The development of physiotherapeutic techniques in the treatment of chest diseases began at the Brompton Hospital in London, in 1934 by the Physiotherapist Winfred Linton [1].

These techniques were subsequently developed and modified as progress was made in the clinical and surgical treatment of thoracic diseases and abdominal surgeries, as well as knowledge about the physiology of normal breathing.

Since the origins of the profession we have had many advances and the presence of the physiotherapist in the care of patients with cardio-pulmonary disorders and in critical condition is today a reality. Despite the advantages and effectiveness demonstrated by physiotherapy in the Cardio-pulmonary area, Colombia has few specialists in the area [2] (Superintendency of Health, 1995).

At the regional level, at the Hospital Universitario del Valle physiotherapy assistance to patients in critical condition began in 1993, with two Physiotherapists in the Intensive Care Unit, two in the Critical Care Unit and four in the Care Unit. Anne Frank Pediatric Intensive (CIPAF).Similarly, since 1988, didactic activities and supervised practice have been developed with Physiotherapy students at the Universidad del Valle.

Various factors, such as the analysis of the undergraduate program, which presents important content in the area of ​​Cardio-pulmonary Health, the growing demand for services in Cardio-pulmonary Physiotherapy and the absence of formal postgraduate programs at the local level determined the need to establish a specialization program in Cardio-pulmonary Physiotherapy.

[1] Gaskell DV, . Webber BA, Respiratory Physiotherapy. Fourth Edition. 1984. Colina Editora. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

[2] Ruiz F,. Camacho s,.Jurado C,.Human Resources of Health in Colombia: balance, competencies and prospective. Ministry of Health. 2001. First Edition. Cendex. Bogota.