Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Therapy is an allied health discipline devoted to the application of scientific/medical technology and corresponding therapeutic skills in order to assist the physician, or other members of the health care team, in the diagnosis, treatment, management, education and care of patients with cardiorespiratory and associated disorders. A Respiratory Therapist has skills to work in emergency rooms, adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, anaesthesia, chronic care (home-care), cardiopulmonary care, cardiopulmonary diagnosis and clinical treatment. In addition to these skills, Respiratory Therapists have well-defined roles in research, equipment and pharmaceutical sales, public education and air quality testing.

On any given day, a Respiratory Therapist professional may be responsible for:

• applying scientific principles to prevent, identify, and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system;
• administering inhaled drugs such as asthma medication, and medical gases such as oxygen;
• maintaining an open airway for trauma, intensive care, and surgery patients;
• assisting in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and support;
• providing life support for patients who cannot breathe on their own;
• collaborating with other team members in the decision-making process;
• assisting anesthesiologists in the operating room;
• stabilizing high risk patients being moved by air or ground ambulance;
• conducting tests to measure lung function;
• providing in-home respiratory care to adults and children with chronic lung diseases;
• teaching people to manage their asthma or to quit smoking.

What Are Students Saying about Respiratory Therapy?

"I like the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree program because it is an important part of my goal of becoming a Respiratory Therapist. Once I complete my degree, I will have an advantage that graduates from different schools may not. As a BHS graduate I will have more knowledge that can be applied in the workplace which will be beneficial for future promotion."
Michelle Borden, BHS (Respiratory), Class of '05

Looking to the Future
Respiratory Therapists may take further training for employment as an Anaesthesia Assistant, or in the areas of perfusion technology, sleep medicine, management, neonatal or pediatric care.

For the past seven years, graduates have enjoyed an employment rate of 100%. Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, community care and outreach programs, home care, research and industry.

A recent feature in The Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy indicated that “...respiratory therapy departments are struggling to find people to fill vacant positions”. In fact, there are two jobs waiting for every graduate.

Work opportunities exist in many countries throughout the world. Many developing countries are looking for Canadian-trained Respiratory Therapists to assist them in providing high-level patient care and developing their health care system.