What is Cardio Thoracic Nursing
Cardio Thoracic Nursing is a specialised branch of nursing that focuses on the care of patients with heart and lung conditions. These nurses support treatment before and after cardiac or thoracic surgeries, including heart bypass, valve replacement, and lung transplants. Their role is crucial in promoting recovery and preventing complications.
Cardio Thoracic nurses work in cardiac care units, intensive care units (ICUs), operating theatres, and emergency settings. They monitor vital signs, manage medications, assist with surgical procedures, and provide post-operative care. Their advanced skills and quick response help ensure patient safety in critical situations and high-risk surgeries.
Cardio Thoracic Nursing can be pursued through specialised postgraduate nursing courses, such as MSc or Post-Basic Diploma programmes. These courses focus on cardiac and thoracic patient care in surgical and critical care settings. After completing the programme, nurses can work in hospitals and ICUs, earning between Rs. 3 to 12 LPA.
Cardio Thoracic Nursing Highlights
Cardio Thoracic Nursing focuses on supporting patients before and after surgeries related to the heart, lungs, and chest. It requires advanced knowledge of cardiac care, surgical procedures, and critical care nursing. Below are the key highlights, including course details, eligibility, fees, and top recruiters:
| Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Course Name | Cardio Thoracic Nursing |
Degrees | |
Duration | PG: 1–2 years |
Eligibility | PG: BSc Nursing or GNM with a minimum of 1 year of clinical experience |
Admission Process | Merit-based or via institutional/entrance exams |
Average Fees | Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 1.40 lakhs |
Entrance Exams | AIIMS Nursing Entrance |
Average Salary | Rs. 2 to 6 LPA |
Job Roles | Cardio Thoracic Nurse, ICU Nurse, Surgical Nurse, Critical Care Nurse |
Top Recruiters | AIIMS, Fortis Escorts, Apollo Hospitals, Narayana Health, Government Hospitals |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
Cardio Thoracic Nursing includes focused areas that deal with the care of patients undergoing heart and lung surgeries, cardiac procedures, and intensive post-operative recovery. Nurses in this field are trained in advanced cardiovascular care, surgical support, and ICU management. The domain also intersects with emergency and critical care services. Some specialisations and similar fields include:
Cardiac Surgical Nursing | Cardiovascular Intensive Care Nursing |
Thoracic Surgical Nursing | Post-Anaesthesia Cardiac Nursing |
Paediatric Cardiac Nursing | Heart Failure and Transplant Nursing |
Coronary Care Nursing | |
Vascular Nursing |
Top Private Cardio Thoracic Nursing Colleges in India
Private institutions in India offer specialised Cardio Thoracic Nursing programmes with advanced clinical training and modern facilities. These colleges prepare students for roles in cardiac ICUs, operating theatres, and post-operative care units. Below are some of the top colleges offering this course, along with their fee structure.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 7,500 | |
Rs. 60,000 | |
Rs. 1.39 Lakhs | |
Rs. 80,000 | |
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Note: The fee structure provided above can be for any particular Cardio Thoracic Nursing course (Diploma or PG Degree).
Top Government Cardio Thoracic Nursing Colleges in India
Government colleges offering Cardio Thoracic Nursing in India provide quality education at affordable fees, along with hands-on training in leading public hospitals. These institutions are ideal for students seeking specialised nursing roles in cardiac care, surgery, and intensive care units. Below are the top government colleges along with their approximate fees.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 2,710 | |
Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bangalore | Rs. 13,000 |
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Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore | - |
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Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Cardio Thoracic Nursing
Postgraduate courses in Cardio Thoracic Nursing require a strong foundation in nursing and relevant clinical experience. These programmes are designed for registered nurses aiming to specialise in cardiovascular and thoracic care. Admission processes may vary, but most institutes consider academic performance, entrance tests, and clinical exposure.
- Candidates must have completed a B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing from a recognised university.
- A minimum of 55 per cent aggregate marks is typically required.
- Registration with a State Nursing Council is mandatory.
- At least one year of clinical experience in a hospital or healthcare setting is often preferred.
- Admission may be based on entrance exams, merit, or interviews as per the institute's guidelines.
Entrance Exams for Cardio Thoracic Nursing
Admission to postgraduate Cardio Thoracic Nursing courses, typically offered as a specialisation under M.Sc. Medical-Surgical Nursing often requires qualifying for specific entrance exams. These exams assess a candidate’s foundational knowledge in nursing and clinical aptitude. Admission to reputed institutes offering this specialisation is usually through the following recognised exams:
| Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|
University Level | AIIMS, New Delhi |
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Cardio Thoracic Nursing in India and Abroad
Cardio Thoracic Nursing offers vast clinical opportunities in specialised cardiac and thoracic care units, ICUs, and surgical theatres. Trained professionals are in demand in multispecialty hospitals, cardiac centres, and post-operative care units, where they assist in managing complex cases like open-heart surgeries, valve replacements, and congenital heart defect treatments.
Beyond clinical roles, professionals can pursue academic and research careers in nursing institutions or healthcare research bodies. With experience, they may advance to roles like nurse educator, clinical supervisor, or nursing administrator in cardiology settings. The increasing global burden of cardiac diseases further enhances the demand for this nursing specialisation.
Course Fees Cardio Thoracic Nursing
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| PG |
1.39 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at Kasturba Nursing College, Wardha
|
2.71 K
M.Sc. in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi
|
3.55 Lakhs
M.P.T. in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni
|
2.71 K
M.Sc. in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi
|
| DIPLOMA |
7.50 K
Diploma in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at School of Nursing, Asia Heart Foundation, Kolkata
|
13.00 K
Diploma in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bangalore
|
1.70 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam
|
13.00 K
Diploma in Cardio Thoracic Nursing at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bangalore
|
Course Subjects
We have mentioned below the syllabus of the Post Diploma in Cardio Thoracic Nursing, which covers essential topics such as Clinical Nursing, Supervision & Management, Clinical Teaching, and Elementary Research & Statistics. It is designed to prepare nurses for specialised roles in cardiac care. This syllabus is from Goa University.
Clinical Nursing-I (including Foundation Course- Cardiothoracic Nursing) | Clinical Nursing-II (Cardiothoracic Nursing) |
Supervision & Management, Clinical Teaching, Elementary Research & Statistics (Cardiothoracic Nursing)
| Internship |
The following is the syllabus for the M.Sc. Medical Surgical Nursing (specialising in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Nursing) programme. It includes subjects like congenital heart diseases, altered pulmonary conditions, cardiac rehabilitation, and intensive care practices. This syllabus is from DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, offering advanced clinical training.
Introduction | Epidemiology |
Review of anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory system | Assessment and Diagnostic Measures |
Congenital Heart Diseases | Vascular Disorders and Nursing Management |
Cardiothoracic Emergency Interventions | Nursing Care of a Patient with Obstructive Airway |
Pharmacology Therapeutic to CVT Condition | Cardiac Disorders and Nursing Management |
Altered Pulmonary Conditions | Nursing Care of Patient Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery |
Cardiac Rehabilitation and Preventive Measures | Intensive Coronary Care Unit Intensive Cardio Thoracic Unit |
Careers in Cardio Thoracic Nursing
Cardio Thoracic Nursing offers a fulfilling career focused on the specialised care of patients with heart and lung conditions. Professionals in this field provide critical support before, during, and after cardiac surgeries, manage patients in intensive care units, and assist in rehabilitation and preventive care.
With the rising incidence of cardiac and respiratory diseases, skilled nurses are in demand in cardiothoracic ICUs, surgical wards, cardiac rehabilitation centres, and emergency units. They can also explore roles in community health programmes, research institutes, academic settings, or pursue further studies to specialise in advanced cardiac care or nursing education.
Upcoming trends
Cardio Thoracic Nursing is advancing with the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and patient-centric care practices. The field is embracing innovations that improve outcomes in critical care, surgical recovery, and cardiac monitoring. Below are some of the current trends in Cardio Thoracic Nursing:
- Use of Advanced Haemodynamic Monitoring Systems
- Integration of Telemetry and Remote Cardiac Monitoring
- Emphasis on Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgeries
- Expansion of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Pathways
- Application of Evidence-Based Protocols in ICU and Postoperative Care
- Rise in Simulation-Based Training for Emergency Cardiac Care
- Greater Focus on Patient Education and Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Cardiothoracic Units
- Increasing Use of Artificial Intelligence in Arrhythmia Detection
- Personalised Nursing Interventions for Heart Failure and Thoracic Conditions
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Graduates in Cardio Thoracic Nursing work in cardiac care units, operating theatres, intensive care units, and post-operative recovery wards. They assist in managing patients with heart and lung conditions, provide pre- and post-surgical care, and work alongside cardiac surgeons and specialists. Below are some of the main job roles in this field:
| Job Roles | Description |
|---|---|
Cardio Thoracic Nurses | Cardio Thoracic Nurses manage patients before and after heart or lung surgeries. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and support recovery. |
Critical Care Nurses | Critical Care Nurses handle critically ill cardiac patients in intensive care units. They manage ventilators, emergency interventions, and continuous monitoring. |
Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses | Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses guide patients through recovery post-surgery or a heart attack. They provide exercise plans, monitor progress, and offer lifestyle counselling. |
Surgical Nurses | Surgical Nurses assist cardiothoracic surgeons during operations. They prepare surgical tools, maintain aseptic techniques, and provide intraoperative care. |
Cardiac Nurses | Cardiac Nurses are specialised nurses who care for patients with heart conditions in hospitals and cardiac care units. They monitor heart health, assist in procedures, and support recovery after cardiac events or surgeries. |
Top Recruiters
- AIIMS
- Fortis Escorts
- Apollo Hospitals
- Narayana Health
- Government Hospitals
Average Salary
The average salary for professionals in Cardio Thoracic Nursing varies based on several factors such as job role, location, level of experience, and type of healthcare facility. Nurses working in metropolitan hospitals or specialised cardiac centres tend to earn more than those in smaller setups. Below are the average salaries.
| Job Roles | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
Cardio Thoracic Nurses | Rs. 2.4 LPA |
Critical Care Nurses | Rs. 3.9 LPA |
Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses | Rs. 6.5 LPA |
Surgical Nurses | Rs. 3.9 LPA |
Cardiac Nurses | Rs. 3.2 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox
Required Skillset for Cardio Thoracic Nursing
Professionals in Cardio Thoracic Nursing require advanced clinical skills, precision, and resilience to care for patients undergoing complex heart and lung procedures. This role involves continuous monitoring, post-operative care, and collaboration with surgical teams. Below are some essential skills required to succeed in the field of Cardio Thoracic Nursing:
- Expertise in managing cardiac and thoracic post-operative care
- Proficiency in using critical care equipment and monitoring systems
- Strong understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology and nursing interventions
- Ability to stay calm and respond effectively during cardiac emergencies
- Team coordination skills for working in high-pressure environments
- Compassion and communication skills to support patients and families
Course Curriculum for Cardio Thoracic Nursing
The Cardio Thoracic Nursing curriculum integrates core nursing concepts with specialised training in cardiac and thoracic care. It focuses on advanced patient monitoring, surgical nursing practices, and critical care management. Students undergo practical exposure through ICU rotations, clinical postings, and hands-on learning in cardiothoracic units. Below are the major subjects typically covered in the Cardio Thoracic Nursing curriculum:
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology
- Principles of Cardiothoracic Surgical Nursing
- Cardiac Monitoring and Electrocardiography
- Critical Care Nursing and Postoperative Management
- Pharmacology in Cardiothoracic Care
- Ventilator and Life Support Systems
- Infection Control and Sterile Techniques
- Patient Rehabilitation and Counselling
Popular Cardio Thoracic Nursing Entrance Exams in India
Popular Cardio Thoracic Nursing Colleges in India VIEW ALL
SCTIMST Trivandrum
- Fees: ₹ 34740
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What are the future prospects after completing Cardiothoracic Nursing?
Answer :
After specialisation, nurses can advance into leadership roles, clinical educator positions, or pursue research and doctoral studies in cardiothoracic or critical care nursing.
Question: Are there any entrance exams required for a Cardiothoracic Nursing course?
Answer :
Yes, some institutions may require entrance exams, such as AIIMS MSc Nursing or state-level nursing entrance tests, for admission to postgraduate specialisation in Cardiothoracic Nursing.
Question: What is the role of a Cardiothoracic Nurse in patient care?
Answer :
A Cardiothoracic Nurse plays a crucial role in assisting during heart and lung surgeries, monitoring post-operative recovery, and providing intensive care to patients with cardiothoracic conditions.
Question: What are the major requirements while hiring a cardiothoracic nurse specialist?
Answer :
Hiring a cardiothoracic nurse specialist typically requires a BSc Nursing degree with relevant ICU or surgical care experience. Additional certifications in cardiac life support and clinical expertise in postoperative cardiac care are highly valued.
Question: What are some of the major responsibilities of a cardiothoracic nurse?
Answer :
A cardiothoracic nurse has complex roles and responsibilities. The key roles are to identify the requirements of the patients as per their medical conditions and severity of the situation. The nurse is required to examine and perform diagnostic check-ups. The condition of the patient is monitored regularly by the cardiothoracic nurse, and other medical emergencies are also treated by them. Another major role of a cardiothoracic nurse is to follow the standard working practices and care regulations.
Questions related to Cardio Thoracic Nursing
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where i will get admission for diploma in cardio thoracic nursing
16th Jul, 2022
Top Diploma in Cardio Thoracic Nursing Colleges in India 2022
Diploma in Cardio-Thoracic Nursing (Post Basic) at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.
AFMC-Pune
JIPMER-Puducherry
SCTIMST-Trivandrum
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