ethics (3) | Patient counselling, informed consent, professional ethics, Indian legal framework | |
| 2 | Therapeutic Modalities in Cardio‑Pulmonary Rehab (4) | Chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, CPAP/BiPAP, high‑flow nasal cannula, nebulisation |
| Cardiovascular Physiology (3) | Cardiac cycle, hemodynamics, ECG basics, autonomic regulation | |
| Pulmonary Rehabilitation (4) | Programme design, airway clearance, breathing retraining | |
| Pharmacology for Cardio‑Pulmonary PT (3) | Bronchodilators, steroids, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, side‑effects | |
| Research Methodology & Biostatistics (3) | Study designs, data analysis, SPSS basics, scientific writing | |
| Clinical Practicum I (3) | Supervised rotations in ICU, OPD and community pulmonary clinics | |
| 3 | Advanced Cardiac Rehabilitation (4) | Post‑MI, CABG, valve surgery rehab, stress testing, risk stratification |
| Advanced Respiratory Therapy (4) | NIV, mechanical ventilation weaning, basics of ECMO | |
| Neuromuscular & Skeletal Implications (3) | Muscle weakness in COPD, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, functional training | |
| Outcome Measures & Documentation (3) | mMRC, CAT, DASH, WHOQOL‑BREF, EMR documentation | |
| Clinical Practicum II (4) | Cardiac ICU, cardiac rehab centre, pulmonary rehab unit | |
| 4 | Evidence‑Based Practice in Cardio‑Pulmonary PT (3) | Critical appraisal, systematic reviews, guideline implementation (ATS, AHA) |
| Leadership, Management & Entrepreneurship (2) | Setting up a rehab centre, budgeting, insurance & Ayushman Bharat schemes | |
| Project/Thesis (6) | Original research or audit under faculty guidance | |
| Elective Modules* (11) | Choose any two electives (minimum 5 credits each) | |
| *Electives are taken in Semester 4 and run parallel to the thesis. |
Elective Choices (Select any two, total ≥ 10 credits)
- A. Sports Cardio‑Pulmonary Physiology (5) – High‑performance sport impact on heart and lungs, altitude training, athlete screening.
- B. Pediatric Cardio‑Pulmonary Rehab (5) – Congenital heart disease, bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis; age‑specific techniques.
- C. Geriatric Cardio‑Pulmonary Care (5) – Age‑related changes, frailty, multimorbidity, community rehab models.
- D. Tele‑Rehab & Digital Health (5) – Remote monitoring, apps, wearables, AI‑driven prescriptions; Indian legal & privacy aspects.
- E. Advanced Airway Management (5) – Endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy care, suctioning, emergency airway algorithms (NACLS, AIIMS).
- F. Research Internship (5) – Full‑time research at AIIMS/PGIMER resulting in a publishable paper.
- G. Integrative Therapies (5) – Yoga‑based breathing (Pranayama), Ayurveda adjuncts, mindfulness for dyspnoea; evidence appraisal.
The remaining 1 credit can be taken as a short‑module or workshop.
Assessment Overview
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Theory Exams (Sem 1‑3) | 40 % |
| Practical/Lab Exams | 20 % |
| Clinical Practicum Log‑books & Viva | 15 % |
| Project/Thesis (Report + Defense) | 15 % |
| Elective Coursework | 10 % |
Pass mark: 50 % overall with at least 40 % in each segment. Re‑appearances follow university rules.
Career Pathways
- Cardio‑Pulmonary Physiotherapist in tertiary centres (AIIMS, PGIMER, CMC, etc.)
- Rehabilitation specialist in corporate wellness or tele‑rehab firms
- Lecturer / Researcher in BPT/MPT programmes of NIRF‑ranked colleges
- Consultant for government schemes such as NPCDCS
Quick Credit Summary
| Core Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Physiology & Anatomy | 7 |
| Cardiovascular Physiology | 3 |
| Therapeutic Modalities | 8 |
| Rehab Programme Design | 8 |
| Clinical Practicum (2 semesters) | 7 |
| Research & Evidence‑Based Practice | 9 |
| Total Core | 42 |
The remaining 38 credits come from electives, the thesis and ancillary courses, completing the 80‑credit MPT curriculum.
MPT in Cardio‑Pulmonary Course Semester-wise Syllabus
| semester | subjects |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fundamentals of Human Anatomy & Physiology,Basics of Medical Imaging & Radiology,Introduction to Cardio‑Pulmonary Nursing,Principles of Clinical Biochemistry,Medical Ethics, Laws & Professionalism |
| 2 | Advanced Cardiovascular Physiology,Respiratory System Pathophysiology,Pharmacology for Cardio‑Pulmonary Care,Diagnostic Techniques in Cardiology (ECG, Echocardiography, Stress Testing),Clinical Microbiology & Infection Control |
| 3 | Cardiac Diseases – Ischemic, Congenital & Valvular Disorders,Pulmonary Diseases – COPD, Asthma, Interstitial Lung Disease,Critical Care Nursing – ICU & HDU Management,Ventilatory Support & Mechanical Ventilation,Research Methodology & Biostatistics |
| 4 | Interventional Cardiology & Catheter‑Based Therapies,Advanced Respiratory Therapies – ECMO, HFNC, NIV,Cardio‑Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Preventive Cardiology,Health Informatics & Tele‑Cardiology,Project Work / Dissertation (Clinical Audit or Original Research) |
MPT in Cardio‑Pulmonary Course, Colleges, Eligibility & Requirements
Extra – MPT (Medical Physiotherapy) – Cardio‑Pulmonary Admission
Top Indian Colleges Offering MPT (Cardio‑Pulmonary)
| Rank | Institute | Location | Duration | Approx. Tuition (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi | New Delhi | 2 years | 2,20,000 |
| 2 | Manipal College of Physiotherapy, Manipal | Karnataka | 2 years | 3,10,000 |
| 3 | Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore | Tamil Nadu | 2 years | 2,80,000 |
| 4 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (SRIHER) | Chennai | 2 years | 2,60,000 |
| 5 | Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi | New Delhi | 2 years | 2,00,000 |
| 6 | Amrita School of Physiotherapy, Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | 2 years | 2,40,000 |
| 7 | KLE University – College of Physiotherapy | Karnataka | 2 years | 2,30,000 |
| 8 | Bapuji Physiotherapy College, Davangere | Karnataka | 2 years | 2,10,000 |
| 9 | Government Medical College, Nagpur | Maharashtra | 2 years | 1,90,000 |
| 10 | Mahatma Gandhi University – Dept. of Physiotherapy | Kerala | 2 years | 1,80,000 |
Figures are the latest (2025‑26) estimates for total programme cost, inclusive of tuition, lab fees and exam charges. Fees may vary slightly each academic year.
Common Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) with minimum 55 % aggregate (50 % for SC/ST/PwD). Some colleges accept B.Sc. (Physiotherapy) or B.Sc. (Sports Science) plus 6 months clinical exposure, subject to approval. |
| Age Limit | No upper limit, but most institutes set ≤ 30 years at admission (relaxed for reserved categories). |
| Entrance Exams | NEET‑PG (most central/university colleges), AIIMS PG (AIIMS), JIPMER PG (JIPMER), state‑level PG exams (KCET PG, UPSEE PG) or direct merit‑based admission in some government colleges. |
| Reservation | As per Government of India norms (SC, ST, OBC‑NCL, OBC‑BC, PwD). |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 60 only for a few private institutes with foreign collaborations. |
Documents Required at Admission
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Academic certificates | Original & photocopy of BPT mark sheet and degree certificate. |
| Transfer/Provisional certificate | If final degree is pending. |
| Entrance exam scorecard | NEET‑PG / AIIMS PG / JIPMER PG etc. |
| Rank certificate | Issued by the conducting authority. |
| Identity proof | Aadhaar, PAN or Passport (original & copy). |
| Address proof | Utility bill, passport or voter ID (last 3 months). |
| Category certificate | SC/ST/OBC‑NCL/OBC‑BC/PwD – original caste certificate and validity. |
| Medical fitness certificate | Recent (within 3 months) from a recognised medical board stating fitness for the course. |
| Passport‑size photos | 6‑8 recent colour photos (white background). |
| Migration/Eligibility certificate | Form‑1 (for Indian students) if applying to a different state. |
| Fee payment receipt | Proof of admission/registration fee (online or DD). |
| Declaration form | Signed statement confirming authenticity of documents and compliance with institute terms. |
Some institutes may also ask for a Letter of Recommendation (AIIMS) or a Statement of Purpose (private colleges).
Tip: Start gathering the paperwork 2‑3 months before the admission deadline. Caste and medical certificates often take time, so early preparation avoids last‑minute hassles.
