This study aimed to explore possible links between clinical experience in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy and the potential for career choice within that specialty. The perceptions of a purposive sample of physiotherapy students were explored using a self-administered questionnaire, which was constructed to produce in-depth data. Analysis showed that students' perceptions of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy correlated significantly to the degree of experience gained. However, experience was gained both within and outside specialty-specific areas and students were using cardiorespiratory skills in a number of clinical areas and settings. Students with the greatest level of experience within cardiorespiratory patient management were more likely to consider future employment within this specialty. Among the influencing factors was the attitude of clinical educators to the specialty. These findings may have implications for future practice and the recruitment of physiotherapists in to this specialty.